Bern’s charming old town beckons travelers to explore its timeless wonders at their own pace. The "Bern: Highlights and Old Town Self-guided Walk" offers an engaging way to discover the city’s iconic landmarks, from the historic Zytglogge tower to the majestic Bern Cathedral. With interactive tasks and captivating historical details woven throughout, this flexible three-hour tour allows visitors to navigate scenic riverside paths and picturesque bridges, uncovering Bern’s architectural marvels along the way. Accessible via smartphone, this self-guided experience promises an intimate glimpse into the rich heritage that has made Bern a beloved destination for countless explorers. What secrets might you uncover as you…
Key Points
- Self-guided tour of Bern’s old town lasting approximately 3 hours and covering under 4 kilometers.
- Key landmarks include Zytglogge tower, Bern Cathedral, Einstein House, and Federal Palace.
- Tour accessible via smartphone with options for offline use and interactive elements like tasks and puzzles.
- Scenic stops along the Aare riverbanks, city gates, and iconic fountains.
- High customer satisfaction with an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 11 reviews.
Tour Overview
This self-guided tour of Bern’s historic old town takes around 3 hours to complete and covers a distance under 4 kilometers.
Participants can start the tour at their convenience, with flexible starting times subject to availability. The tour costs from $6.56 per person and offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
Tour highlights include exploring iconic landmarks like the Zytglogge tower, town hall, Bern Cathedral, Einstein House, and the Federal Palace.
Along the way, you’ll discover scenic spots like the Aare riverbanks, city gates, bridges, and fountains, while engaging with interactive tasks, puzzles, and historical anecdotes about Bern’s rich culture.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bern.
Experience Highlights
The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore Bern’s important sights, including the iconic Zytglogge tower, the town hall, the imposing Bern Cathedral, the historic Einstein House, and the grand Federal Palace. Along the way, you will enjoy scenic stops at the Aare riverbanks, the charming city gates, the city theatre, the picturesque bridges, and the iconic fountains. The tour features interactive elements, such as tasks, puzzles, and anecdotes, that bring Bern’s history and culture to life. Visitors can start the tour at their convenience and access it via their smartphones, with options for offline use and additional information.
Sights Explored | Scenic Stops | Interactive Elements |
---|---|---|
Zytglogge tower | Aare riverbanks | Tasks |
Town hall | City gates | Puzzles |
Bern Cathedral | City theatre | Anecdotes |
Einstein House | Bridges | |
Federal Palace | Fountains |
Tour Features
How does the tour’s features allow participants to explore Bern at their own pace?
The self-guided tour is accessible via a smartphone, which gives users the flexibility to start and stop the experience as needed.
Once the tour is downloaded, it can be accessed offline – no internet connection is required during the walk.
The tour package includes a map, along with an interactive smartphone guide featuring multimedia elements like tasks and anecdotes.
This allows participants to engage with the content at their own rhythm, without the constraints of a live guide.
Whether it’s stopping for photos or taking a coffee break, the self-paced nature of this tour enables travelers to personalize their Bern exploration.
What to Bring
To access the self-guided tour of Bern’s old town, travelers will need a charged smartphone. The tour is accessible via the provided link, so an internet connection is required for the initial download and to access additional information throughout the experience.
Once the tour is downloaded, it can be used offline, allowing participants to explore at their own pace without relying on a constant internet connection. Participants should ensure their smartphone is fully charged before beginning the tour to avoid any interruptions.
With these essential items, visitors can embark on an engaging and informative journey through the historic streets of Bern’s captivating old town.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
Based on the positive customer feedback, participants have overwhelmingly enjoyed the self-guided tour of Bern’s old town.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 11 reviews, the tour has received high marks for its value and transportation.
Reviewers highlight the engaging content and enjoyable experience, praising the interactive elements like:
- Tasks and puzzles about Bern’s history and culture
- Anecdotes that bring the city to life
- Scenic stops along the Aare riverbanks and at landmarks like the Zytglogge tower
The downloadable nature of the tour and accessibility via smartphone have also been noted as key conveniences, allowing participants to explore Bern’s highlights at their own pace.
- Bern Old City Walking Tour
- Bern: Engelberg & Mount-Titlis Escapade Private Day Trip
- Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch From Bern
- Bern Old Town – Private Historic Walking Tour
- Exploring UNESCO Gem: Private 3-Hour Walking Tour of Bern
- Bern: Private 18-Minute Helicopter Flight for up to 3 People
Historic Zytglogge Tower
The iconic Zytglogge tower stands as a testament to Bern’s rich history, its medieval architecture and astronomical clock captivating visitors from around the world.
