Cultural Things to do in Berne

Spring months from April to September are ideal for visiting Berne. The days are longer and the weather, in general, is pleasant. July to mid – August is vacation times, and with thinning tourist crowds, local restaurants take a few days off and close for business.

The origins of the city can be traced back to the early 12^th century. The medieval architecture, neo-renaissance buildings, cathedrals built in the Middle Ages makes Berne a gorgeous city to be included in every traveler's bucket list.

Here’s a handy guide of cultural things to do in Berne. Make most from your trip to the Swiss capital, and yet you will want to come back for more.

1.Museum of Fine Arts (Kunstmuseum) – Established in 1879, The Museum of Fine Arts is the oldest art museum in Switzerland. With over 50,000 exhibits from the Middle Ages to present-day, forming a large part of the permanent collection, you can witness a journey of about 800 years under one roof. An impressive collection of art by renowned Swiss artists like Ferdinand Hodler, Albert Anker and masterpieces by internationally famed and acclaimed artists like Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet; precious paintings by Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Meret Oppenheim, Paul Klee and others adorn the walls and corridors of this facility. A large number of sculptures, prints, sketches, photographs, films and videos are also a part of the collection making the Kunstmuseum an institution of international reputation. A well-stocked library has a vast collection of books and research material available for reference on a variety of subjects. The exhibition rooms are available for private events and conferences. Exclusive and customised tours can be arranged. Café and Museum shop are accessible to visitors. The facility is located at Hoddlerstrasse 8, 3011 Bern and is open for public from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm on Tuesdays and from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and select holidays. One can reach the museum situated in the city center by train, bus or taxi. Visiting the Kunstmuseum is a must in the list of cultural things to do in Berne.

2.Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum – The Bern Historical Museum designed by Neuchatel architect Andre Lambert is the second-largest historical museum in Switzerland. Built-in 1894, the facility houses the Einstein Museum dedicated to the life and work of greatest physicist of our times. Over 500,000 exhibits are categorised under 4 major collections – The Archaeological Collection with over 200,000 exhibits from various ages dating back a million years, The Historical Collection with over 160,000 exhibits from early Middle Ages to present day, The Ethnographical Collection with over 60,000 objects from all over the globe depicting the co-relation of various cultures, and The Numismatic Collection features ancient coins, medals and other objects from 6^th century B.C till date. The museum aims to preserve, research and educate the importance of history and culture of the region. The Permanent Exhibition takes the visitors through the glory and decline of various regimes, the treasures from various expeditions, findings from stone-age, Roman and Celts era, artworks from Asia and Oceania regions, treasures found from the ancient Egyptian tombs, Oriental collection, American Indian cultures among others. Inventory and Collection Assessment Project aims to digitalise the records for easy access and reference. Einstein Museum explores the life journey of the physicist who spent a part of his life in Berne. A large collection of original and replicas of his works, films and more on his professional and personal life are available. Temporary exhibitions, guided tours and various other events are held here regularly. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5.00 pm, and remains closed on Mondays and select public holidays. Located at Helvetiaplatz 5, CH 3005, this museum is an interesting entry for cultural things to do in Berne.

3.Swiss Alpine Museum – Dedicated to the culture and nature of the Swiss Alps region, the museum showcases an unconventional exhibition on mountains of the world. It offers an interactive platform to discuss a wide a variety of topics from climate change, dwindling glaciers, avalanches, mountain farming, discoveries, tourism, nature, culture, tradition and more. The ‘Embassy of Alps’emphasises the relationship of the mountain and its impact on the human race across the world. The Alpine workshop features the creative work of artisans using local material and traditional techniques. Gain insight into making of violin, woodwork, skis, shingles, clothing, shoes, cheese and more by the featured artisans. Museumbier is a Thursday special crafting tour for children and adults to learn and try their hands-on raw materials and turn them into a masterpiece they can take home. Keep a tab on thematic temporary exhibitions and events on their website. Archives of previous exhibitions are available for reference. They throw light on varied topics related to mountains and life around in interesting ways. Share your stories and hear some interesting experiences from others, a must-visit for the mountain climbing enthusiasts of all ages. The museum shop and a restaurant with a delectable menu serving a variety of local alpine cuisine are a part of the facility. Do add this museum to your list of cultural things to do in Berne. The facility located at Helvetiaplatz 4, 3005 Berne is open for public from Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and closed on Mondays and other holidays. You will need 4 hours to explore this place, so time your visit accordingly.

