Bern Holidays

Forget what you think you know about capital cities, because Bern is a total vibe wrapped in a medieval bow. This UNESCO-protected gem has a turquoise river that loops around the cobblestone streets... nuff' said.

Why do people love going on holidays to Bern?

• The Aare River loop - a stunning, glacier-fed ribbon of turquoise water that encircles the old town and doubles as the ultimate summer playground for locals.

• UNESCO Old Town magic - packed with six kilometres of swanky covered limestone shopping arcades, hidden cellar bars, and whimsical Renaissance fountains.

• The Resident Bears - yes, actual brown bears live right by the riverbank in a spacious, leafy park because Bern takes its mascot very seriously.

• Breathtaking Alpine backdrops - you get sweeping, top-tier mountain views just by glancing past the terracotta rooftops on a clear afternoon.

What is the best time to visit Bern?

Holidays to Bern serve up something completely unique across all four seasons, shifting effortlessly from breezy riverside hangouts to a snow-dusted idyll. No matter when you choose to jet off on your holidays, the Swiss capital knows exactly how to put on a show.

• Spring - expect crisp mornings and comfortable, sunny afternoons with temperatures hovering between 8°C and 15°C, creating a fresh atmosphere. The urban landscape shakes off the frost as lush rose gardens burst into bloom, making it the perfect window for exploring the historic squares without summer crowds.

• Summer - warm and gorgeous, with average temperatures sitting around a lovely 24°C but frequently pushing the temperature dial up a few notches. The vibe transforms into an absolute sun-soaked fiesta where everyone grabs a waterproof bag and hops into the cool river to float through town.

• Autumn - mild and golden throughout September before dipping down closer to 7°C by late November as the winter chill begins to bite. The entire valley turns into a fiery masterpiece of copper and gold leaves, perfect for ducking into cosy underground vaulted cafes for delish treats.

• Winter - truly chilly with temperatures dropping down around -2°C to 3°C, which frequently brings a beautiful, powdery blanket of alpine snow. The city lights up with ultimate fairytale energy, transforming the local squares into festive hubs filled with sizzling fondue stalls and heavy-duty winter cheer.

Things to do on your Bern holidays

There's far more to this spectacular city than just working on your tan or floating downstream on your holibobs. Bern is an absolute treasure trove for curious explorers, cultural foodies, and anyone looking to inject some serious luxury into their next getaway.

• Float down the Aare - grab a waterproof bag, jump into the rushing turquoise river, and let the current carry you past parliament.

• Climb the Munster Tower - tackle the winding spiral stairs of Switzerland’s tallest cathedral spire for a truly stunning, 10/10 view.

• Visit the Zytglogge clock - watch the intricate, animated mechanical figures put on a whimsical show every hour at this historic medieval gate.

• Explore Einstein’s House - wander through the very apartment where the famous genius developed his groundbreaking theory of relativity while living in town.

• Stroll through Rose Garden - head up the hill to find hundreds of floral varieties and a swanky restaurant with panoramic valley vistas.

• Feast on local chocolate - pop into independent artisan sweet shops to sample some of the most delish, world-class truffles on earth.

• Discover the Bear Park - watch the iconic local brown bears forage, swim, and play in their sprawling, custom-built riverside habitat.