Kramgasse: The Best Medieval Streets in Bern Old City

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Bern travel info.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Bern travel info.

You can watch the mechanical figures perform every hour on the dot. This street is also home to the Einstein House at Kramgasse 49. Albert Einstein lived here while he developed his famous theory of relativity. The museum costs about 5 CHF for adults to visit in 2026.

The long stone arcades provide shelter from rain and snow for shoppers. You can find many boutique shops and cozy cafes under these arches. These arcades are part of the Bern Old City walking routes that tourists love. Look for the Zähringer Fountain with its bear statue along the way.

The architecture consists of beautiful yellow sandstone buildings from the medieval era. Most buildings have deep cellars that now house trendy bars and theaters. The street remains busy throughout the day with locals and tourists alike. It is the perfect place to start your Swiss adventure.

Gerechtigkeitsgasse: Grand Houses and Historic Flags

Gerechtigkeitsgasse serves as a direct continuation of the busy Kramgasse. It is widely considered one of the best medieval streets in Bern Old City today. The street is wide enough for old carriages to pass through easily. You can see the flags of different Swiss cantons hanging high.

The Lady Justice fountain stands proudly in the middle of the road. This colorful statue dates back to the year 1543. It represents the power of law and justice in the old city. Many people stop here to take photos of the vibrant colors.

• See the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen fountain.
• Visit local art galleries.
• Shop for handmade Swiss watches.
• Enjoy a coffee at a sidewalk cafe.

The street leads directly down toward the Nydegg Bridge. You will notice the buildings become even more ornate in this section. Many of these houses belonged to wealthy merchants in the 1700s. The views of the surrounding hills are quite spectacular from here.

Postgasse: Discovering Hidden History and Quiet Charms

Postgasse runs parallel to the main tourist streets in the center. It offers a much quieter experience for those who dislike big crowds. You can admire the historic architecture without many people in your way. This street feels like a secret part of the city history.

The Bern Town Hall, or Rathaus, is located at the top of this street. It was built in the early 15th century in a Gothic style. You can see the grand staircase and the beautiful clock on its facade. It is still used for political meetings today in 2026.

Walking here allows you to find many hidden alleyways in Bern Old City center easily. These small paths often lead to quiet courtyards or tiny gardens. You will find unique craft shops that sell items you cannot find elsewhere. It is a great place for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

The street ends near the Nydegg Church by the river Aare. This area is perfect for seeing the lower part of the Old City. The sandstone walls glow with a warm orange light during the sunset. Make sure to bring your camera for these beautiful views.

Junkerngasse: Bern's Most Elegant Residential Street

Junkerngasse is known as the most aristocratic street in the entire city. It sits on the southern edge of the peninsula hill. The street is famous for its very grand and well-preserved townhouses. Many of these homes have beautiful private terraces facing the river.

The Bern Minster cathedral is located just a few steps away from here. You can hear the church bells ringing throughout the narrow street. This area has a very sophisticated and calm atmosphere for visitors. It is one of the most scenic walks in Bern 2026.

Look for the Erlacherhof, which is a very famous palace on this street. It serves as the seat of the city government today. The courtyard is sometimes open for the public to view briefly. The architecture shows the great wealth of Bern's past ruling families.

You can walk from here down to the river banks quite easily. The path is steep but offers great exercise and fresh air. You will see the green water of the Aare flowing quickly below. It is a wonderful spot to end your walking tour.

Essential Tips for Walking Bern in 2026

The cobblestone streets can be very uneven and hard on your feet. You should always wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for your visit. Avoid high heels as they can get stuck between the old stones. This will make your exploration much more enjoyable and safe.

Most of the historic fountains provide clean and cold drinking water for free. You can fill your reusable water bottle at any of the public spouts. This is a great way to save money while exploring the city. The water comes directly from the nearby Swiss Alps.

You should use a Bern Old City walking map for tourists to find your way. While the city is small, the narrow streets can be confusing. A map helps you find the specific fountains and hidden towers. You can pick one up at the tourist office.

Early morning is the best time to visit for great photography. The streets are empty of delivery trucks and large tour groups then. You can capture the soft morning light on the sandstone buildings. Most shops open around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM daily.