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Practical information

When do Bern’s shops close? What is the easiest way to get to Bern and its surroundings? Which numbers do I call in case of an emergency? Find the answers to these and other questions in our overview below.

Drei Personen stehen vor dem Bundeshaus in einer verschneiten Szene, lächelnd über ein Handy. Die Stimmung ist freundlich und ungezwungen, der Platz mit roten Stühlen und Schneeflocken verleiht dem Moment eine winterliche Lebendigkeit.

Your stay in Bern

Das Bild zeigt eine Person im Rollstuhl und eine stehende Person an einem Aufzug eines modernen Bahnhofs. Die Szene strahlt Inklusivität und Alltag aus, betont durch die kühle Architektur und das natürliche Tageslicht.

Getting here and getting around

On foot, by bicycle, by bus, by tram, by train – there are many ways to get from A to B in Bern.

Eine fröhliche Gruppe genießt heiße Getränke vor einer winterlichen Kulisse in einer verschneiten Stadt. Die Stimmung ist warm und gesellig, trotz der kühlen Temperaturen. Im Hintergrund leuchten Weihnachtsmärkte und prächtige Gebäude.

News

Find information about current top events and a wide range of activities to experience the Bernese way of life.

Accommodations in Bern

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Bern. A good night’s sleep in a comfy bed lets you enjoy your stay in a new city even more, so choose wisely! Luckily, there’s a perfect option for everyone.

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The picture shows a bright and modernly furnished hotel room. A large, comfortable bed takes centre stage, flanked by stylish furniture and plants. Natural light floods through the glass doors, which lead onto a balcony with a view of a cityscape. The atmosphere is inviting, calm and comfortable. The design is simple and elegant, creating a relaxing mood, perfect for rest and tranquillity.
© Swissotel Kursaal Bern Superior

Did you know? If you spend the night in Bern, you automatically receive a Bern Ticket which allows you to use public transport for free in the city of Bern – including the Gurten and Marzili funiculars and the Matte elevator!

Got questions? Get answers here.

The picture shows a modern tourist information centre. A member of staff is giving advice to a young woman while they look at a screen together. The atmosphere is professional and friendly, with a clear, structured space and informative posters in the background.
Tourist Information
The photo shows Gurten Park, nestled in lush greenery, with an elegant building at its centre. The mood is idyllic and tranquil, with a picturesque mountain backdrop that conveys an atmosphere of natural beauty and peace.
International Bern Welcome Desk
The picture shows a cheerful group of seven people, apparently colleagues, on a cobbled street in front of a historic building. They are laughing and radiating a relaxed, positive atmosphere, as if they were celebrating a pleasant collaboration or a special occasion.
Bern Convention Bureau

Answers to frequently asked questions

  • Currency exchange

    Currency can be exchanged at every bank and post office as well as at the SBB (Swiss railway) counter in Bern’s main station. Varying fees may apply.

  • Lockers

    There are lockers at the railway station where you can deposit your luggage. Prices vary depending on the size of the locker and the duration of use.

  • Free toilets

    Some restaurants and hotels let you use their toilets for free. Use the app “Nette Toilette” to see where they are located. There are pay toilets and showers at Bern railway station.

  • Wi-Fi

    Many hotels, restaurants and stores have free Wi-Fi. Bern main station also has free internet access for travellers: simply connect to the network “SBB-Free” to receive an hour of free browsing.

  • SIM cards

    SIM cards for the Swiss mobile phone network are sold in the shops of telecoms providers, at post office counters, in supermarkets and at kiosks (k kiosk).

  • Drinking water

    The water from the tap is clean drinking water which complies with the purity specifications for mineral water. The water from Bern’s fountains is also safe to drink. Exceptions are marked with a plaque reading “kein Trinkwasser”.

  • Electricity and power outlets

    In Switzerland, the alternating current is 230 volts with a Hertz frequency of 50. Switzerland uses type C (Europlug, 2-pin) and type J (3-pin) plugs. Please note: the type F plug (“Schuko plug”), which is very common in Europe, cannot be used without an adapter.

