When it comes to Switzerland, visitors typically follow the same playbook: ski the majestic snow-capped alps in Zermatt, Gstaad, and St. Moritz. Get up close to Lakes Geneva and Lucerne. Feast on cheese in all its glorious forms, from fondue to raclette. While these things will always be part of Switzerland’s allure, there’s more to visiting the country than glamorous winter resorts, pristine bodies of water, and culinary indulgences.
The next time you’re visiting Switzerland, set aside a couple days to visit Bern. The Swiss capital city is largely overlooked by tourists, and brims with old-world charm. Surrounded by the blue-green Aare river, Bern boasts plenty to see, like its UNESCO World Heritage site Old City – home to the medieval clocktower Zytglogge, Parliament Building, and enchanting cafes and bars hidden away in underground vaulted cellars – Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts), Bear Park, and Rosengarten (rose garden). And thanks to Switzerland’s highly efficient public train system, getting here is a breeze. Even better? Bern is small enough, so you can get a strong sense of the city in a short time.
As for where to stay, consider Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa. Dating back to 1859, the historic and stately grande dame has hosted some of the world’s most recognizable faces, like Grace Kelly and Liz Taylor, and the address couldn’t be more convenient as it’s centrally located across the street from the train station. Another perk? All hotel guests receive a complimentary Bern Ticket, which lets you travel for free in public transport zones 100 and 101.
For the 99 guest rooms and suites, London designer Maria Vafiadis bridged the old and new by merging elements nodding to traditional European elegance (crystal chandeliers, herringbone oak flooring) with modern flourishes such as rain showers, Paul Klee prints, and geometric wallpaper. And though the property is situated in the heart of Bern, the outside noise won’t disturb you one bit thanks to the heavy blackout drapes and well-insulated windows.
The perfect spot for some pampering after a day of exploring, the spa features five beautiful treatment rooms, along with other rejuvenating elements (think Finnish sauna, experience showers, and ice fountain). If you’re unsure of what to try, book a signature treatment like the Fascia Honey Massage. The 75-minute session commences with a fascia massage with honey made by bees on the hotel’s roof terrace to improve movement and flexibility, and is followed by a propolis oil massage for deep relaxation.
For one of the top meals in town, look no further than the signature restaurant Jack’s Brasserie. A city institution adored by locals and hotel guests alike, the award-winning, all-day eatery whips up traditional and contemporary spins on brasserie staples like tartare made with Swiss Simmental beef and fried dover sole with wasabi-spiced kale. But Jack’s pièce de résistance is easily the best-selling Wiener Schnitzel, a massively puffy and golden piece of fried veal that’s substantial without being heavy. For a proper nightcap or apéro, head to the Lobby Lounge Bar or Sky Terrace, where the views of Bern are especially unbeatable on a clear day.
