Half-Day Trip to Bern from Lucerne

With its medieval streets, turquoise river views, and laid-back Swiss charm, Bern is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Lucerne.

Why Add Bern to Your Switzerland Itinerary

• Most outings in Switzerland centre around scenic locales, mountainous peaks, lakes, cruises and so on. So, a visit to the old town of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, can add another interesting dimension to your trip.

• It's a fun outing for kids, too, since the symbol of Bern is the Bear, and there is a small bear park right in the city centre. One also gets stunning views of the River Aare.

  
  

• Bern offers a very relaxed atmosphere compared to other Swiss cities, so one can unwind here after a long vacation.

  
  

• Bern is an easy train connection from Lucerne; it takes only 1.5 hours to reach. So, one can easily plan a half-day trip to Bern from Lucerne. We also planned it as a half-day trip after visiting the Transport Museum in Lucerne.

  
  

• The Aare River runs through the city, and you can walk along the river. But with kids, this was tough, so we boarded a tram.

  Trams connect one end of the city to the other. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, then this travel is included in the ticket. Trams go over bridges, around scenic spots along the Aare River, and to the Old Town, too.

  
  

Things To Do in Bern on a Half-Day Trip from Lucerne

Zytglogge Clock Tower

The clock tower stands tall at 54 meters right in the centre of the Old Town.

There are hordes of tourists thronging the area to hear the clock tower strike its signature hour. Kids and adults alike stand enraptured by this performance. There was a concert going on when we were visiting, lending a very lively air.

There is a conducted tour inside the clock tower that involves climbing 130 steps. We gave that a miss. But if you can, then I believe the steps take you to a high terrace from where one can see as far as the peaks of the Bernese Oberland on a clear day.

Bear Pit and Bear Park

This is one of the most unusual attractions that I've ever come across in any city. A bear pit with huge bears roaming around right in the heart of a bustling city. If you're travelling with kids, then do not let them miss out on this fun thing.

One can see bears from over a secure fence. It's within walking distance of the Old Town.

There is a bear park also nearby. Entry is free. There is a sculpture of a bear walking the tightrope in front of the entrance to the park, which is really beautiful.

Walk along the River Aare and Old Town

The old town offers ample walking arcades. I believe that Bern has the longest covered shopping promenade in all of Europe.

Along the river, you will also find rows of quaint houses with red roofs, lending a very medieval character to the city.

The beautiful olive green and gold coloured Parliament Building is also located in the Old Town.

To sum up, a day trip to Bern will give you a rare insight into the culture of Switzerland and its medieval past. Your kids will be thrilled with the Clock Tower and the Bear Pit. So, well worth a visit!