Bern

Orientation

Bern’s medieval core occupies a narrow hill wrapped on three sides by the Aare. The old town’s long, broad streets were laid out for trade; its deep, narrow plots and covered Lauben arcades still give the centre its distinctive rhythm. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for retaining its medieval urban structure while remaining a working city.

Start at Bundesplatz, outside the Federal Palace, then walk east through the old town towards the Zytglogge clock tower and Bern Minster. The centre is compact and best covered on foot.

The weekly market

The Tuesday and Saturday market is not confined to one square. Food, flower and plant stalls run across Bundesplatz and Bärenplatz and continue through Gurtengasse, Bundesgasse, Schauplatzgasse and Münstergasse.

• Bundesplatz and Bärenplatz: bread, cheese, meat, fruit, vegetables, flowers and seedlings.
• Münstergasse: the former meat-market street; expect a stronger concentration of butchers, alongside fish, cheese, baked goods, syrup and specialities from the Emmental and Diemtigtal.
• Schauplatzgasse: stalls stand under the Lauben, making this the useful stretch in rain or wind.
• Waisenhausplatz: general merchandise, including clothing, accessories, tea and herbs; stalls here and on Bärenplatz may continue into the afternoon.

The food and plant market generally runs year-round, except public holidays, from 08:00 to 12:30. Go early for the fullest choice.

What to buy

Use the market for regional staples rather than a fixed shopping list; the produce changes with the season. Look for Berner Alpkäse AOP, a hard raw-cow’s-milk cheese made on summer alpine pastures, and Berner Hobelkäse AOP, its long-aged, extra-hard counterpart shaved into fine curls.

Other sound choices include smoked or fresh Ziger, a whey cheese; Butterzopf, a rich plaited bread; farmhouse and spelt loaves; and preserved meats such as Landjäger, dried beef, raw ham and salami. Spring asparagus, late-summer apples, autumn pumpkins and winter greens give the stalls their seasonal shape.

Streets, arcades and landmarks

The 15th-century arcades are more than scenery: they form sheltered pedestrian routes beneath the sandstone façades. Pair the market walk with the Zytglogge, the old clock tower, and the Bern Minster. The city’s 16th-century fountains punctuate the main streets, while the Federal Palace marks the western edge of the historic centre.

Getting there and practicalities

Bundesplatz is about a five-minute walk from Bern railway station. The market route is walkable, but its cobbled lanes and changing levels reward sturdy shoes. Carry Swiss francs for small purchases: card payment is common but not universal at market stalls.