Two visitors are fascinated by the animals in Bern Zoo, Dählhölzli + BärenPark, surrounded by lush greenery, which conveys a feeling of discovery and closeness to nature.

Indoor activities in Bern

Be it pouring rain, gusts of cold wind, or whirling snow – in Bern, bad weather can’t keep us from going out and having fun! From cozy cellar bistros to special exhibitions and delicious Sunday brunches: here are our rainy-day recommendations.

Culture

Bern is inspiring, inviting, progressive and moving. This is reflected in the wealth of exhibitions, lectures, guided tours, supporting programmes, concerts and performances of all kinds. The experiences and events are not limited to the city of Bern; the surrounding areas as far as the Emmental, Oberaargau, Laupen and the Gantrisch Nature Park are also part of Bern's cultural cosmos.

Insect Decline — It’s Going to be All Right

In his song “Der Weltuntergang” (Apocalypse) from 1983, Swiss writer and songwriter Franz Hohler already predicted that the disappearance of a beetle in the southern Pacific could lead to the end of the world. The special exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Bern, too, tackles the subject of global insect decline, but takes a surprising and provocatively optimistic approach. Visitors are catapulted into the year 2053 to learn how to manage a future without the great catastrophe. In the special exhibition, the exhibition organisers focus on solutions and inspiring humans. And it becomes clear: There is still cause for hope!

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Visitors look at an exhibition about insects at the Natural History Museum in Bern. One thinks, the other explores interactively, both surrounded by the diversity of butterflies - an educational and thought-provoking moment.

The image shows a group of actors on a theatre stage, against an immersive backdrop of the roaring sea. The mixture of everyday and historical clothing creates a sense of timelessness and universal human experience.

Cultural venues in the city of Bern

Besucher erkunden interaktiv eine moderne Ausstellung. Die spielerische, kreative Atmosphäre ist spürbar, während sie zwischen den Exponaten und ungewöhnlichen Installationen flanieren. Neugier und Vergnügen mischen sich im Raum.

Bern’s Museums

The picture shows a medieval castle rising out of the fog. The castle has several towers with pointed roofs. Mountains can be seen in the background, which are also partially hidden in the fog. The atmosphere is mystical and calm.

Bern’s Castles

The photo shows two people taking a walk through the Botanical Gardens in Bern.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Bern

The photo captures a lively, artistic scene in the old town of Bern. Various groups of people stand and sit together, surrounded by colourful, transparent art installations that float above their heads and form a kind of flowing roof. The people seem to be having relaxed conversations and enjoying the urban hustle and bustle in a relaxed atmosphere. The Federal Palace with its green dome can be seen in the background.

Culture in Bern

Enjoy unlimited access to art and culture for 24 or 48 hours? Buy the Museum Card now.

City Tours

Historic buildings, mysterious alleyways and impressive sights characterise Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town. Our city tours are as varied as the stories of the federal city.

One group listens intently to a guided tour of the impressive clockwork of the Zytgloggeturm, wrapped in the warm light of history.

Tour of the Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

Going on a tour of the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) means: taking a look behind the clock that has existed for hundreds of years, learning about the history of this Bernese monument and enjoying the wonderful view from the top of the tower.

The photo shows a group of people taking part in a city tour. They are standing in a historic street in Bern with cobblestones and traditional buildings with arcades. At the end of the street you can see the Zytglogge with its clockwork. The atmosphere is relaxed and the participants are interested as they take in the explanations and enjoy the charming surroundings.

UNESCO Stroll through the Old City

The little alleys, baroque buildings and important sights of the medieval city tell an exciting story. Find out about Bern’s history on the classic UNESCO tour of the Old City.

Activities

Are the conditions too bad for swimming in the Aare - Bern's number one popular sport - or is it simply too cold? Don't worry, with our tips, adventurous people can find activities even when being outside is not much fun.

