Photo: Andreas Fischinger / Unsplash
About this guide
Bern's Old City, founded in the 12th century in a loop of the Aare, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Its arcades run for six kilometres. The Zytglogge's figure play starts five minutes before every full hour, Einstein rented the flat at Kramgasse 49 from 1903 to 1905, and the Minster's tower is the tallest in Switzerland.
Bern Welcome's barrier-free city route loops from the station through the arcades to the BearPark and back. The barrier-free Aare route takes the Marzili funicular down from the Bundesterrasse, follows the river to the Dählhölzli zoo and returns by the Matte lift to the Münsterplattform.
- Difficulty
Both routes are step-free. Swimming in the Aare is for experienced swimmers only.
- Season
Year-round.
- Getting there
Both routes start a few minutes from Bern station. Overnight guests get the Bern-Ticket: free public transport in zones 100/101, including the Marzili funicular and the Matte lift.
- Food & drink
Altes Tramdepot at the BearPark, the Schwellenmätteli on the Aare and the restaurant at the Dählhölzli zoo.
Map, routes and places
Trails
Route data checked: October 2026 ·
Places
Sights & viewpoints
Getting there & parking
Plan your trip
Funicular between the Bundesterrasse and the Marzili, on the Aare route; included in the Bern-Ticket.
Book guided experiences
Related guides
Sources (4) · last checked October 2026
Route data checked: October 2026