Bern Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Founded in the 12th century on a hill surrounded by the Aare River, the city features 6 kilometers of covered arcades (Lauben), 16th-century fountains, sandstone buildings, and cellar shops. The perfectly preserved medieval layout and architecture make it a living museum of urban planning.
Free to explore. Museums and towers have separate fees. UNESCO since 1983. 6 km of arcades
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is lively with festivals. The Christmas market in December is magical. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Bern main railway station (Bern Hauptbahnhof) is at the edge of Old Town — step out and you're there. Trams 3, 7, 8 stop at the station. The Old Town is compact, easy to explore on foot in a few hours.
Expect a beautifully preserved medieval city with distinctive sandstone buildings, covered arcades, and charming fountains at every turn. The atmosphere is elegant yet lively, with excellent shopping, cafes, and restaurants under the historic arcades. Views of the Alps on clear days.
Open 24/7, public area. Individual attractions have their own hours.
faq.subtitle Bern Old Town
Bern Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 because it is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval European urban planning, with its original layout largely unchanged since the 15th century and unique 6km of covered shopping arcades.
The Lauben are covered arcades running along both sides of the main streets in Bern Old Town, stretching for about 6 kilometers. They provide weather-protected shopping and walking, with shops at street level and unique cellar shops below.
Useful tips for visiting Bern Old Town
Want to climb up? Dome climb tickets best purchased separately. Interior is free but dome costs €10. Night illumination is magnificent. Florence's main square - heart of city.
Train: Santa Maria Novella - 10 min walk. Bus C1, C2 to Duomo. Tram T1 to Alamanni. Center is pedestrian - best on foot. Taxi from station: ~€10.
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