Bern City Walking Tour The City Behind The City

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 3 more

Hi, I’m Natacha—Swiss, Italian, Armenian, and this is my signature walking tour through Bern’s Old Town.
I still remember the first time I guided in a church in Ravenna in 1995. Those shining mosaics felt like vivid witnesses of their time, speaking from the past.
I then achieved 3 MAs and a PhD in Medieval Art History and Archaeology in Geneva, Rome, Poitiers, and Lausanne. While doing research and teaching I kept working as a guide, until, over time, it became my main job.
Today, I am one of the few PhD-level guides in Switzerland. I love my job. I enjoy revealing the "real essence” that monuments have never stopped “whispering” to me.
With this insider knowledge of medieval sites and museums, I create immersive experiences for culture lovers, focusing on architecture, social life, and urban identity.
It will be my pleasure to show you Bern’s highlights and hidden gems in a clear, engaging way and to adapt the tour to your interests or timing.
I guarantee you a memorable experience!

What's Included

Admission fee
Public transportation
Coffee and/or Tea

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Church of the Holy Spirit

MEETING POINT: Entrance of the Church of the Holy Spirit, located on the left side of the square when facing the train station. We will then travel together by public transport to the Bear Pit. ALTERNATIVE OPTION: If you prefer, you may join directly at the Bear Pit — just let me know in advance.

End point
Parliament Building

Parliament's Terrasse, behind Federal Square, river side.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    BearPark

    Legend and history around the city foundation and topography of old Bern

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Nydegg Church (Nydeggkirche)

    Built on the former castle of the city founder: archaeological reconstruction and architectural presentation

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Entrance to the peninsula: the medieval water system of Bern.

    3 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen

    The fountain of Justice: history and meaning of one the important allegoric figures of Bern.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Discover the heart of medieval Bern: market, justice, city rituals.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    History and meaning of the late gothic City Hall of Bern and fountain of the knight Banneret on the same place.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Munsterplattform

    History of this medieval cementery and panoramic view on the river and the countryside.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Berner Munster

    Outer architecture and late gothic portals with Last Judgment.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Berner Munster

    Inside tour in the cathedral of Bern: history, architecture and XVth century stained glasses in the apse.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10

    Back on main street, discover Einstein House and the famous Zähringer Fountain, main allegoric figure of Bern.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Clock Tower - Zytglogge

    Discover the mechanical functioning of the clock and the history of the oldest tower and city gate of Bern and enjoy the charming figure show on the hour o’clock.

    25 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 12

    Explore the French-Church, a real hidden gem in Bern and oldest church in town (first gothic): architecture, history and inside tour to the famous frescoes on the choir screen.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 13

    Discover an interesting fountain of Bern on the way to the Prison Tower.

    2 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Kafigturm

    Discover the geological, archaeological and historical layers of this very important place of the old city of Bern.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Parliament Building

    Appreciate the architecture of the Parliament Building, and learn about the politics and social profile of Switzerland.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Bundesterrasse

    Modern history of Bern, view on the Alps and end of tour.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Switzerland City Tours

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Archaeology Tours
Culture
Public Transportation Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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