Why visit
Bern is Switzerland's federal capital, a curved old town wrapped by the Aare River, with arcades, fountains, clock towers, and Alpine views on clear days.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Bern is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Switzerland. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Bern, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Switzerland better matches the trip style.
Bern at a glance
City population
135k
Metro: 410k
Elevation
542 m
1,778 ft
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 DST)
Europe/Zurich
Airport
BRN
Bern (regional, BSL/ZRH more common)
Founded
1191
Getting around
Trams + buses; compact, walkable UNESCO old town
Signature dish
Berner Platte, rösti, Zibelechueche, Meringue with double cream
Neighborhoods for travelers
Old Town (UNESCO)MatteBreitenrain
Switzerland at a glance
Country center
47.0°, 8.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
41,284 km²
15,940 mi²
Country population
8.9 million
215/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Swiss franc (Fr.)
CHF
Dial
+41
Languages
French, Swiss German, Italian
Demonym
Swiss
Internet
.ch
UN
Member state
ISO code
CH / CHE
Where in the world
47.0° - 8.0°
Switzerland
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Bern is Switzerland's de facto capital but isn't technically called one: the Swiss constitution avoids the word.
- The Old Town has 6 km of covered arcades (Lauben): the longest weather-protected shopping promenade in Europe.
- Einstein developed much of his theory of special relativity in a small apartment on Kramgasse in 1905. The flat is now a museum.
- Switzerland has enough nuclear fallout shelters for the entire population: by law.
- The CERN Large Hadron Collider crosses the Swiss-French border underground.
Bordering Switzerland
Traveler notes
- Bern old town is UNESCO-listed
- Zytglogge clock tower is the classic landmark
- The Aare River shapes the city's summer swimming culture
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Bern
What currency is used in Bern?
Bern uses the Swiss franc (Fr.), ISO code CHF.
What languages are spoken in Switzerland?
The primary languages are French, Swiss German and Italian.
What is the international calling code for Switzerland?
The calling code is +41.
When is the best time to visit Bern?
May–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Bern?
Bern (regional, BSL/ZRH more common) (IATA: BRN).
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