Beautiful Bern: A Guide to the Old Town’s Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends

People say that Bern’s residents are more relaxed and move at a slower pace than those in other Swiss cities. Despite being the seat of the federal government, the city has an unmistakably laid-back feel. On this walking tour through Bern’s medieval Old Town, you’ll see just what makes the city so walkable. You’ll also see where Dr. Albert Einstein once lived, find out about other traces of him around the city, and hear about the Old Town’s famous three bears.

Our tour starts at the Bern Bahnhofplatz train station. From there, you’ll make your way through arcades and side streets to see the well-preserved medieval architecture that gave the area its UNESCO World Heritage status. I’ll show you Switzerland’s Federal Place and tell you why we don’t use the word capital city. You’ll take in the Old Town’s most important sites including the Käfigturm and Zytglogge clock towers, the Bern City Hall, zur Chäshütte (a cheese shop with a cellar on site), and several fountains – one of which shows an ogre eating a baby. You’ll find out where the best outdoor markets are located, why there are so many bears in town, and the Aare River’s best vantage points. The tour ends at the Münsterplattform, a medieval park with a deep history, a spectacular view, and a lovely cafe.

Along this 75-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Stroll through Bundesplatz, the square that houses Switzerland’s federal government
• Gaze upon the tallest spire in Switzerland at the Cathedral of Bern
• Learn about the Cantonal system of governance, which divides Switzerland into 26 political divisions, each with its own government
• Gasp at the Child Eater Fountain, or Kindlifresserbrunnen, and its curious connection to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy
• Spot the missing platform at Bern Bahnhof
• Enjoy the colourful Zytglogge clock tower and its hourly performance
• Appreciate Bern’s culture at the Stadttheater Bühnen Bern playhouse
• See Einstein House and discover why Albert Einstein lived in Bern

Whether you’re a first-time time visitor, a local, or a curious traveler, this tour has something for everyone. Bern is the perfect city to explore on foot and I invite you to come along with me to discover its Old Town!