Bern, the charming capital of Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city made to be explored on foot. With its medieval old town, cobbled alleys, and picturesque arcades, walking is the best way to immerse yourself in its local rhythm. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to discover hidden corners, Bern offers tours that cater to every type of traveler. In this guide, we’ll show you the best walking tours in Bern to explore like a local—no tour bus needed.
Why Choose a Walking Tour in Bern?
Walking tours are the most intimate way to experience Bern. The city center is compact, making it easy to reach the main landmarks within minutes. You’ll walk the same paths as Einstein, medieval merchants, and modern Swiss politicians. More than just sightseeing, walking gives you a feel for Bern’s heartbeat—its fountains, stories, and smells from local bakeries wafting through the streets. Every corner reveals something new when you’re on foot.
Top 5 Best Walking Tours in Bern
1. Old Town Highlights Tour
The Old Town Highlights Tour is one of the best walking tours in Bern, offering a perfect introduction to the city’s rich heritage and vibrant street life. This guided walk through Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town showcases some of the most iconic sights in the Swiss capital—all within easy walking distance.
The tour begins at the Zytglogge, the medieval clock tower with its famous astronomical clock and animated figurines. From there, you’ll pass the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), home to the Swiss Parliament, and walk along Kramgasse, Bern’s historic main street lined with arcades, boutiques, and centuries-old façades.
Highlights include a visit to the Einstein House, where Albert Einstein lived when he developed the Theory of Relativity, and the towering Bern Cathedral (Berner Münster)—Switzerland’s tallest church. You’ll also see the charming Fountain of Justice, Bear Park, and Nydegg Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the Aare River and the old rooftops of Bern.
Throughout the walk, your guide will share local legends, quirky facts, and historic anecdotes that bring the city to life. It’s a tour that balances major landmarks with hidden gems—like tucked-away courtyards, artisan chocolate shops, and arcaded cellars turned into wine bars.
2. Bern by Night Walking Tour
As twilight settles over the cobbled streets and golden lights reflect on the Aare River, the Old Town transforms into something truly magical. Led by a local guide, the tour starts near the Zytglogge clock tower, where you’ll see the famous astronomical mechanism illuminated under night skies. The walk continues through the arcaded streets of Kramgasse and past the Federal Palace.
Highlights include Bern Cathedral (Berner Münster) with its floodlit Gothic tower, and the Nydegg area, where medieval houses cast long shadows over the river. You’ll pass by hidden fountains, quiet courtyards, and perhaps even hear the chimes of the Prison Tower clock ringing in the hour.
This tour also brings a bit of mystery—your guide will share ghost stories, legends, and the darker chapters of Bernese history, from old execution sites to medieval plagues. You’ll gain a unique insight into how Bern’s serene beauty hides a much more complex past.
For travelers who enjoy exploring cities when the crowds are gone and the ambiance is elevated, the Bern by Night Walking Tour is a must. It offers history, charm, and atmosphere—making it one of the best walking tours in Bern to experience the city from a completely different angle.
3. Hidden Gems & Local Secrets Tour
If you want to go beyond the guidebook, the Hidden Gems & Local Secrets Tour is one of the best walking tours in Bern for curious travelers. This off-the-beaten-path experience is designed to show you the quirky, artistic, and lesser-known side of the Swiss capital—places even many locals overlook.
The tour begins in Breitenrain, a creative and residential district with indie cafés, urban gardens, and colorful street art. You’ll stroll through back alleys and side streets filled with unexpected surprises—hidden fountains, vintage bookstores, and old artisan workshops tucked behind arcades.
You’ll visit the Rosengarten from a different route, avoiding the usual tourist trail and stopping for panoramic views that most visitors miss. The guide also leads you to the Matte District, where stories of floods, underground tunnels, and forgotten trades come alive.
Expect local tips along the way: where to get the best local chocolate, how to spot Bern’s underground cellars turned into bars, or how to decipher the quirky inscriptions on hidden fountains.
You’ll even explore parts of Bern’s medieval walls and old defense towers—areas usually skipped on standard tours. This insider experience brings a fresh appreciation for the city’s layers of history, culture, and community.
4. Historic & Political Bern Tour
For history buffs and politically curious travelers, the Historic & Political Bern Tour is one of the best walking tours in Bern to dive deep into the city’s influential past and present. Bern isn’t just Switzerland’s capital in name—it’s the center of decision-making, diplomacy, and centuries-old traditions.
The tour begins at the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), where you’ll learn how Swiss democracy works and why Bern became the capital in the first place. If you’re lucky and the parliament isn’t in session, you may even catch a glimpse inside this iconic building. From there, you’ll walk along the Bundesterrasse, with sweeping views over the Aare River and the Bernese Alps. Your guide will explain how Bern’s geography influenced its strategic importance.
The tour also includes the Hotel Bellevue Palace, often used for diplomatic meetings and a favorite among world leaders. As you move into the Old Town, you’ll pass by historical markers like the Käfigturm (Prison Tower), once used for political prisoners and now a civic education center.
You’ll also visit Zytglogge (Clock Tower)—not just a tourist site, but once part of Bern’s original fortifications and political organization.
Throughout the walk, you’ll hear how Switzerland’s unique system of direct democracy functions today, and how Bern plays a key role in shaping the nation’s future.
5. Gastronomic Walking Tour
For food lovers, the Gastronomic Walking Tour offers a delicious taste of the city’s culinary heritage. This tour combines sightseeing with stops at local eateries, markets, and specialty shops.
Your journey begins at the bustling Marktgasse, where you can sample fresh seasonal produce and Swiss delicacies from vendors at the Bernese Market. From there, the tour takes you to traditional bakeries serving Zopf, a braided Swiss bread, and artisanal cheese shops featuring famous regional cheeses like Emmental and Appenzeller.
No gastronomic tour in Bern would be complete without tasting Rösti, a beloved Swiss potato dish, at a cozy local restaurant. You’ll also visit Confiserie Tschirren, a renowned chocolatier where you can indulge in handmade Swiss chocolates.
Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the history behind these culinary specialties and share insider tips on the best spots locals love. The tour also includes a visit to a traditional Swiss wine bar, where you can sample wines from nearby Swiss vineyards.
Blending cultural exploration with mouthwatering food experiences, this is truly one of the best walking tours in Bern for anyone eager to discover the city through its flavors.
Self-Guided Walking Tour Tips
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Bern is easy to navigate with self-guided walking apps or printable maps from the tourism office. Suggested route: Start at the Zytglogge, stroll down Kramgasse, visit Einstein’s House, pass through the Cathedral, cross the Kirchenfeld Bridge, and end at the BearPark. Grab a takeaway coffee and enjoy views from Rosengarten along the way.
Best Time for Walking Tours in Bern
Each season adds a different charm to Bern.
- Spring brings blooming roses in Rosengarten and mild temperatures.
- Summer is lively, with open-air concerts and markets.
- Autumn offers colorful foliage and quieter streets.
- Winter is magical, especially during the Christmas markets when Bern becomes a festive wonderland.
Practical Info
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Weather: Always check the forecast and carry a small umbrella or sunhat.
- Languages: Most tours are available in English and German.
- Bookings: Reserve in advance via GetYourGuide, Bern Welcome, or local tour operators.
- Prices: Expect to pay CHF 20–40 per person for group tours; private tours may vary.
Conclusion
Bern is more than a beautiful capital—it’s a living storybook best read by walking its streets. Whether you choose a guided experience or go self-paced, the best walking tours in Bern to explore like a local will leave you with lasting memories. So tie your laces, bring your curiosity, and start discovering Bern step by step.