14 Festive Things to Do in Bern in Winter (+ Seasonal Tips!)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Bern in winter? This winter in Bern guide will help you plan your trip!

It truly is one of the best bases for exploring the Alps, but there is plenty to do in the city that doesn’t warrant an escape (the entire time).

Bern is such a fantastic base for trips to the mountains, including Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen (one of the best small towns in the country!).

This guide details what to expect when booking a winter trip to Bern, including temperatures, average snowfall, and more! And, to finish things off, I list the top Bern winter activities and where to stay on your trip!

Did I miss any of the best places to visit in Bern in winter? Let me know in the comments.

Winter Temperatures in Bern

Winter in Bern can be rather chilly. Here are some of the average temperatures for the months of November-March in Bern:

• Bern in November: highs of 8C (45F), lows of 1C (33F)
• Bern in December: highs of 4C (38F), lows of -2C (28F)
• Bern in January: highs of 3C (37F), lows of -3C (26F)
• Bern in February: highs of 5C (41F), lows of -3C (26F)
• Bern in March: highs of 10C (49F), lows of 1C (32F)

Does it snow in Bern?

When visiting Bern in the winter months, it’s not unlikely that you will see snow, especially if you visit during December. December is said to be the snowiest month of the year, with snowfall averaging around 3.8 inches.

You might also see some snow between late November and late February, and less frequently in March.

During my time in Bern, on the other hand, I was not gifted with any snow and it was early January! Every year brings a new set of surprises, I suppose…

Best Things to Do in Bern in Winter

1. Explore Bern’s Old Town

Visit Bern’s Old City, which was founded in 1191. Since 1983, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site and visiting is one of the top things to do in Bern.

The Old City of Bern is split into two sections: the lower section, or “the Old City,” is comprised of the region between the Matte neighborhood and the Clock Tower.

Between the Clock Tower and Bollwerk-Hirschengraben is the top portion of the Old City. During the stroll, visitors will be mesmerized by the distinctive sandstone buildings, charming alleys, and impressive monuments. One of them is the Zytglogge Clock Tower, which attracts people from all around the world.

Large crowds gather in front of the clock tower in Bern’s Old Town to observe the unique performance that usually occurs at the time the clock is about to strike the hour.

Nearby, you will find the Minster Terrace, which is renowned for its large chestnut trees and a cafe (as well as an elevator that can take you down closer to the river).

Bern’s old churchyard is a beloved gathering spot because of the spectacular view of the Aare River, the Alps, and the Matte neighborhood.

2. Go Ice Skating in Front of the Parliament Building

During winter time, the Swiss parliament converts into an ice skating utopia. The artificial ice rink with the unique backdrop of the parliament is a popular place to visit for locals and tourists. It is called Kunsteisbahn Bundesplatz.

Every year, thousands of people lace up their ice skates and practice their curves on the 600m2 illuminated rink. I preferred to watch as opposed to showing off my (lack of) skills.

Visitors can also visit the restaurant located on the rink to warm up their body. The cozy ice rink chalet restaurant has 150 seats and is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM (it opens at 10 AM on Saturday, however).

The restaurant serves ice skaters mulled wine and fondue. This year the artificial ice rink will return on December 14th, 2024. 

Free admission is offered. The location offers ice skating equipment for rent. Ice skate prices for adults are CHF 10.00 ($11.30), and for children aged 15 and under CHF 7.00 ($7.90). 

3. Catch a Show at the Bern Theatre 

Bern is regarded as a genuine bastion of culture because it is home to some of Switzerland’s best museums and galleries.

A culture enthusiast’s itinerary should undoubtedly include visiting the Stadttheater Bern on Kornhausplatz to see a ballet, play, opera, or performance by the Bern Symphony Orchestra.

Each season, Stadttheater Bern presents more than 300 opera, operetta, musical, theatre, ballet, and dance productions. The season is from September until July.

There are many world premieres and first performances in addition to the classics. The Bern Symphony Orchestra and the theater work together in opera and ballet.

The VIDMARhallen on the city’s outskirts, with its three stages, offers more playgrounds and creates the perfect environment for theater that moves with the times.

The theatrical education department provides introductions to plays and works, premiere lessons, youth theater clubs for children under twelve and under two, an annual theatre education dance project, and a dance club for children and young adults.

Address: im Stadttheater, Kornhauspl. 20, 3011 Bern

4. Visit the Famous Bern Cathedral

Visit the Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent, which is the most remarkable late-Gothic building in Bern and the largest and most important late-medieval church in Switzerland.

The wonderful view of the city and the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland may be enjoyed by this highest church tower in Switzerland. On your way down, you will see the heaviest and most important bells of Switzerland.

