Christmas Beneath the Clocktower – Bern Heritage Escape

price per person From

US$726

Based on 2 adults

(US$1,452 Total Price )

Created: Monday, September 14, 2026 - Departure: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Themes

Nature Switzerland City Breaks Cultural Heritage Winter Festivals & Events Private Packages Christmas Packages

About

Trip Overview

Step into the storybook charm of Bern at Christmas, where medieval streets, glowing arcades and festive markets create an intimate winter atmosphere. This 3-night escape combines the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the iconic Zytglogge Clock Tower, Federal Palace area and Bern’s Christmas markets, while leaving time to explore the city at your own pace. Guests can also opt for a winter day trip to Thun, adding lakeside scenery and another charming historic Old Town to the experience.

Day-Wise Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Bern & Christmas Lights

Arrive in Bern and check in at your hotel. In the evening, stroll through the illuminated Old Town and festive Christmas markets, soaking up the seasonal atmosphere. Visit Sternenmarkt at Kleine Schanze and Traditional market at Waisenhausplatz.

Day 2 - Bern Heritage & Christmas Markets

Discover the heart of Bern, including the Old Town, Zytglogge, Federal Palace area and historic arcades. Spend time exploring the Christmas markets, with an guided Old Town experience. Explore Artisan market at Münsterplatz by Bern Cathedral.

Day 3 - Thun Day Trip

Enjoy Bern at your own pace or take an day trip to Thun for a beautiful combination of lakeside winter scenery and historic Old Town charm. Back to Bern and explore Craft market on Münsterplattform at your own pace.

Day 4 - Departure

After breakfast, check out and continue your onward journey with wonderful memories of Christmas in Switzerland’s historic capital.

Product id: XM-3N-BE

About the destination

Bern, the charming capital of Switzerland, unfolds along a graceful bend of the Aare River and feels more like a relaxed medieval town than a political center. Its UNESCO‑listed Old Town is a maze of arcaded streets, sandstone facades, and hidden courtyards that invite slow wanderings rather than rushed sightseeing. Cobblestone lanes lead you past elaborate 16th‑century fountains, traditional cellar bars, and boutique shops sheltered beneath six kilometers of covered arcades—the perfect refuge in any weather. At the heart of the city stands the Zytglogge, an iconic clock tower with an ornate astronomical clock that has been entertaining onlookers for centuries. Nearby, the soaring Bern Minster rewards those who climb its tower with panoramic views over the red‑tiled roofs and the emerald ribbon of the Aare. A short walk away, the Federal Palace reminds you that this tranquil city is also the seat of Swiss democracy, and on market days the Bundesplatz fills with stalls selling local cheeses, flowers, and regional specialties. Nature is never far in Bern. In summer, locals and adventurous visitors float down the crystal‑clear Aare River, while the Rose Garden hilltop park offers one of the best viewpoints over the cityscape, especially at sunset. The Bear Park, home to live bears—the city’s centuries‑old symbol—sits just across the river from the Old Town, providing a unique blend of folklore and urban greenery. For art lovers, the Zentrum Paul Klee and the Kunstmuseum showcase masterpieces from Swiss and international artists. Bern is also an ideal base for exploring the wider region. Excellent rail connections link the city to the Bernese Oberland, where alpine excursions to Interlaken, Grindelwald, or the Jungfraujoch are easy day trips. After a day in the mountains, you can return to Bern’s cozy cafés, riverside terraces, and traditional restaurants to enjoy local dishes such as rösti and Bernese platter, accompanied by Swiss wines or craft beers. Quiet yet full of character, Bern rewards visitors who appreciate atmosphere, history, and a slower pace of travel.

More info

Included services

01 Dec

Accommodation

3 Nights

16 more pictures

Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel

8.6

Very good

3589

Bern - At 0.4 km from the centreWITH BREAKFASTZeughausgasse 41, Bern 3011

STYLE QUEEN ROOM

Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel is centrally located in Bern, a 4-minute walk from Federal Palace and 5 minutes by foot from Gardens. This hotel is 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Bern Art Museum and 0.6 mi (1 km) from Botanical Garden.

Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a fitness center or take in the view from a rooftop terrace and a garden. This Art Deco hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, an arcade/game room, and shopping on site.

Make yourself at home in one of the 97 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access is available. Bathrooms feature showers with rainfall showerheads and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.

For lunch or dinner, stop by Restaurant Bärenhöfli, a restaurant that specializes in local and international cuisine. You can also grab snacks at the coffee shop/cafe. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Bern? This hotel has 6458 square feet (600 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and 11 meeting rooms.

More info

02 Dec

Tickets