4.Natural History Museum of Bern – One of most significant nature museums in Switzerland attracts visitors from all over the globe. Founded in 1832, the facility is spread across 5100 square meters and houses dioramas and exhibits of native and exotic animals found across Europe. The museum conducts regular tours, events, activities, programmes and more for children and adults. A variety of topics that explores natural disasters, catastrophes, apocalypse, war, environmental destructions, science, art and more are presented here in interesting ways. Animals of the North feature’s exotic polar bears, seals, musk oxen, grizzly bears, walrus, birds and other inhabitants of the Polar Regions. Pica Nest presents the world of forest in the museum landscape. Learn more about it with fun activities, touch and feel, interactive sessions, treasure hunts and more. The book hut houses illustrated copies, magazines and nature books with a cosy reading corner. Fins – feet - wings tells fascinating stories of evolution, fossil guide, without backbone, errors have long feathers, T-rex, A strange guest, Dullins Tiershow with pigeons and deer, The great bone gallery, Animals of Africa, Rocks of the Earth, Animal stories, Drink and Draw, Bar of dead animals, Beetles and co. are among other interesting exhibit areas. Animals of Switzerland offers a glimpse to the world of wild and domestic species that are extinct, protected and rare and includes common birds and animals of the region. The Museen Bern or The Natural History Museum of Berne is located at Bernastrasse 15, 3005 Berne and is open for public on Mondays from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, Tuesday-Thursday-Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Wednesdays from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and on Saturday-Sunday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Put this attraction on top of the list for cultural things to do in Berne.

5.Museum fur Kommunikation – Welcome to the museum of communication, a place where past, present and future comes together. The interactive museum allows you to experience technology thru touch and feel, trial and explore, watch and learn methods. Play around with gadgets, have fun with installation, make all the noise you want, design and print prototypes, click unlimited photographs and selfies, communicate with the virtual entity, participate in film karaoke and learn about the communication and technology in many interesting ways. For those interested in more traditional learning methods, lots of reading material is available for knowledge transfer and research on a wide variety of topics. Special temporary exhibitions, children programs, educational offerings, various events, fun activities, group tours and more are organised on a regular basis. Philately collection has world’s largest collection of national and international stamps, post and transport collection, telegraphy and telephony collection, radio and TV collection, Computers, Arts and more forms the part of vast exhibits showcased in the museum. The new museum of communication is all about futuristic technology. A virtual tour allows you to take a glimpse of the museum from the comfort of your home. The library has a vast collection of books, catalogues and archives for in-depth research. The award-winning architecture is a marvellous wonder in itself. The museum is located at Helvetiastrasse 16, Bern 3005 and open from Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. The facility is closed on Mondays and public holiday. Add this amazing place on your bucket list of cultural things to do in Berne.

6.Zytglogge – Zeitglockenturm or the Zytglogge tower, built in the 13^th century has served as a guard tower, a prison, a clock tower, a civic memorial and more at different times in the history of Berne. A part of the UNESCO world heritage site, this iconic and most recognised landmark in Switzerland has witnessed a lot of history in the making. Though it has undergone many changes over the centuries, the main purpose of Zytglogge remains the same, announcing the time. Every afternoon, people gather near the clock tower to watch a unique and spectacular show of clock mechanism of step by step mechanical games of figures to the famous third crow of the rooster. This show can be observed up close from the clock tower along with the spectacular view of the city when you book a guided tour. Walk up 130 steps to the observation deck on top of the tower for an amazing experience. The astronomical clock's dial is hand-painted with Zodiac signs, sun, moon, winds and the Roman deities Venus, Mars and Jupiter. Book your tour in advance as there are a limited number of slots available. Located at Bahnhofplatz 10a, 3011 Bern, checking out the Zytglogge and clicking selfies with this iconic medieval landmark is an important entry on the list of cultural things to do in Berne.

