Bern’s medieval Old Town deserves a proper introduction, and guided tours here are worth every franc. The standout options get straight to the heart of this UNESCO site.
The private 2-hour Old Town walk is terrific – you’ll get undivided attention while exploring the cobbled streets and learning about the city’s bear-themed history.
For budget travelers, the group walking tours are excellent, covering all the must-sees: the towering Cathedral, the mesmerizing Zytglogge (medieval clock tower), and the stately Parliament Building.
I especially love the local expert tours – they share those fascinating little details you’d otherwise miss, like the meaning behind the fountains and the old town’s hidden courtyards.
Let’s look at the best tour choices for exploring Switzerland’s capital.
Key Points
- For a personalized 2-hour tour of Bern’s landmarks, the Private Exclusive History Tour offers excellent value at CZK 20,316 per group.
- The Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour provides a 2-hour wheelchair-accessible exploration of the city’s UNESCO-protected Old Town for $166.24 per person.
- The Bern Old Town – Private Historic Walking Tour is a 2-hour walking tour that features key historical sites like the Bern Cathedral and Zytglogge Clock Tower for $525.98 for up to 20 participants.
- Across the three tours, languages offered include English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, catering to a wide range of international visitors.
- With 5/5 and 3/5 ratings, the tours provide personalized experiences and insights into Bern’s rich history and landmarks.
Bern: Private Exclusive History Tour With a Local Expert
Exploring Bern’s rich history with a private exclusive tour led by a local expert provides an opportunity to explore the city’s captivating past.
This 2-hour tour, catering to groups of up to 8 participants, offers an intimate and personalized experience. Priced at CZK 20,316 per group, the tour is available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, ensuring accessibility for international travelers.
Highlights include discovering landmarks like the Parliament Building, Zytglogge, and the Cathedral of Bern, while learning about the city’s evolution from a medieval settlement to the capital of Switzerland.
The local guide, tailoring the experience to your group’s interests, provides curated recommendations for further exploration. With a convenient meeting point at the main entrance of the UBS bank, the tour encourages comfortable exploration, requiring only appropriate footwear and a charged smartphone.
Backed by a 5/5 rating based on a single review, this private history tour offers an excellent value for a personalized experience in Bern.
Read our full review: Bern: Private Exclusive History Tour With a Local Expert Review
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Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour
This 2-hour private tour offers an immersive exploration of Bern’s UNESCO-protected Old Town, allowing you to uncover the city’s captivating historical narrative.
Led by a local expert, you’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Zytglogge Clock Tower, Bern Minster Cathedral, and the Parliament Building, each offering a glimpse into Bern’s evolution from the 12th to 18th centuries.
The tour also includes a stop at the scenic Bärenpark and the picturesque Rose Garden, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.
Priced at $166.24 per person, the tour is accessible to wheelchair users and features flexible travel plans with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With pickup from your hotel or residence, this private tour is an excellent way to explore Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and learn about the city’s rich history and authentic Swiss culture.
Read our full review: Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour Review
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Bern Old Town – Private Historic Walking Tour
Begin your journey through Bern’s captivating Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this 2-hour private walking tour. Priced at $525.98 for up to 20 participants, you’ll explore the city’s significant landmarks with an English-speaking guide.
Admire the towering Bern Cathedral, standing at 100 meters tall, and marvel at the 13th-century Zytglogge Clock Tower and its intricate astronomical clock. Discover the historical Kornhaus, home to two restaurants and a library, and the 16th-century Chindlifresserbrunnen fountain.
You’ll also visit the Einstein House on Kramgasse street and the Neo-gothic Nydeggkirche. The tour starts at the Baroque-style Käfigturm, previously used for interrogating criminals, and takes you past the Bundeshaus, the seat of the Swiss government and parliament, before concluding at the Nydeggkirche.
Though the tour received a 3/5 rating based on one review, the friendly guide and the opportunity to explore Bern’s rich history make this a worthwhile experience.
Read our full review: Bern Old Town – Private Historic Walking Tour Review
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Recap
Bern’s historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site waiting to be explored. Whether you choose a private tour with a local expert or a self-guided historic walking tour, you’ll uncover the city’s rich past and gain a deeper appreciation for its well-preserved medieval architecture. With knowledgeable guides or at your own pace, you’ll be sure to have an enriching experience discovering Bern’s captivating history.