Dating back to the 13th century, this tower served as the city’s western gate and clock tower.
Today, visitors can climb to the top, admiring the intricate clock mechanism and panoramic views of the charming old town.
The tower’s ornate exterior features decorative ornamentation and a renowned astronomical clock that puts on a lively display every hour.
A must-see attraction on any Bern itinerary, the Zytglogge tower offers a glimpse into the city’s storied past.
Scenic Riverside Walks
Along the banks of the Aare River, Bern offers a delightful network of scenic riverside walks. These peaceful paths provide a tranquil respite from the bustling old town, allowing visitors to admire the city’s natural surroundings.
Some highlights include:
- Wandering along the Marzili riverside complex, featuring lush gardens and swimming areas
- Crossing the iconic Nydeggbrücke bridge for panoramic views of the Aare and the city skyline
- Strolling through the Rosengarten, a picturesque park with over 200 rose varieties
- Discovering hidden corners and quaint bridges that dotted the riverbanks
These riverside rambles offer a refreshing and picturesque way to experience Bern’s charming ambiance.
Architectural Marvels
Dotting Bern’s historic old town are a captivating array of architectural marvels that showcase the city’s rich heritage.
The iconic Zytglogge tower, an ornate medieval clock tower, stands as a stunning centerpiece. Nearby, the grand Bern Cathedral impresses with its intricate Gothic spires.
The town hall, a Renaissance-style gem, houses the city government in its ornately decorated halls.
Einstein House, the former residence of the famous physicist, provides a glimpse into his life.
Exploring the Federal Palace, home to Switzerland’s federal government, reveals the country’s seat of power.
These timeless structures immerse visitors in Bern’s storied past and vibrant present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take the Tour in a Language Other Than English?
The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Participants can select their preferred language when accessing the tour via smartphone after booking. This ensures a personalized and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour is relatively accessible, with a walking distance under 4 km. However, it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues as there are some hills and uneven surfaces. Participants should consider their abilities before booking.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book the tour in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons. The tour offers flexible starting times, but booking ahead secures your spot on the self-guided experience.
Can I Take the Tour With a Group?
Yes, the self-guided tour can be taken with a group. The tour is flexible and participants can start at their convenience, making it suitable for groups to explore Bern’s old town together.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?
Yes, the tour offers group discounts. Groups of 3 or more can save 20% on the per-person price, making it more affordable to explore Bern’s old town with family or friends.
Sum Up
The "Bern: Highlights and Old Town Self-guided Walk" offers a flexible and immersive way to explore Bern’s captivating history and architecture. With interactive tasks and historical insights, this self-guided tour allows you to navigate the city’s scenic riverside paths and iconic landmarks, including the Zytglogge tower and Bern Cathedral, at your own pace. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Bern’s enchanting old town.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Guided Tours in Bern
- Bern: Private Walking Tour With a Tour Guide
- Bern: the Best Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Highlights & Hidden Gems of Bern: Small Group Guided Walking Tour
- Bern: Highlights and Old Town Self-guided Walk
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
- Bern : Private Walking Tour With a Local Guide (Private Tour)
More Walking Tours in Bern
- Exploring UNESCO Gem: Private 3-Hour Walking Tour of Bern
- Bern: Private Walking Tour With a Tour Guide
- Best of Bern: Private Walking Tour With a Local
- Bern: the Best Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Highlights & Hidden Gems of Bern: Small Group Guided Walking Tour
- Bern: Highlights and Old Town Self-guided Walk
More Tour Reviews in Bern
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Bern we have reviewed
- Exploring UNESCO Gem: Private 3-Hour Walking Tour of Bern
- From Bern: Schilthorn Adventure Small-Group Tour
- Bern: Private Walking Tour With a Tour Guide
- Best of Bern: Private Walking Tour With a Local
- Bern: the Best Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Private Day Trip: Bern>Neuchatel, the Largest Swizz Lake
- Private All Day Car Trip From Bern to Gruyeres & Fribourg
- Bern: Gruyères Cheese and Cailler Chocolate Tasting Tour
- Highlights & Hidden Gems of Bern: Small Group Guided Walking Tour
- Bern: Highlights and Old Town Self-guided Walk
- 6 Best Guided Tours In Bern
- 25 Best Tours In Bern