We're traveling for three weeks May/June in Europe and one city is Bern. We arrive in Bern at 4:30 on a Friday and only staying two nights before heading to Lauterbrunnen. That gives us only one full day and maybe a few hours before we leave Sunday. Should we do a day trip to Murten or just spend the whole time in Bern? What's there to see and do in Bern? We're staying at Hotel Baren am Bundeplatz.
Posted by
Orinda, California, United States
362 posts
Hello Traci - I stayed 2 nights in Bern last October at the same hotel you selected. I do not know anything about Murten, but if you want to visit it on Saturday, I would suggest going in the morning. Bern is a beautiful walking town with the highlights being the clocks, the fountains, and the bears - all outdoors so you can enjoy them any time.
You will need to walk across the bridge to see the bears. We enjoyed talking to the guide as she knew the bears' habits and where they were in the enclosure. The garden behind the Munster has amazing views of the river and the lower gardens. I think we had a map of all the fountains, so we did a tour. Many are in the center of the main street. Beware of the trams!
We also discovered our favorite Swiss chocolate - Laderbach! They make amazing barks with caramelized nuts and dried fruits enrobed in white, milk, or dark chocolate.
Bern is a treasure, and I'm glad we did not miss it.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36701 posts
4:30 is pretty early in the morning. I'm not sure trains are running everywhere so early. Will you be driving all night from somewhere?
Once the sun gets up there is lots to do in and around Bern - what sort of things do you want to do? Where will you be coming in from?
Any kids? Any mobility issues?
Posted by
OP
US - Minneapolis, MN
41 posts
Nigel we arrive at 4:30 pm. No kids and no mobility issues.
Thank you Gail for your travel tips!
Posted by
Switzerland
418 posts
In addition to what Gail suggested I would add going up to the Rosengarten where you have great city/river views. And yes, the trams have the right of way, so watch out when crossing the streets in the city.
I would explore Bern Friday evening and Saturday, if by then you want to see something new head to Murten - walk along the walls and through the old town. Grab something to eat from Coop grocery store or get takeout and head to the lake. Great gelato at https://www.gelateriaemilia.ch right by the lake.
Sunday head to Lauterbrunnen. All shops in Bern will be closed and the city is extremely quiet until about noon, if the weather is good your time is better spent in the mountains at this point.