10/28/25
Timeless Bern by the river
Discover a capital where calm, culture and everyday beauty flow together by the Aare.
Bern feels less like a capital and more like a living postcard. Built on a bend of the turquoise Aare river, its UNESCO-listed old town is full of arcades, fountains, and clock towers that quietly tell the story of Switzerland’s past. The rhythm is slow here — and that’s what makes it special.
Start at the Zytglogge, the 15th-century clock tower where locals still pause to watch the hourly show. Then follow the sandstone arcades to discover small boutiques, second-hand bookstores, and family-run chocolate shops. On rainy days, the arcades keep you dry — a detail Bernese people love to point out with a smile.
In summer, the city comes alive along the river. Locals change into swimsuits after work and float down the Aare — a tradition that defines Bern’s relaxed spirit. You can rent a dry bag at Eichholz or Marzili, jump in, and let the current carry you past Parliament and bridges, surrounded by laughter and sunlight.
Food lovers shouldn’t miss the Rosengarten café for the best view of the old town, or the farmers’ market at Bundesplatz on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. For something truly local, try the “Berner Platte” — a hearty dish of meats and sauerkraut that’s perfect after a swim or a winter walk.
At night, Bern glows softly under warm streetlights. Students gather near the Matte quarter for drinks by the river, while others head to Dampfzentrale — an arts venue inside an old power station that now hosts concerts, theater, and contemporary dance.
Bern isn’t a city that changes fast — and that’s its strength. It invites you to slow down, breathe, and notice the small things: the smell of roasted coffee near the arcades, the reflection of the moon on the Aare, the calm smile of people who truly enjoy where they live.