The best way to discover Bern’s historic core is through its excellent selection of tours.
While you can explore independently with audio guides or reading materials, I especially love the expert-led walking tours through the medieval old town – they bring the UNESCO World Heritage site‘s stories and hidden corners to life.
For something different, the Segway tours are surprisingly fun and cover more ground, especially in the outer districts. The smartphone-based exploration games work well for families with teens.
Let’s examine the top tour options in Switzerland’s charming capital.
Key Points
- Self-guided audio tour offers high-quality commentary, flexibility, and reasonable pricing at £8.96 per person.
- Immersive city exploration game on smartphone provides an engaging and cost-effective experience at $9.32 per person.
- Segway tour covers prominent landmarks with customizable routes led by knowledgeable guides at $201.87 per person.
- Guided walking tour explores UNESCO World Heritage sites and Bern Cathedral tower at €282.10 per group.
- Self-guided reading tour highlights key attractions like the Federal Palace and Bern Cathedral at $5.64 per person.
Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Bern
This self-guided tour offers travelers a unique way to explore Bern’s historic city center at their own pace. The tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs just $5.64 per person, making it an affordable and flexible option.
Participants can explore key attractions like the Federal Palace, Bern Cathedral, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, as well as discover hidden gems such as the city’s many ornate fountains and guild house decorations.
The tour provides a high-quality reading guide in English and Russian, with clear route explanations, photos, and detailed directions. Travelers can engage with captivating stories about Bern’s former inhabitants as they visit historical sites like the Church of St. Peter and Paul and the Nydegg Church.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, this self-guided experience allows visitors to enjoy the city’s rich history and architecture at their own convenience.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Bern Review
Book now: Check availability
Self-Guided Audio City Tour in Bern
For travelers seeking a flexible and captivating way to explore Bern’s historic city center, the Self-Guided Audio City Tour provides an immersive experience at an affordable price. Priced from £8.96 per person, this self-guided tour allows visitors to discover the city at their own pace, spending 2-3 hours visiting key sights like the Federal Palace, Bern Cathedral, and Bear Park.
The high-quality audio guide in English, accompanied by photos and detailed directions, brings Bern’s history to life through captivating stories about the city’s former inhabitants. Travelers can explore artistic wonders, such as the unique fountains and guild house decorations, as well as historical buildings like the Church of St. Peter and Paul and Nydegg Church.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a 365-day validity period, the Self-Guided Audio City Tour offers flexibility and convenience.
Requiring only a charged smartphone, internet access, and headphones, this tour is an accessible and engaging way to uncover the charms of Bern.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Audio City Tour in Bern Review
Book now: Check availability
Bern: City Exploration Game and Tour on Your Phone
Bern’s city center comes alive through an immersive exploration game accessible on your smartphone.
This self-guided tour allows you to discover the historic old town at your own pace, with the guidance of a virtual tour guide. The game takes you on a journey through Bern’s winding streets, leading you to iconic landmarks and hidden gems while challenging you to solve location-based puzzles along the way.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27 reviews, this 3-hour experience is perfect for independent travelers who want to enjoy the city’s rich history and culture.
The tour can be completed in one go or split into multiple sessions, giving you the flexibility to explore at your leisure.
With an affordable price tag of $9.32 per person, this unique activity offers an engaging and cost-effective way to uncover the highlights of Bern’s old town through the lens of an interactive game.
Read our full review: Bern: City Exploration Game and Tour on Your Phone Review
Book now: Check availability
Bern: 3-Hour Segway City Tour
Traversing the captivating city of Bern on a Segway provides an immersive and efficient way to experience its rich history and iconic landmarks.
This 3-hour private tour, priced at $201.87 per person, allows visitors to explore the city’s Mattequartier, Rose Garden, and historic old town, including the Federal Palace of Switzerland. The customizable route ensures participants can focus on areas of particular interest.
Led by knowledgeable guides fluent in German, French, and English, the tour accommodates groups of 6 to 30 people. Participants will receive the latest Segway model, safety equipment, and thorough training before setting off to discover Bern’s beautiful squares and major attractions.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this Segway experience provides a convenient and flexible way to take in the charms of this Swiss city.
Read our full review: Bern: 3-Hour Segway City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Bern Old City Walking Tour
Exploring Bern’s enchanting Old City on foot provides an immersive experience for visitors to uncover the city’s rich history and architectural gems.
The Bern Old City Walking Tour offers a two-hour guided journey, priced at €282.10 per group of up to three participants. Conducted in multiple languages, the tour allows visitors to discover UNESCO World Heritage monuments, climb Bern Cathedral’s tower for panoramic views, and explore notable landmarks like Heiliggeistkirche, Spitalgasse, and Zytglogge.
The knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, earning an overall rating of 4.3/5 from previous participants. While some feedback suggests a desire for more focus on art, culture, and history, the tour generally offers good value for money and excellent service.
Travelers can reserve their spot without immediate payment, and the tour includes complimentary pickup from centrally located hotels in Bern.
With the option to visit the Einstein House Museum and end the tour at the picturesque Rosengarten, this walking tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the captivating Old City of Bern.
Read our full review: Bern Old City Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Bern offers a variety of city tour options to suit different preferences. Whether you choose a self-guided walking or audio tour, a guided Segway tour, or a city exploration game, you’ll discover the charming old town and learn about Bern’s rich history. With these diverse tour choices, you can tailor your sightseeing experience to your interests and explore the city at your own pace.