Padelwerk Bern

What does Marco Streller, the former Swiss national team player, have to do with the federal city of Bern? Quite a lot. Within a very short space of time, a padel facility with two individual courts has been built in the east of Bern. Having grown up in Central and South America, padel has spread rapidly around the world. A new trend sport is born! The game is played alone or in doubles. During the rallies, the players are in a kind of cage. The walls of the cage can be used to hit the ball. In general, the game is reminiscent of squash or tennis. Only the rackets are different and the balls have less pressure. What's more, there is no need for hours of lessons - even people who are just starting out will quickly find their way around the court. Perfect conditions for a relaxed evening with friends or a Sunday afternoon with the family.

Game, Set, Match!

In the picture, a man is concentrating on playing padel on a blue indoor court. The scene radiates dynamism and sporting ambition. Spectators in the background add to the tension and focus of the game as the player prepares for the next shot.

In the "Fusion Arena", visitors wearing VR goggles experience an exciting adventure in what appears to be an ancient building, surrounded by an atmosphere full of thrills and immersion.

Fusion Arena Bern

There is a lively and cheerful atmosphere at the Marzili Bowling Centre as children and adults concentrate on the game and the balls roll down the lanes.

Bowling Center Marzili

A player moves tactically through a vibrant laser tag arena full of colourful lights and reflective surfaces, creating an atmosphere full of energy and futuristic excitement for a team adventure.

Paintballarena-Bern

An atmospheric escape room with green lights and antique décor creates an aura of mystery. A team puzzle adventure that demands excitement and co-operation.

Mastermind Escape Room Bern

Shopping

“Lädele”

Many fashionistas like the colder days best. When else can you combine what your wardrobe has to offer? With its six-kilometre-long “Loube”(arcades), the Swiss capital has one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. From the railway station to the Nydeggbrücke bridge, you can practically stroll in the dry without interruption. So the “fake fur” coat remains undamaged.

In a cosy antique shop, a young woman stands looking into an art stand. Surrounded by warm light, old furniture and pictures, the atmosphere is calm and nostalgic. She appears relaxed, lost in thought and curious.

Our favourite thrift stores

The picture shows two young women walking along a busy, historic shopping street. They are laughing and carrying shopping bags as they walk past traditional buildings and a decorative statue. Their winter clothes and the cheerful atmosphere convey a feeling of cosiness and joy.

Bernese Treasures

The picture shows the lively and warm atmosphere of the Kornhauskeller in Bern, where guests come together to enjoy their meal in a historically decorated hall with impressive frescoes and warm lighting.

The most beautiful vaulted cellars in Bern

It's raining particularly strong and you really don't feel like going out? Make sure to scroll through our online shop - you'll find everything your Bern heart desires, from cosy socks and “Bärndütsch” games to an Aarebag for warmer days (dreaming is allowed, after all).

Wellness and Spa

Whether in the heart of Bern and very luxurious, down-to-earth and surrounded by greenery in the Naturpark Gantrisch or charming and cosy in a country inn in the Emmental - we love wellness.

Wellness and Spa

According to the bank Zürcher Kantonalbank, Bern is the most tranquil of Switzerland’s larger cities. We are celebrating Bern’s laid-back way of life by starting into the new year with indulgent relaxation. And when it comes to spa experiences, you’ll be spoiled for choice: whether a traditional oriental bath ritual in the hammam, Switzerland’s largest natural saltwater bath in Schönbühl, or an action-packed day in the Bernaqua Water Park – Bern has everything you could wish for and more.

Find your wellness oasis

In a warm, wood-panelled wellness area, a person relaxes on a lounger, their eyes closed, their expression peaceful. Gentle daylight shines in through the large window, offering a view of the relaxing atmosphere of the sauna in the background.

Gastronomy

Bern is a region for connoisseurs - whether it's brunching in a cosy Old Town café, indulging in traditional Swiss cuisine in a rustic pub or discovering vegan culinary delights in sustainable restaurants: We show you what we have to offer when it comes to culinary delights.