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If you ever dreamed of living a Christmas story, Bern at Christmas, the capital of Switzerland, is your ideal destination.

In this city, World Heritage Site by UNESCO, history and Christmas spirit intertwine in an experience that will leave you speechless. 

With its Christmas markets, an ice rink in front of Parliament and activities for all ages, Bern at Christmas becomes an unforgettable place for both children and adults.

In this post, I tell you about my family experience visiting the city's most iconic markets, skating under the Christmas lights and exploring unique corners that you can only enjoy during this magical time.

Travelling to Bern at Christmas was like stepping into an Alpine fairy tale, but with the advantage that the main characters were neither princesses nor ogres, but us: a family of four in the middle of a Christmas exploration of a dreamlike snowy Switzerland.

But let's start at the beginning: What is it about Bern that captivates you in winter and at Christmas?

Our route through Switzerland at Christmas: video summary

Our plan? A one-week route, 10 days in total with the round trip, through the Switzerland's most charming Christmas spots: First, the Swiss capital, Bern at Christmas with its various Christmas markets (and the smell of cheese). Then we visited the postcard views of Interlaken and from there, as a base, the various family ski slopes of the Jungfrau Ski Region, such as Grindelwald and Mannlinchen. Next, we visited each other the imposing domain of Aletech Arena on the other side of the Jungfrau, where there are 3 villages that can only be accessed by cable car, which are like a fairy tale. And finally, we go to the cozy and family-friendly Crans-Montana. All this, combining fairytale places, trains and cable cars, and lots of family laughter.

In the links to each place that I indicated above, I will tell you about our detailed experience. Access the different posts to get all the information about our route. Also, watch the summary video of our route on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5szf71TG1S0

Why travel to Bern at Christmas?

If you have the image of Bern, Switzerland, as a quiet medieval town, get ready for a spectacular Christmas upgrade. The cobbled streets of the old town are decked out in bright lights, the arcaded buildings look like something out of a postcard, and the smells of the Street markets —cinnamon, melting raclette cheese and mulled wine—seduce you at every turn.

 At this time of year, Bern is not only beautiful, it is welcoming, as if the city were giving you a warm hug. And if you are lucky like we were, you will see it all. covered by white gold from Switzerland. A blanket of snow makes Bern at Christmas the perfect fairy tale.

How to get to Bern

Bern is perfectly fine connected to the rest of Switzerland and Europe, so getting here is easy and comfortable. Here are the main options:

By plane

Although Bern has its own regional airport, most international travelers arrive via the airports of Zurich or Geneva, which offer fast and frequent train connections to the city. From both airports, the journey takes less than 2 hours. From Milan it could also be an option.

Before buying the flight, a tip to use This flight comparator which is the one that works best for us based on experience.

By train

The train is undoubtedly the most convenient way to get to Bern. The city is located at the heart of the Swiss railway network, and the main station, Bern main station, is located right in the city centre. From Zurich, the journey takes about 1 hour, while from Geneva it takes about 2 hours. If you are travelling from neighbouring countries, such as France or Germany, international trains also connect you directly to Bern.

SUPER TIP KUCAVANA!

To travel by public transport and save money, we recommend you buy the Swiss Travel Pass which will give you unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats throughout Switzerland. Plus, you'll have access to over 500 museums. Guaranteed huge savings compared to the cost of any journey.

By car

If you prefer to drive, Bern is accessible via the A1 motorway, which connects to all major Swiss cities. Please note that you will need to Special equipment for snow at Christmas y a vignette (mandatory sticker for driving on Swiss motorways, which is currently also online and does not require the physical one), which costs 40 CHF and is valid for one year. 

I recommend that you buy it online before you go and forget about having to wait in line at the border. Also be careful with websites, This is the official way to buy the Swiss e-vignette and not others where you will see that the prices are higher because they are intermediaries and they take a commission.

In addition, parking in the centre can be limited and expensive, so it is recommended to use park-and-ride car parks and travel by public transport.

If you have to rent a car, a tip is to do it here car rental comparator You will definitely save money thanks to our experience.

How to get around Bern

Once in Bern, you won't need a car thanks to its excellent public transport system. Bern ticket, that they give you Free when staying in a hotel or accommodation, includes unlimited travel on trams, buses and the Gurten funicular.