7.Gurten – Snowy capped Alps, sparkling waters of Aare, a few kilometres drive from the city of Berne, Gurten is a great place for day-trippers. The summit has been developed as a perfect place to experience the Alps, enjoy hiking, picnicking and exploring Gurten. Hop aboard red carriage funicular railway from Waban to reach Gurten. Enjoy the spectacular views of Berne, River Aare, Mittelland,Jura, Emmen Valley, Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau ranges to the Alps in far horizons from the observation towers. Used as golf course till 1959, the Gardens are now popular for barbeque and fondue spots, stargazing on clear nights, miniature railways with cogwheels, steam locomotive engines, electric cars, bowling alleys, and open areas to enjoy a game of Frisbee and various sports. Winters are perfect for enjoying skiing in fresh snow. Stylish restaurants with interesting interiors and delectable menu and extensive weekend brunch, banquet facilities to host private events and few hotels offering the facility for night stay are available. You will need half a day to enjoy this beauty. Keep your cameras handy to capture this beautiful and picturesque place in the lap of mighty Alps. Gurten Festival is an annual musical event held in summer months of July, and the summit turns to a pilgrimage center for music lovers from all over the world with local artists and internationally famed bands participating in the biggest music festival of Switzerland. A must add on your to-do list of cultural things to do in Berne.

8.Bern Cathedral - Built in Gothic style during late medieval times, Bern Cathedral is the tallest Cathedral in Switzerland and a place of national and cultural significance. Visiting here and appreciating this masterpiece are most cultural things to do in Berne. The construction of Bern Munster or Cathedral of St. Vincent started in 1421, with generations of artisans adding to the masterpiece, it was finally completed in 1823. The twelve chapels of the cathedral are decorated with altars, stained glass, coats of arms, and work of arts. The choir stalls and vaults depict biblical scenes and gothic stone carvings. The ceilings have frescos by renowned artists of the reformation period. The tower offers a vantage point to enjoy the view of the city. The ringing of the bells is an interesting experience. Part of the old town of Bern, this basilica also comes under the purview of UNESCO World Heritage list. The reformed church is a venue for musical performances and various cultural events. Organ service is held periodically. Be a part of church service on Sundays. Guided tours are conducted to educate the visitors about the importance of this iconic landmark. The depiction on The Last Judgement is an outstanding feature of the three-aisled basilicas. Guided tours help discover the unknown beauties of the cathedral. Information desk also serves as gift shop where you can purchase unique souvenirs. Keep a tab on opening hours of church and the tower, which changes with the season — a must-have on your list of cultural things to do in Berne.

9.Einstein House (Einsteinhaus) - On your list of cultural things to do in Berne, do add Einsteinhaus. Sir Albert Einstein lived here from 1903 to 1905 with his wife Mileva Meric and their son Hans Einstein. It was here, where he developed his famous Theory of Relativity and revolutionised the understanding of space and time. The apartments on the second and third floors of Kramgesse 49 are now open for public viewing and furnished in 1900’s style. Walk the path and follow the footsteps along the spiral stairs which were once used by the greatest mind of his times. The entrance is renovated with illustrations of the Milky Way. Documents and works of Nobel awardee are preserved and displayed here for the benefit of researchers and science enthusiasts of the world. The facility is open for public viewing every day from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and closed on holidays of Easter, Pentecost and Swiss National day. Guided tours are available from Monday to Saturday and need to be booked 15 days in advance, and a maximum of 20 people are accommodated in the tour, so freeze your travel dates and plan the itinerary accordingly. You will need about 2 hours to browse through the entire facility. Combine your visit with Old Town and Clock Tower to make the maximum of your time in Berne.

Besides the listed beauties, there are many cultural things to do in Berne. Visit the parliament building, explore more of old town architectural marvels, swim in the turquoise waters of river Aare, check out artistic work of Zentrum Paul Klee, spend time at the charming Rose Gardens, meet the bears at Barrenpark zoo, sample finest of beer and shop at local markets for beautiful things to take back home. Exclusive boutiques, fashionable jewelry, unique antiques, clockworks, chocolates are among the most popular purchases for tourists. You will need about 3 days to do justice to Berne.

Sample the local cuisines at the promenade in old town. A tall glass of Adriano’s beer paired with beefsteak and fries are ultimate pleasures of life and perfect cultural things to do in Berne.