Bern tours and excursions

Bern tours

Bike tours

If you want to explore Bern at your own pace, rent a bike from one of Bern’s many bike stations. Rent A Bike provides information on all bike rental stations across Bern as well as available bike tours.

Telephone: +41 925 1170
Scenic helicopter tours

If you fancy flying over the rooftops of Bern's Old Town, book a helicopter flight. Alternatively, you can whizz over the Emmental region or the scenic Bernese Oberland. There are a number of recommended operators, including Mountainflyers and Swiss Helicopter AG.

Telephone: +41 31 819 6030; +41 338 289 000.
Walking tours

The tourist office and its guides offer a variety of tours. Guided walking tours through the Old Town are available every Saturday from November to March and daily from April to October. They include all the tourist sights as well as lesser-known jewels throughout the city's UNESCO World Heritage site. There are also daily guided tours of Bern's famous clock tower throughout the summer season (April-October). They give a fascinating insight into 16th-century technology and are highly recommended. Group tours are available upon request and include a bus tour of the city. An iPod audio guide is also available. For more information, contact the Tourist Information Centre, Bahnhofplatz 10A, at the railway station.

Telephone: + 41 31 328 1212

Excursions from Bern

Brienz-Rothorn Railway

Ride Switzerland's only steam cog railway up to the 2,350m (7,710ft) summit of Brienz Rothorn. The track winds through pretty meadows, gardens and forests on its alpine ascent. The service usually operates between mid-May and mid-October. There are six hiking trails at the summit suitable for keen walkers, as well as a restaurant with panoramic views.

Telephone: +41 33 952 2222
Emmentaler Show Dairy

The Emmentaler Show Dairy in Affoltern is a modern cheese-manufacturing plant, restaurant and cheese shop, with various events and exhibitions. You can also learn about old cheese-making techniques here. For instance, in the 18th-century cowherd's cottage, cheese is made in a cauldron over an open fire. It’s around 45 minutes’ drive from Bern via the A1.

Telephone: +41 34 435 1611
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.