The largest religious structure in Switzerland is a three-aisled basilica without a transept that towers over the rooftops of the old town.

Beginning in 1421, construction on this masterwork continued through several generations of builders. Only in 1893 was the steeple finally finished.

The main doorway is a noteworthy feature since it houses the unique representation of the Last Judgment that has escaped the iconoclasm of the Reformation. The 100-meter-tall cathedral tower, the lookout point, is 344 steps above the entrance.

Address: Münsterpl. 1, 3000 Bern

5. Learn About Bern’s Astronomical Clock Tower

The Zytglogge is one of Bern’s most iconic sights, and it is situated right in the middle of all the city’s other well-known landmarks in the Old Town. The Clock Tower, which was formerly a city entrance, today draws tourists from all over the world.

A group of people gathers beneath the infamous “Zytglogge” clock each hour to observe the spectacle of the clock figures.

A cockatoo crows, the bear starts his rounds, and the joker takes the opportunity of proclaiming the hour four minutes before the strokes signaling the change of hour.

The initial city expansion’s boundary is defined by the clock tower, which stands in for the first western city gate between 1191 and 1256.

All of Bern’s development revolved around the clock because it served as the city’s central timepiece. Distances were calculated from this point and noted on stones along the cantonal highways.

If you’re curious to learn more about the famous clock tower, you can book a tour of Zytglogge!

Address: Bim Zytglogge 1, 3011 Bern

6. Sled or Ski on Gurten, Bern’s Local Mountain

At 858 meters (2815 feet) above sea level, there is a vastness of meadows offering views of the city of Bern, the vibrant Aare River, and the snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

And, you don’t even need to try your hands at driving in the Alps to get there – a funicular will do all the work for you!

From the top station to the intermediate station of the Gurten funicular, you can go sliding on the dark sled run. If you do not have a sled of your own, you can rent one at the top station.

Their sleds are made of wood and the price for a traditional wooden sled rental is CHF 5. The use of the sledding run is free of charge. 

You can also try your hands at skiing in Gurten. The smallest and most regional ski area in Bern can be found at the Gurten funicular.

The kids’ ski lift can be used if the mountain has adequate snow. The day pass price is CHF 5. The ski, pole, and boot rentals are also CHF 5. 

7. Shop at Bern’s Christmas Markets

Visit the Bernese Star Market for its 80 wooden huts and winter delicacies, hot drinks, and designs from ever-changing exhibitors.

The Swiss children’s village features a carousel and other attractions that delight kids. A charming Gstaad fondue chalet with 200 seats is also available.

It offers cheese delicacies from midday until late at night and welcomes you to enjoy a drink in the heated lounge with friends. Or, you can enjoy your day at Weusebgaysplatz Christmas Market, which is more than 20 years old.

A fence constructed of fir branches surrounds more than 50 festively decorated, uniquely built wooden houses and stands, which display a variety of goods.

Another spot to visit is the Bern Minster Christmas Market. The Christmas market is located on the Münsterplatz directly in front of the Bern Cathedral.

There you will find artisans that produce unique products. The market also spoils the visitors with culinary delights such as hamburgers, bratwurst, and chnobli bread. It is definitely the place to go eat!

8. See the Paul Klee Museum

The renowned Zentrum Paul Klee is home to the largest collection of Klee’s artwork anywhere in the world, and the center provides a variety of programs, chances for recreation, a lovely setting for events, and, most importantly, a vibrant cultural scene.

The undulating construction of Zentrum Paul Klee is the first thing you will notice upon arrival. The way the building curls up and then abruptly disappears into the grass is incredibly unique!

There are other signs with intriguing titles that you can find if you follow the walkways that circle the Zentrum Paul Klee. And around the structure, there are 18 different walkways with Klee’s works of art as their names.

One of the well-known Paul Klee works on display in this museum is “Ad Parnassum,” a masterwork that many see as the pinnacle of Klee’s pointillist movement.

The entry fee is CHF 20 for a standard ticket and CHF 7 for children 6-16. 

Address: Monument im Fruchtland 3, 3000 Bern

9. Step Into One of Bern’s Best Restaurants

Visiting Bern in winter means the fondue season has begun. It also means that you’ll find a few seasonal pop-ups, as well!

➡️ Head to Rooftop Igloo for hot pot cuisine, breathtaking city views, and a special wine, champagne, and cocktail menu. There are only 8 Igloos for 8 people so be sure to reserve ahead. They are open from November 6, 2024 to March 1, 2025.

