Starting Your Walk at Bern Station

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Lonely Planet Bern.

To plan your trip, review Old City of Berne.

Most visitors head straight for the famous Spitalgasse to see the many historic sites. This street features many beautiful sandstone buildings and several unique and local shops. Check out these walking tips from Bern station for a very smooth start today. You will see the first of many historic fountains located along this route.

The walk from the station takes about ten minutes for most casual walkers today. You will pass the Holy Ghost Church on your right side very soon indeed. This Baroque building is one of the finest churches found in all of Switzerland. Take a moment to admire its grand architecture before continuing your walking tour.

Bern Old City Walking Map for Tourists: The Zytglogge

The Zytglogge is the most famous landmark found in the historic city of Bern. This medieval clock tower dates back to the early years of the 13th century. It served as a city gate and a prison during its long Swiss history. Today it fascinates many tourists with its unique and moving mechanical figures.

Arrive four minutes before the hour to see the famous mechanical show perform now. Mechanical bears and a golden rooster perform for the crowd every single hour. It is a vital part of any Bern Old City walking map for tourists. The astronomical clock also shows the current zodiac sign and the lunar phase clearly.

Expert guides explain the complex gears and the history of the massive clock tower. These guided history walks offer deep insights into the tower for every visitor today. It is a must-see stop on your route through the old city center now. You will enjoy learning about the engineering of this ancient and famous timepiece.

Walking Through the Historic Arcades

Bern boasts one of the longest covered shopping promenades in all of central Europe. These arcades stretch for six kilometers through the entire historic Old City area now. They provide excellent shelter from the rain and the hot summer sun every day. You can shop and explore the city regardless of the weather outside now.

Look for the colorful fountains located in the middle of the main city streets. Each unique fountain tells a different story from ancient Swiss history and local legends. The Ogre Fountain is particularly famous for its unique and slightly scary design. These historic landmarks make your walk very interesting for the whole family to enjoy.

Many local shops are located in traditional and historic vaulted stone cellars today here. Exploring these best medieval streets feels like stepping back in time during your visit. The atmosphere is truly magical and historic for every tourist in Bern city center. You can find local crafts and Swiss chocolates in these unique underground shops.

Visiting Bern Cathedral and the Platform

The Bern Minster is currently the tallest cathedral building in all of Switzerland today. Its impressive and tall spire dominates the entire city skyline for many miles around. You can climb the 344 stone steps for a small fee each day now. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking for every single visitor there.

Below the cathedral lies the beautiful and peaceful Minster Platform park area for all. This park offers a peaceful escape from the busy city streets for every visitor. Locals often gather here to play chess or simply relax in the warm sun. It provides a great view of the turquoise Aare River flowing below you.

Take a well-deserved break on one of the many wooden park benches found here. You can watch the turquoise water flow through the deep valley below you now. This is a perfect spot for taking stunning panoramic photos of the entire city. Use your Bern Old City walking map for tourists to find this special spot.

Ending at the Bear Park and Rose Garden

Cross the Nydegg Bridge to reach the famous and historic Bear Park area today. This large enclosure is home to the famous and symbolic animals of Bern city. You can watch the bears play and swim for free every single day now. It is a favorite stop for families and nature lovers visiting the city.

Continue your walk up the steep hill to reach the beautiful and scenic Rose Garden. This park offers the best sunset views in the entire city of Bern today. You will see hundreds of rose varieties in bloom during the warm summer months. It is the perfect place to end your self-guided tour of the city.

For more detailed paths, explore these Bern Old City walking routes online for more info. The garden also has a great restaurant for a nice dinner at sunset time. Enjoy the sparkling lights of the city as the evening falls in late 2026. This walk will leave you with many wonderful memories of your Swiss trip.