• Bern - The tour begins with a view of Bern’s historic old town and the city’s namesakes: the bears residing in the Bear Pit and Park (Bärengraben), located near the Nydeggbrücke and the River Aar. The Bärengraben is essential to Bern, as bears symbolize both the city and the surrounding canton.
  Next, the tour crosses the “Untertorbrücke,” the oldest access to Bern, through the “Matte.” Here, visitors will discover why this area is also known as the “Black Quarter.”
  The following stop is the Reformed Nydeggkirche (meaning “Lower corner”), situated where the city was founded in 1191. According to legend, Duke Berchthold of Zähringen named the city after the first animal he hunted: Bern, or Bear in old German. The original castle was destroyed in the 13th century and replaced by the Nydegg church.
  The tour then proceeds to Münsterplatz, the square in front of the Cathedral, part of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. From here, visitors can admire the Berner Münster (Cathedral of Bern), a Swiss Reformed cathedral (or minster) built in the Gothic style. Its tower, standing at 100.6 m (330 ft), is the tallest in Switzerland and is a Cultural Property of National Significance. It was constructed as a symbol of the city’s growing power, designed to impress both citizens and foreign visitors.
  The tour continues to the Zähringerbrunnen fountain, another significant monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 16th century to honor Bern’s founder, it features a statue of an armored bear with a bear cub at its feet.
  A short walk leads to one of the highlights: the Zytglogge clock tower. Constructed in the 13th century as a gate tower for the city’s western fortifications, it has served as a guard tower, prison, clock tower, center of urban life, and civic memorial over the centuries. It is one of Bern’s most iconic symbols, along with its 15th-century astronomical clock, which performs a small dance every hour. How often does one see an 800-year-old clock?
  The tour moves on to the intriguing Kindlifresserbrunnen, translating to “Child Eater Fountain” or “Ogre Fountain.” The statue depicts a seated ogre consuming a naked child, representing a folklore figure that frightens disobedient children. The tour then visits another fountain, Pfeiferbrunnen, created in 1545/46 by a Swiss Renaissance sculptor.
  No medieval town is complete without a Käfigturm. This medieval tower, built around 1259 as the main gate of the second city wall, was used as a prison. The current clock tower bell was added in 1643, and its unique history will be explained by the guide.
  The tour continues to Bärenplatz, or Bear Square, established in the 13th century. In the 16th century, the bear pit was relocated to its current position, and the northern section was transformed into a market square.
  Finally, the tour reaches the heart of Federal Square, where the Bundeshaus, or Federal Building, stands. This is the Swiss parliament and the seat of government. The façade features sculptures depicting the origins of the Swiss Confederation. The tour concludes with an explanation of modern Switzerland and how a country with multiple languages and cantons operates efficiently and with decentralization.
  The guide can also escort visitors back to the nearby main street for further exploration of Bern’s old town.

• Customizable tour with your local guide
• Exclusive private guided tour
• Dedicated local guide for your group

• Gratuities
• Entrance fees

Welcome to Switzerland’s capital! Join us for a journey through Bern’s medieval city center, featuring the country’s tallest cathedral, along with other historic churches, bridges, and a vast array of Renaissance fountains. Discover the 15th-century arcades and 16th-century fountains, which were beautifully restored in the 18th century while preserving their original charm. This picturesque and pristine city is pleasantly uncrowded. Our tour of the city of bears will lead you from the bear pit up the main street. With some luck, you might spot a bear family!

You will see:

• The Bärengraben (and BärenPark)
• Nydeggbrücke
• Nydeggkirche
• Münsterplatz
• Berner Münster (Cathedral of Bern)
• Zähringerbrunnen
• Zytglogge (Clocktower)
• Kindlifresserbrunnen
• Pfeiferbrunnen
• Käfigturm (Prison Tower)
• Bärenplatz
• Bundeshaus (Federal Palace)

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