After you’ve experienced all the charming things to do in Bern, from wandering through its historic old town to visiting the famous Bear Park, day trips from Bern open up a world of Swiss adventures. These excursions offer a chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of Switzerland beyond its capital.
Venturing outside Bern, you’ll find a wealth of things to do in Switzerland, from the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps to the serene waters of Lake Thun. Each journey offers a glimpse into the diverse natural beauty and historical depth of the country, enhancing your Swiss experience.
Deciding where to stay in Bern is crucial for travelers who wish to easily explore the city’s attractions and enjoy convenient access to surrounding destinations. The right accommodation ensures a comfortable base from which to embark on your day trips, making every moment of your stay memorable.
Discover Best Day Trips from Bern, Switzerland
1. Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne, known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its famous landmarks include the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower, along with the historic old town.
Distance: Approximately 110 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, historic old town
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Swiss Transport Museum: $15
- Chapel Bridge: Free
- Lucerne Lake Cruise: $25
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lake Lucerne, Lion Monument, Musegg Wall
Travel Tip: Visit the Swiss Transport Museum for a unique look at the history of Swiss transportation, including trains, planes, and automobiles.
2. Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and known for its adventure sports and breathtaking scenery. It serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region, offering activities like hiking, paragliding, and skiing.
Distance: Approximately 60 km
Travel Time: About 50 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Adventure sports, scenic views, gateway to Jungfrau region
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Lake Thun or Lake Brienz Boat Trip: $20
- Harder Kulm Funicular: $38
- Paragliding: $150
Budget: Approximately $70-$150 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Harder Kulm, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz
Travel Tip: Take a scenic boat trip on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz for stunning views of the surrounding Alps.
3. Gruyères, Switzerland
Gruyères is a charming medieval town famous for its production of the eponymous cheese. The town features a picturesque castle and the HR Giger Museum, dedicated to the Swiss artist known for his work on “Alien.”
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Gruyères Castle, HR Giger Museum, cheese tasting
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Gruyères Castle: $12
- HR Giger Museum: $15
- Cheese Factory Tour: $10
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Medieval town streets, Gruyères Castle, Moléson mountain
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the chance to sample traditional fondue or visit a local cheese factory to see how Gruyère cheese is made.
4. Thun, Switzerland
Thun, situated on the shores of Lake Thun, boasts a historic old town, a beautiful castle with panoramic views, and a vibrant cultural scene. Its lakefront area is ideal for leisurely strolls and dining.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Thun Castle, Lake Thun, historic old town
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
**Entrance Fees:
- Thun Castle: $10
- Lake Thun Cruise: $20
- Panoramic Views: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Thun Castle, Lake Thun promenade, Schadau Park
Travel Tip: Explore the Thun Castle and its museum, which offers insight into the region’s history and culture.
5. Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Switzerland
Zermatt, a mountain resort renowned for skiing, mountaineering, and hiking, lies below the iconic Matterhorn peak. This car-free village is known for its charming streets and stunning alpine views.
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Matterhorn, skiing, hiking
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: $50
- Gornergrat Railway: $45
- Zermatt Village: Free
Budget: Approximately $80-$150 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Matterhorn, Gornergrat, Zermatt village
Travel Tip: Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe, for spectacular views and year-round skiing.
6. Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne, set on the shores of Lake Geneva, is known for its Olympic Museum, as it’s the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. The city also features a beautiful old town and vibrant cultural scene.
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Olympic Museum, old town, Lake Geneva
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Olympic Museum: $18
- Lausanne Cathedral: Free
- Lake Geneva Cruise: $25
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lake Geneva, Ouchy Promenade, Sauvabelin Tower
Travel Tip: Stroll along the Ouchy promenade by the lake and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding Alps.
7. Basel, Switzerland
Basel, located at the meeting point of France, Germany, and Switzerland, is rich in culture and history. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful old town, and the annual Art Basel fair.
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Kunstmuseum, Basel Zoo, old town
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Kunstmuseum: $20
- Basel Zoo: $25
- Old Town: Free
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Rhine River, Basel Minster, Tinguely Fountain
Travel Tip: Explore the many museums in Basel, including the Fondation Beyeler and the Kunstmuseum, which is Switzerland’s largest art museum.
8. Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Neuchâtel offers a mix of French and Swiss culture, set by the picturesque Lake Neuchâtel. The town features an impressive castle and gothic church, with a charming old town perfect for exploring.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 36 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Neuchâtel Castle, gothic church, Lake Neuchâtel
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Neuchâtel Castle: $8
- Laténium Museum: $10
- Lake Promenade: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lake Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel Castle, Port de Neuchâtel
Travel Tip: Take a leisurely walk along the lake and enjoy the views, or visit the Laténium, a museum showcasing the region’s archaeological treasures.
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Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/bern-l52?activity_type=dayTrip
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