Bern: Highlights & Legends With Tasting

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, boasts a captivating Old Town that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can experience the city’s highlights and legends on a two-hour walking tour, which includes stops at iconic landmarks like the Zytglogge Glockenspiel and Bear Park. But the real draw? A tasty journey through Bern’s culinary scene, where travelers can indulge in local specialties and a sweet chocolate souvenir. With a small group size, this tour promises an intimate exploration of the city’s rich culture.

Good To Know

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bern’s Old Town, including a visit to the captivating Zytglogge Glockenspiel show.
• Tour the Federal Palace, the seat of the Swiss government, and observe the bears at the Bear Park.
• Enjoy scenic views from the Gurten, accessed via public transportation, and immerse in the culinary traditions of Swiss locals.
• Savor a tasting of local Swiss specialties, authentic Swiss coffee, and refreshing drinks, along with a chocolate souvenir.
• Experience a guided tour with a maximum group size of 10 participants, with public transportation provided and assistance available via WhatsApp.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is priced from $51.09 per person.

Group size is limited to 10 participants, with the tour conducted in English. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour also offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing visitors to book their spot without upfront payment.

Highlights include exploring Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, the iconic Zytglogge Glockenspiel, the Federal Palace, and the Bear Park.

Scenic views from Gurten are also included, accessed via public transportation with a BernTicket.

Itinerary Highlights

As the tour begins, participants explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bern’s "Altstadt" (Old Town), marveling at the well-preserved medieval architecture.

Next, they witness the captivating Zytglogge Glockenspiel, a famous clock tower with a delightful show.

Participants then visit the impressive Federal Palace, home to the Swiss government.

The tour continues to the Bear Park, where visitors can observe the city’s iconic resident bears.

Finally, the group ascends to the Gurten, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Bern.

Throughout, public transportation, including a funicular ride, connects the various highlights.

Food and Drink Tasting

After exploring the iconic landmarks of Bern’s Old Town, the tour shifts focus to a delightful tasting of local Swiss specialties.

Participants will sample authentic Swiss coffee, a refreshing drink, and tasty Swiss snacks.

The tour also includes a chocolate souvenir, allowing visitors to savor a quintessential Swiss treat.

This food and drink experience provides an immersive glimpse into the culinary traditions that are cherished by the Swiss locals.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to complement the sightseeing with a flavorful exploration of the country’s gastronomic delights.

Transportation Details

Public Transportation: A BernTicket is required for travel during the tour, allowing participants to conveniently utilize various modes of public transit.

The tour incorporates:

1. A 5-minute funicular ride to the summit of Gurten, offering scenic city views.

2. A 6-minute bus trip to reach the Bear Park.

3. A 13-minute tram journey to explore the historic Old Town.

4. A 5-minute train ride for a stop at the Federal Palace.

These seamless transportation options facilitate a comprehensive experience of Bern’s top attractions without the hassle of navigating the city independently.

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Meeting Point and Important Information

The meeting point for this tour is the underground area at Bern Train Station, located near the Restaurant Hans Im Glück and the Giant Head wall art.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the 2-hour walking tour. The tour guide is available via WhatsApp for any assistance.

The tour includes public transportation, so guests must have a valid BernTicket.

With a group size limited to 10 participants, this tour offers an intimate experience to explore Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, iconic landmarks, and scenic viewpoints, as well as taste local Swiss delicacies.

UNESCO World Heritage Site "Altstadt" Bern

As the tour begins, participants explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Altstadt, Bern’s remarkably preserved medieval Old Town.

This historic district features:

1. Charming cobblestone streets lined with arcaded buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

2. Ornate fountains, such as the famous Zähringer Fountain, adorned with intricate statues.

3. The iconic Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower with an elaborate astronomical clock mechanism.

4. Stunning views of the Aare River and the Swiss Alps in the distance.

The tour guide provides fascinating insights into Bern’s rich history and architectural treasures as the group navigates this picturesque UNESCO-protected Old Town.

Zytglogge Glockenspiel

One of the tour’s highlights is the Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower featuring an elaborate astronomical clock mechanism.

The iconic tower dates back to the 13th century and is known for its moving figures that perform a short show every hour.

Visitors can admire the tower’s ornate design and intricate clock, which tracks not only the time but also the phases of the moon and the position of the sun.

The Zytglogge is a beloved landmark that offers a glimpse into Bern’s rich history and serves as a central gathering point for locals and travelers alike.

Bear Park and Scenic Views From Gurten

After exploring the historic Zytglogge, the tour then leads visitors to the Bear Park, home to the official bears of the city of Bern.

Here, guests can observe the captivating Bernese brown bears in their natural habitat.

Guests can observe the captivating Bernese brown bears in their natural habitat at the Bear Park.

The tour then ascends to the scenic Gurten, a 858-meter-high mountain that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps.

The highlights include:

1. Observing the Bernese brown bears at the Bear Park

2. Taking a 5-minute funicular ride to the top of Gurten

3. Enjoying the sweeping vistas of Bern and the Swiss Alps

4. Gaining a deeper appreciation for Bern’s natural landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide a Local Bern Resident?

The tour guide’s background is not explicitly stated in the overview. However, the tour includes visiting local landmarks and tasting Swiss specialties, suggesting the guide likely has knowledge of Bern’s culture and history to provide an authentic experience.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour includes a chocolate souvenir, so participants can purchase a local Swiss chocolate to take home. The tour does not provide time for additional souvenir shopping during the 2-hour experience.

Is There a Bathroom Stop Included in the Itinerary?

The itinerary doesn’t specifically mention a bathroom stop, but there should be opportunities to use restrooms at the various locations visited, such as the Federal Palace and Gurten. Participants can ask the guide for assistance if needed.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the tour. The tour overview states it includes a visit to several iconic landmarks in Bern, providing ample opportunities for participants to capture images of the city’s historic architecture and scenic views.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. It includes activities and sights that would engage youngsters, such as the Zytglogge Glockenspiel and Bear Park. Parents should ensure children can keep up with the group and follow the guide’s instructions.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history and flavor of Bern with the "Bern: Highlights & Legends With Tasting" tour. Discover the UNESCO-protected Old Town, marvel at the Zytglogge Glockenspiel, and visit the iconic Bear Park. Savor local Swiss specialties and a sweet chocolate souvenir, all while exploring Bern’s rich cultural and culinary traditions in an intimate group setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: