Free self-guided walk · Bern

Old town arcades

A free self-guided walk in Bern, from the Federal Palace along the arcaded streets past the Zytglogge to the Bear Park and the Rose Garden.

Distance
2.2 km
Walking time
29 min
Allow
About 1.5 hours with stops
Stops
5

Open the route in Google MapsBern city guide

About this walk

This walk covers the heart of Bern on foot.

Watch the clock tower a few minutes before the hour.

  • Terrain: Mostly flat; steep to the Rose Garden.
  • Best time: Daytime.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Federal Palace

    Start at parliament.

  2. Zytglogge

    The clock tower.

  3. Einstein House

    On Kramgasse.

  4. Bern Minster

    The cathedral.

  5. Rose Garden

    Finish at the viewpoint.

Tips

  • Arcades keep you dry.
  • The Minster tower has views.
  • Swim in the Aare in summer.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.