Canton of Berne

Region ·🇨🇭 Switzerland

Population 1,034,977

Area 5,942 km²

Time zone Europe/Zurich

Official website www.be.ch

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Explore Canton of Berne

Kanton Bern Unmissables

Kanton Bern features the UNESCO-listed Old City of Bern, characterized by medieval arcades and the Zytglogge astronomical clock tower. In the Bernese Oberland, the Jungfrau Railway ascends into the high Alps, while the crystal-clear waters of Blausee and Bachalpsee offer alpine scenery near Grindelwald. The region includes the turquoise Lake Brienz and the 3,238-meter peak of Titlis. In the capital, the Bundesplatz serves as the political center, hosting the Swiss Parliament and historic government buildings.

8 places

Iconic Alpine Huts

This collection includes high-altitude Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and private refuges throughout the Bernese Oberland. The list features the Mönchsjochhütte, Switzerland’s highest serviced mountain hut at 3,657 meters, and the modern Bäregghütte, rebuilt in 2006 near Grindelwald. These shelters, such as the stone-built Gelmerhütte and the remote Silberhornhütte at 2,663 meters, provide essential lodging for glacier tours and ascents of major peaks like the Jungfrau and Sustenhorn.

8 places

Bern's Heritage Highlights

Bern’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is defined by its well-preserved medieval and Baroque architecture. This collection features the Zytglogge clock tower with its astronomical clock, the 17th-century Käfigturm prison tower, and the 13th-century French Church. The list also includes the city’s iconic public fountains, such as the Kindlifresserbrunnen, and significant structural landmarks like the Kirchenfeldbrücke, showcasing the city's evolution from a medieval stronghold to a modern administrative capital.

10 places

Majestic Mountain Views

This collection showcases the diverse geography of the Bernese Oberland, featuring the 3,967-metre Eiger and the pyramid-shaped Niesen. The selection includes the ten glacier-fed cascades of Trümmelbach Falls and the Jungfrau Railway, a historic rack railway climbing to Europe's highest station. Visitors can observe the crystal-clear waters of Blausee and Bachalpsee, alongside high-altitude summits like the Niederhorn, Titlis, and Schwarzmönch, which offer panoramic views across the Uri and Emmental Alps.

10 places

Swiss Castles and Ruins

Discover a collection of historical fortifications and architectural landmarks across the Swiss cantons of Bern and Solothurn. This selection features 17th-century estates like Schloss Unterseen and the multi-period Wil Castle, with origins dating back to the 13th century. Explore the medieval ruins of Felsenburg in Kandergrund and Burgstelle Strassberg, alongside well-preserved sites such as Büren Castle and the accessible Buchegg Castle. These locations offer a glimpse into the region's defensive history and evolving architectural styles from the Middle Ages through the early modern era.

6 places

Alpine Lakes and Waterfalls

The Bernese Oberland features some of Switzerland's most dramatic water formations. This collection includes the Trümmelbach Falls, ten glacial waterfalls hidden inside a mountain, and the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. High-altitude highlights include Bachalpsee, a mirror-like lake near Grindelwald, and the crystal-clear Blausee. Visitors can explore the 14-step Giessbach Falls or the secluded Staldenbachfall in the Lauterbrunnen valley, showcasing the diverse ways glacier melt shapes the Swiss landscape.

7 places

Authentic Regional Cuisine

Explore the diverse culinary landscape of the Canton of Bern, from high-altitude alpine huts in the Bernese Oberland to historic inns in the Emmental valley. This selection features establishments like the modern Bäregghütte near Grindelwald and the historic Gasthof zum Bären in Trubschachen. These venues focus on traditional Swiss preparations, utilizing local ingredients such as alpine cheeses and regional meats, served in settings ranging from rustic mountain terraces to classic timber-framed village dining rooms.

5 places