Is Bern Old Town walkable for seniors?

Yes, the route is largely flat and easy to navigate. However, the historic cobblestones can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

What is the best time to see the Zytglogge clock show?

The mechanical puppet show happens every hour, but you must be there 4 minutes before the strike of the hour (e.g., 10:56) to see the full sequence.

Can I drink from the fountains in Bern?

Yes, almost all of the 100+ fountains in Bern provide clean, drinkable spring water. Unless there is a sign saying 'Kein Trinkwasser,' it is safe to refill your bottle.

Is the Einstein House worth visiting?

It is highly recommended for history and science fans. Even if you don't go inside the museum, seeing the exterior on Kramgasse is a key part of the city's history.

Are there many stairs on this walking route?

The main route is mostly level. The only significant stairs are if you choose to climb the 344 steps of the Berner Münster spire or descend to the river bank.

What is the best walking tour in Bern for first-time visitors?

A route focusing on the UNESCO Old Town is best. This specific path covers the Zytglogge, Einstein House, and the Cathedral, which are the city's top three landmarks.

Is Bern Old Town car-free?

Much of the Old Town is restricted to public transport (buses/trams) and local delivery vehicles, making it very pedestrian-friendly and safe for walking.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a living postcard where time seems to have paused in the 15th century. This self-guided walk through Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town invites you to explore one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centers at your own pace. Encircled by the turquoise waters of the Aare River, the city’s sandstone buildings and covered arcades—known locally as 'Lauben'—create a unique atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. As you follow this walking route, you will discover why Bern is often called the city of fountains and towers. Your independent journey begins at the Zytglogge, the iconic clock tower that has served as the heartbeat of the city for over 800 years. From here, you will stroll down the Kramgasse, a street famous for its six kilometers of arcaded walkways that offer shelter from rain and sun alike. This neighborhood stroll isn't just about architecture; it’s about the people who shaped history here. You will pass the very apartment where Albert Einstein revolutionized our understanding of space and time during his 'miracle year' in 1905. This walking tour Bern experience highlights the city’s dual identity as a political powerhouse and a medieval masterpiece. You will visit the Berner Münster, Switzerland’s tallest cathedral, where the intricate 'Last Judgment' sculpture above the portal tells a vivid story of faith and folklore. Moving toward the river, you will encounter the Rathaus (City Hall), a seat of government for over 600 years, before ending your travel at the Nydeggbrücke. This bridge offers panoramic views of the Aare River and the famous Bear Park. Whether you are a history buff or a photography enthusiast, this walking tour Bern route provides the perfect introduction to the Swiss capital's timeless charm, allowing you to stop for a coffee in a cellar cafe or admire the colorful Renaissance fountains whenever you choose.

Highlights

Witness the mechanical puppet show of the 13th-century Zytglogge

Walk through 6 kilometers of medieval limestone arcades

See the house where Albert Einstein developed the Theory of Relativity

Marvel at the 'Last Judgment' portal of the Berner Münster

Cross the Nydeggbrücke for iconic views of the Aare River loop

Discover the colorful Renaissance fountains lining the main streets

Tour Stops (6)

Zytglogge

The Zytglogge, or Clock Tower, is the undisputed symbol of Bern. Originally built in the early 13th century as a city gate, it has served as a prison, a guard tower, and finally, a horological masterpiece. The astronomical clock you see today was installed in 1530. If you arrive four minutes before the hour, you can watch the mechanical puppet show: a sequence featuring a crowing rooster, a parade of bears, and Chronos, the god of time, turning his hourglass. This clock was once the master clock for the entire region, and it is said that Albert Einstein used to watch these very movements from his nearby apartment, perhaps sparking his early thoughts on the nature of time itself.

Einstein House

Located at Kramgasse 49, this modest apartment is where a young patent clerk named Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905. It was during his time in Bern that he published his four 'Annus Mirabilis' papers, including his work on the Special Theory of Relativity and the famous equation E=mc². The building itself is a classic example of Bernese architecture, featuring the high ceilings and narrow floor plans typical of the Old Town. While the interior is now a museum, the exterior remains much as it did when Einstein lived here, offering a quiet moment to reflect on how a simple walk through these streets helped reshape modern physics.

Kramgasse

As you walk down Kramgasse, you are standing in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site. This street is famous for the 'Lauben'—the six kilometers of covered arcades that make Bern one of the longest weather-protected shopping promenades in Europe. Look down at the street level and you will notice cellar doors leading into basement shops and bars; these were once storage areas for medieval merchants. Don't forget to look up at the fountains. These colorful Renaissance structures, such as the Zahringer Fountain, were once the city's primary water source and social hubs, each topped with a statue representing local myths or historical figures.

Berner Münster

The Berner Münster is Switzerland’s largest and most important church from the late Middle Ages. Construction began in 1421, but the spire—the tallest in the country—wasn't completed until 1893. The most striking feature is the main portal, which depicts the 'Last Judgment.' This collection of 234 figures is one of the most complete Late Gothic sculpture groups in Europe. It vividly illustrates the separation of the righteous from the wicked. Inside, the stained-glass windows and the intricate choir stalls offer a peaceful retreat from the city buzz. The cathedral square outside, the Münsterplattform, was once a cemetery but now serves as a beautiful terrace overlooking the river.

Bern City Hall

The Rathaus, or City Hall, has been the political center of Bern for over 600 years. Built between 1406 and 1415 in the Late Gothic style, it survived the Great Fire of 1405 and remains the meeting place for the cantonal parliament today. Notice the grand external staircase and the coat of arms decorating the facade. This building represents the power and independence of the old City-Republic of Bern. The square in front of it, the Rathausplatz, is often quieter than the main shopping streets, allowing you to appreciate the orderly, rhythmic sandstone architecture that defines the city's aesthetic.

Nydeggbrücke

Your walk concludes at the Nydeggbrücke, a bridge built in the 1840s to connect the old city with the newer districts across the Aare. From this vantage point, you have the best view of the river’s horseshoe bend, which provided a natural defense for the early city. Below you lies the Nydeggkirche, built on the site of the former Nydegg Castle. Just across the bridge is the Bärenpark (Bear Park), home to the city's heraldic animals. Looking back toward the Old Town from here, you can see the tiered layout of the houses and the dominance of the Cathedral spire, perfectly capturing the medieval silhouette of Bern.

Frequently Asked Questions

A thorough self-guided walk takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The distance from the Zytglogge to the Nydeggbrücke is about 1 kilometer, but you will want extra time to admire the fountains and the Cathedral.