Where to stay in Bern at Christmas

In general, we recommend staying in one of the hotels in the old town of Bern, where you can walk everywhere and enjoy the warm and elegant atmosphere.

If you want to treat us as a couple, this is the best hotel you can stay in Bern, let us know how it is 🙂 :l Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, a historic 5-star hotel with good prices and in the centre, a real treat.

But if what you are looking for is something practical and familiar, to go with your family and children, bedinBERN Aparthotel It is one of the best, since children under 16 do not pay and it is super central and has a kitchen to save money and be more comfortable with children.

What to see in Bern at Christmas

In this section I will try to detail all those plans to see and do in Bern at Christmas, both Christmas markets and activities and visits that you can do in the capital city of Switzerland.

Berner Sternenmarkt: the most magical Christmas market in Bern

Located in the heart of the city, the Berner Sternenmarkt or Star Market is a true visual spectacle. This market is located just a few minutes from the centre and is ideal for the whole family.

What surprised me most was its setting: a illuminated christmas village with garlands, sparkling decorations and a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the cold of the Swiss winter. Children will have a great time in their dedicated area, while adults can enjoy a fondue in their impressive chalet.

Also, don't miss the local craft stalls, where you'll find everything from handmade Christmas decorations to delicious Swiss specialties like cinnamon biscuits and Glühwein (mulled wine).

 Weihnachtsmarkt Waisenhausplatz: tradition in its purest form

Just a few steps from the Sternenmarkt, the Weihnachtsmarkt Waisenhausplatz is the most traditional Christmas market in Bern. This place has a special charm that takes you back in time with its Wooden stalls decorated in a classic style.

Here you will find a great variety of handmade gifts: handmade candles, wooden toys and local products which are perfect for taking a little piece of Switzerland home with you. And if you love chocolate, don't miss the stands offering irresistible chocolates and bars.

What I liked most was the warmth of the vendors, always willing to explain the story behind their products. It is also the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a freshly prepared raclette while warming your hands next to a brazier.

Generationenhaus: a unique space for young and old with Christmas workshops

The Generationenhaus, located near the train station, is a place that combines cultural and festive activities. During the Christmas season, it organizes workshops that are ideal for families. We tried the candle-making workshop, and it was a hit with the kids!

In addition, this space has eInteractive exhibitions and Christmas events which change throughout the month of December. It is a perfect plan to take shelter from the cold while enjoying creative and educational activities.

The ice skating rink on Parliament Square

If you're travelling with children, this will undoubtedly be one of the most fun moments of your visit to Bern at Christmas. In front of the imposing Parliament building, there is an open-air skating rink that looks like something straight out of a Christmas postcard.

The entrance to the The rink is free, and skate rental costs CHF 10 for adults and CHF 7 for children.It opens every day from 11:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m., giving you the opportunity to enjoy this plan both during the day and under the Christmas lights.

My kids had a blast, and the location is simply spectacular: you skate while being surrounded by the majesty of the illuminated Bundeshaus (Parliament) and the festive hustle and bustle of the city.

Zytglogge: The iconic clock tower

The Zytglogge, or Clock Tower, is one of the Bern's most representative symbols, and at Christmas time it takes on a special magic. Built in the 13th century, this medieval tower not only marked the western entrance to the old town, but has also been a silent witness to centuries of Bernese history.

What makes it really special is its astronomical clock, Added in the 15th century, a marvel of engineering that still works like a Swiss precision mechanism. Every hour on the hour, you can enjoy its spectacle: animated figures parade by, including a crowing rooster, a jester and dancing bears, symbolising the tradition and character of Bern.

Watching this show is an experience that combines history, art and a touch of Christmas magic. My recommendation is to arrive a few minutes early, find a good spot in front of the tower and accompany the wait with a freshly baked pretzel. That crunchy salty bite combined with the magical atmosphere will make you feel part of the heartbeat of the city.

Gurten, Bern's Local Mountain

The Gurten is a perfect getaway if you are looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 4 kilometres from the centre of Bern, this “mountain” offers stunning views of the city, the Aare River and, on clear days, the majestic alpine panorama of the Bernese Oberland. It is ideal for families, as it has a playground and easy walking trails.