➡️ Check out Marzilibrücke Restaurant for Fondue gondolas. You can warm up by stepping inside a heated gondola and ordering a delicious Swiss fondue! They have classic cheese ones, or black truffle which come with with bread, potatoes, pickles, and onions.

➡️ Spend the day at the Kimmeribodenbad Hotel, which offers a special atmosphere for a laid-back evening of fondue entertainment.

➡️ Enjoy Marbach Mountain Dairy’s unique fondue blend is served with potatoes, bread, pickled veggies, and a board of local dry meats.

➡️ Stop by ChäsChäuer for something more distinctive. They serve a classic fondue with some gin. The cheese blend is from the Chäsbueb ripening cellar, while the gin is straight from the Matte neighborhood. You will have the opportunity to see the distillery while on a tour and take part in a special introduction to the gin-making process.

10. Relax at the Hammam & Spa Oktogon

What was Bern’s first gasometer in the 19th century is now a tranquil bath and spa! The bathing practice is founded on the notion of gradually warming and washing your body, which aids in relaxation and detoxification.

Visitors at Hammam & Spa Oktogon can experience a variety of indulgent procedures, such as warm baths, Moroccan clay masks, hot herbal steam, and natural peelings. Asian accents like daybeds, silver bowls with elaborate designs, colorful couches, and lanterns complement the soothing ambiance.

When the body has been cleansed and detoxified, relax with a cup of tea and perhaps a small Asian treat in the café. Relax on one of the huge mats or daybeds in the Camekan, the hammam’s resting area, to finish the bathing routine.

Visitors do not need to bring anything to the hammam since the amenities are provided. 

Address: Weihergasse 3, 3005 Bern

11. Enjoy the Views at Rosengarten

For those who enjoy flowers, the Rose Garden is a paradise and a wonderful location to relax. It has a fantastic view of Bern and a restaurant in a prime location.

A beautiful perspective of the Old Town and the Aare Loop can be seen from Bern’s Rosengarten!

The park is home to 28 distinct species of rhododendrons, 200 different types of irises, and 220 different types of roses.

While the Rose Garden served as a cemetery from 1765 to 1877, it is now also a public park with a pond and abundant floral beauty (since 1913).

There is a reading garden and a gazebo where you can unwind and the garden’s restaurant is a fantastic spot to pass the time and have a view of the Old Town’s rows of residences.

Address: Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, 3006 Bern

12. Check Out Local Art at Bern’s Museum of Fine Arts

The oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection is the Museum of Fine Arts in Bern.

The collection is constantly expanding and evolving and currently includes over 4,000 paintings and sculptures in addition to 50,000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos, and films. It also includes works from the Gothic-era to the present.

The permanent collection includes pieces by renowned artists from the Surrealist, Impressionist, Expressionist, Cubist, and “Der Blaue Reiter” movements as well as Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh.

Key works of this period are paintings by Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso. Contemporary art and works from the twenty-first century complete the remarkable collection. 

This is definitely a spot to hit up if the weather decides to not cooperate with your plans one day!

Address: Hodlerstrasse 8, 3011 Bern

13. Celebrate Carnival in Bern

The traditional “Gugge Party” is held to properly commemorate the beginning of Bern’s carnival, which is being held from March 6-8, 2025 this season. It is called Fasnacht in German.

Each year has a different theme and will go for 6 km throughout the Bern Old Town and beyond. This is Switzerland’s third-largest carnival celebration and a must if you’re visiting during the winter and your trip coincides with the festival’s dates!

14. Visit the Bern Historical Museum (and Einstein Museum)

Switzerland’s second-largest history museum is located in Bern.

The Bern Historical Museum houses exhibits from prehistoric periods to the present that connect to Bern’s history, as well as permanent displays of artifacts from Asia, Oceania, America, and Egypt.

The Muri statuette group, a collection of six Gallo-Roman bronze statues, is one of the collection’s most impressive pieces.

In addition, the Einstein Museum, a component of the Bern Historical Museum, contains a chronicle of the physicist’s life on a surface area of about 1000m2.

The biographies of the genius and his ground-breaking discoveries are depicted in almost 550 actual objects and replicas, 70 videos, and several animations, all of which also serve to illustrate the history of his life and achievements.

Address: Helvetiapl. 5, 3005 Bern

Where to Stay in Bern

If you are looking for a great place to stay in Bern, these are some of our top picks!

• Swissôtel Kursaal Bern (offers Old Town views and has a casino)
• Stay KooooK Bern City (2-minute walk from Barenplatz Square)
• Hostel 77 Bern (budget option with a terrace)

Did I miss any of the best things to do in Bern in winter? Let me know your winter in Bern tips in the comments!

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