  • Alcohol and tobacco

    Smoking is prohibited in closed, public spaces. In the canton of Bern, the minimum required age for purchasing tobacco is 18. The age limit for beer and wine is 16, and 18 for liquor.

Experience Bern

Food and drinks

We are gourmet-friendly: from traditional Swiss cuisine to eateries for travellers on a budget to Gault Millau restaurants – Bern has got it all. Ready to explore Bern’s delicious side?

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Happy friends share a moment of enjoyment and laughter over a meal in the Swing Kitchen, surrounded by a cosy, green atmosphere.
© Swing Kitchen

Sights and monuments

There are plenty of sights waiting to be discovered in Bern, such as the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) – the centre of Swiss democracy –, the highest steeple in the country, the Rosengarten park (best view in town!), and the city’s bears Finn, Björk and Ursina, to name a few. Don’t forget to charge your mobile phone before you go sightseeing – you’ll want to snap a souvenir shot of these beautiful spots!

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The Federal Palace in Bern is shown in the soft light of dusk, while fountains dance on the square in front of it, creating an atmospheric, peaceful scene.
© Bern Welcome

Join one of our guided city tours to see Bern’s diversity from a different perspective.

Das Bild zeigt eine Gruppe von Menschen, die einen sonnigen Winterspaziergang mit einem Hund in einer atemberaubenden Berglandschaft unternehmen. Die Stimmung ist entspannt und fröhlich, geprägt von Naturverbundenheit und gemeinsamer Freude an der frischen Luft.

Bern through the seasons

Bern has so much to offer in every season. Ride along the ten e-bike highlight routes in spring, have a BBQ with your family on the banks of the River Aare in the summer, wander through the special exhibitions at Bern’s many museums in autumn, and discover the region’s Christmas markets or go snowshoeing in winter.

Maps available for download

  • City Map

    Discovering Bern means taking your time and celebrating the beautiful things in life. The City Map helps you find your way around town and provides lots of useful tips.

    Download PDF now

  • Excursion Map

    The Excursion Map offers a colourful selection of recommendations and inspiration so you’re perfectly equipped to explore the canton of Bern.

    Download PDF now

  • E-Bike Map

    Hop on the saddle and discover the ten highlight routes around Bern, Swiss federal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Download PDF now
Friends share a laugh in a snowy winter landscape, with the historic silhouette of Bern softly in the background.
© Bern Welcome

Living in Bern

Emergency numbers

Country code for Switzerland: +41

  • Police

    117

  • Firefighters

    118

  • Ambulance

    144

  • Tox Info (poisoning)

    145

  • Rescue helicopter (REGA)

    1414

  • European emergency number

    112

  • General information

    1811

  • Helpline for children and adolescents

    147

  • Helpline for adults

    143

Medical emergencies

Bank holidays in Bern

  • January 1st: New Year’s Day

  • January 2nd: St. Berchtold

  • Good Friday

  • Easter including Easter Monday

  • Ascension Day

  • Whit Monday

  • August 1st: national holiday

  • December 25th: Christmas Day

  • December 26th: Boxing Day

Bank holidays may differ depending on the canton.

Opening hours of Bern’s shops

The stores in the city of Bern generally have the following opening hours (variations are possible):

  • Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Thur. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., closed on Sundays

  • During Advent season, stores are open on a few select Sundays.

  • In Bern’s main station, there are over 80 shops that are open 365 days a year. They also have their own opening hours: on weekdays, most of them are open until 9:00 p.m., on weekends and bank holidays, until 8:00 p.m.

  • The cantonal regulations regarding opening hours can be found here.

By the way: In Switzerland, Sundays are protected by several laws. Which is why such things as mowing the lawn, using the washing machine in a residential building or dumping bottles in recycling containers, among others, is not permitted on Sundays.

Useful websites

Das Bild zeigt eine Gruppe von Menschen, einige in Rollstühlen, die gemeinsam an einem langen Tisch in einem eleganten Restaurant sitzen. Sie lachen und unterhalten sich, während sie ihr Essen genießen. Die Atmosphäre ist warm, gesellig und inklusiv, geprägt von Freundschaft und Freude am gemeinsamen Moment.

Discover Bern without barriers

Barrier-Free Bern