Bear Pit, Bern

Bears have been part of Bern’s culture since 1191, so it’s no surprise that they are the city’s symbol.

Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum, Bern

Only a short walk from the Museum of Communication, at first, this exhibit may seem quite random, but it is a little known fact that Einstein was in Bern when he developed his theory of relativity.

Botanical Garden, Bern

This park on the river Aare, next to the Lorraine Bridge, opened in 1859 for educational purposes and is now a recognised place of national significance covering over 20000m2 with more than 5500 types of plants from all over the world, from native Alpine species and medicinal herbs, to six mixed-climate greenhouses where you can see butterflies and even pineapples and bananas growing.

Collection de l'Art Brut, Museum, Lausanne: All year

Inaugurated in Lausanne in 1976, today, the museum boasts over 63,000 works by 1000 creators of “outsider art”.

Einsteinhaus, Bern

This museum in the heart of the city’s Old Town is the former house of Albert Einstein, where he lived between 1903 and 1905, during which time he developed his theory of relativity within these very walls. His house was restored and you can now see who can see his life’s work exhibited, as well as a 20 minute biographical film.

FIFA World Football Museum, Zurich

A 5-minute walk away from the Arboretum, this museum explains the history of FIFA and the World Cup through interactive displays covering more than 3000m2 over three floors.

Museum of Communication, Bern

Nearby the Natural History, the history of Bern and Alpine museums, this particular museum was awarded the Council of Europe Prize in 2019.

Museum of Fine Arts, Bern

Opposite the Botanical Garden, this is Switzerland’s oldest art museum and covers over 800 years of art history with more than 50000 pieces on display from all over the world. You can explore pieces by famous artists including Picasso, Salvador Dalì, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, not to mention those by renowned Swiss artists.

Rosengarten, Bern

Thanks to its location just above the Bear Pit, you can get a bird’s eye view of Bern’s Old Town, its roofed landscape and even the Alps if the weather is good, from what is widely considered the city’s most beautiful park.

Swiss National Museum, Zurich

Built in 1898 by Gustav Gull next to Zurich’s main station, ressembles a French Renaissance chateau, with towers, courts and a park.

Swiss Vapeur Parc, Port-Valais

The Cathedral of Bern

Nestled in Bern’s Old Town, this is Switzerland’s largest religious building and country’s tallest tower.

The Parliament Building, Bern

Built between 1894 and 1902 by architect Hans Wilhelm Auer, its green dome makes this building an easily recognisable part of the Old Town’s skyline and is where Parliament meets.

UNESCO Old City of Bern

This is the medieval centre of Switzerland’s capital, founded in 1191 on a hill encircled by the river Aare.

Zurich Zoo

Although seemingly detached from the busy city, this Zoo is actually easily accessible by tram.

Zytglogge, Bern

Although a mouthful, the name actually means ‘‘clock tower’’.