To get to Gurten, take the Gurtenbahn, a funicular train included in the Bern Ticket that you get for free when you stay in a hotel in the city. The ride takes just a few minutes and is in itself a fun experience for children. At the top you will find a panoramic restaurant, picnic areas and, in winter, even a snow slide if conditions permit. This place is a gem to unwind and enjoy the fresh air.

Dählhölzli Zoo

While the oyou are from BärenPark hibernate In winter, the zoo is open all year round and is home to numerous Nordic, native and exotic animals. It also includes a children's zoo. with farm animals, perfect for the little ones and free access.

Museum of Communication

 This museum is a unique experience that explores the evolution of human communication, from traditional mail to the digital age. The special exhibition “Dance!” invites visitors to discover the world of rhythm and music through interactive activities. Tickets cost CHF 12 for adults and CHF 6 for children, with discounts for families.

Paul Klee Centre and Creaviva

It houses the largest collection of works by Paul Klee, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. In addition, the centre offers creative workshops in the Creaviva museum, where children can paint, model and create. Admission costs CHF 16 for adults and is free for children under XNUMX.

Berna Historical Museum

 This museum combines history, archaeology and ethnography in exhibitions that fascinate all ages. The special exhibition “And then came bronze” highlights the revolution that this metal brought to human life. It offers workbooks and activities for children. The entrance fee is CHF 13 for adults and CHF 8 for children.

Bimano Indoor Playground

This park is a Paradise for the little ones, with a wide range of activities including a ball park, slides, a climbing wall and curious vehicles. Prices vary between CHF 8 and CHF 15 per child, depending on the length of the visit.

And if you want More indoor plans to combat the cold in Bern at Christmas I advise you to visit the following tourism website: The coolest indoor activities for families – Bern Welcome

Recommendations for eating in Bern at Christmas

Bern has many restaurants. However, apart from eating standing up at the Christmas markets, we recommend the following restaurants that we liked the most and that have a traditional Christmas atmosphere:

• Restaurant Moléson: Classic Swiss fondue and local specialties.
• Röstigraben Restaurant: Perfect for tasting typical dishes such as rösti.

8 Tips to make the most of Bern at Christmas

Here are 8 tips that I hope will be useful to you before traveling to Bern at Christmas.

• Plan your route: The markets are within walking distance of each other, so it's easy to visit them all in one day. They last until the end of the year, but there are some days when they are closed. Check the calendar on the Bern tourism website.
• If you can move by public transport and Parking cars in winter, with the snow and everything full of very expensive private parking lots is the best.
• Arrives early: Both the ice rink and the markets fill up in the afternoon. Make the most of the mornings to enjoy them more calmly.
• Try the crazy gastronomyl: From fondues and raclettes to traditional cakes like Zimtsterne, Bern is a food lover's paradise.
• Take away cash: Although many stalls accept cards, some prefer cash, especially the smaller ones.
• Wear warm clothing, but in layers. The streets are cold, but the premises are well heated.
• Please book accommodation in advance. Although Bern is not as touristy as Zurich or Geneva, at Christmas time everything fills up quickly.
• Buy the Swiss Travel Pass. It is comfortable and allows you to move around Switzerland without worrying about individual tickets. From Bern, we easily reached Interlaken, our next stop.
• Don't forget the camera. The city illuminated at night is spectacular.

Our personal opinion of Bern Switzerland at Christmas

The best thing about Bern at Christmas is that it is accessible and manageable, even with children. Everything is close by, you don't need a car (thanks to its excellent public transport), and the city is so friendly that even at the markets no one was upset when my children got too excited with the wooden toys from a little stall.

As for food, if you are looking for something typical, try the fondue. We enjoyed it in a restaurant overlooking the Aare River, and between laughter and more bread than I should admit, we ended up falling in love with the atmosphere.

Conclusion

Bern at Christmas is a gem that you shouldn't miss if you're planning a winter getaway to Switzerland. It's the perfect place to start or end a Christmas route through the country, with just the right dose of history, tradition and festive atmosphere. Our family experience was unforgettable, and I have no doubt that if you visit Bern, you'll also be captivated by its magic.

And now tell me! Would you like to include Bern in your next Christmas adventure? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments.