What are the best museums to visit in Bern?

The Kirchenfeld district contains the city's highest concentration of top-tier museums. The Bernisches Historisches Museum (including the Einstein Museum) and the Naturhistorisches Museum are often cited as the most popular for first-time visitors.

Is the Kirchenfeld district accessible for strollers?

Yes, the neighborhood is very stroller-friendly. The streets are wide, paved, and mostly flat, and the museums along the route are equipped with ramps and elevators.

Can I see the Einstein Museum on this walk?

Yes, the Einstein Museum is housed within the Bernisches Historisches Museum, which is a primary stop on this route. You can view the exterior and the museum grounds as part of the walk.

What is the best time of day for a neighborhood stroll in Bern?

Late morning is ideal, as it allows you to finish the walk by lunch or spend the afternoon exploring the inside of a museum. The golden hour before sunset is also spectacular for views from the Kirchenfeldbrücke.

Are there public toilets near Helvetiaplatz?

While there are few standalone public toilets on the street, all the museums at Helvetiaplatz have facilities available for visitors, and there are several local cafes in the immediate vicinity.

Is the Museum Mile worth visiting for families?

Absolutely. The Naturhistorisches Museum and the Museum of Communication are specifically known for their interactive and kid-friendly exhibits, making this area a favorite for families.

How do I get to Kirchenfeld from Bern Main Station?

You can take tram lines 6, 7, or 8 from the main station directly to Helvetiaplatz. The journey takes less than 10 minutes.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Bern is often celebrated for its medieval Old Town, but just across the Aare River lies the Kirchenfeld district, a masterclass in 19th-century urban planning and cultural density. This neighborhood stroll takes you through what is affectionately known as the "Museum Mile," an area where grand architecture meets world-class collections. By following this walking route, you transition from the historic center into a leafy, sophisticated quarter that houses some of Switzerland’s most significant cultural institutions. The experience begins at the Alpine Museum of Switzerland, a space dedicated to the complex relationship between the Swiss people and their towering peaks. As you move through the district, you will encounter the monumental Helvetiaplatz, a square that serves as the gateway to this intellectual hub. The architecture here is a highlight in itself, ranging from the neo-Gothic castle aesthetic of the Bernisches Historisches Museum to the sleek, modern lines of the Museum of Communication. One of the most compelling aspects of this self-guided walk is the opportunity to explore the legacy of Albert Einstein. Within the Bernisches Historisches Museum, a dedicated section celebrates the physicist’s "annus mirabilis" in 1905, when he developed the theory of relativity while living in this very city. Beyond physics, the route offers a look into the natural world at the Naturhistorisches Museum, famous for its dioramas and the legendary rescue dog, Barry. This walking route Bern provides is more than just a sequence of buildings; it is an exploration of Swiss identity, scientific progress, and artistic expression. Whether you choose to enter every museum or simply admire the grand villas and diplomatic residences that line the streets, the Kirchenfeld district offers a peaceful yet intellectually stimulating alternative to the bustling city center. The journey concludes on the Kirchenfeldbrücke, an engineering marvel that provides one of the most iconic views of the Bernese skyline, including the Minster and the Federal Palace. This independent exploration allows you to set your own pace, lingering where your interests lie and skipping what doesn't appeal, making it a perfect cultural afternoon in the Swiss capital.

Highlights

The neo-Gothic castle architecture of the Bernisches Historisches Museum

Albert Einstein's legacy at the dedicated Einstein Museum

The legendary rescue dog 'Barry' at the Natural History Museum

Panoramic views of the Aare River from the Kirchenfeldbrücke

The interactive and modern Museum of Communication

The unique Swiss Alpine history and culture at the Alpine Museum

Tour Stops (6)

Alpine Museum of Switzerland

Begin your exploration at the Alpine Museum of Switzerland, a place where the mountains come to life through culture rather than just geology. Since 1905, this institution has explored the deep-seated relationship between the Swiss people and the Alps. The museum doesn't just show rocks and maps; it uses contemporary art, photography, and multimedia to discuss climate change, tourism, and mountain identity. Notice the building's functionalist style, which stands in contrast to the older villas nearby. It serves as a reminder that the Alps are a living, changing landscape that continues to shape the national psyche of Switzerland. It is the perfect starting point to understand the spirit of this alpine nation.

Helvetiaplatz

Step into Helvetiaplatz, the grand traffic hub and cultural plaza of the Kirchenfeld district. This square acts as a bridge between the medieval past of the Old Town and the modern, intellectual expansion of the 19th century. Surrounded by monumental buildings, the square is dominated by the 'Weltpostdenkmal' or World Postal Monument, which commemorates the founding of the Universal Postal Union in Bern. The square reflects the era when Bern established itself as a truly international city. From here, you can see the radiating streets that lead to various embassies and villas, showcasing the wealth and prestige that flowed into this neighborhood as Switzerland modernized.

Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum

Before you stands a building that looks like a fairy-tale castle. This is the Bernisches Historisches Museum, the second-largest historical museum in Switzerland. Designed in a historicist style by André Lambert, its towers and battlements are a spectacle of neo-Gothic architecture. Inside, the history of Bern is chronicled from the Stone Age to the present. However, its most famous resident is Albert Einstein. The physicist lived in Bern during his most productive years, and a significant portion of this museum is dedicated to his life and work, including his groundbreaking development of the theory of relativity. It is a site where medieval tapestries and quantum physics exist under one roof.

Naturhistorisches Museum Bern

A short walk brings you to the Natural History Museum, an institution beloved by locals and researchers alike. While its façade is more understated than its neighbors, its contents are world-renowned. It is most famous for its extensive collection of dioramas featuring animals from around the globe, but the true star is 'Barry.' Barry was a Saint Bernard rescue dog who lived at the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the early 1800s and is credited with saving over 40 lives. His preserved form is a touchstone of Swiss folklore. The museum also houses one of the most significant collections of giant crystals found in the Alps, shimmering reminders of the treasures hidden beneath the peaks.

Museum of Communication

The Museum of Communication offers a shift in tone toward the interactive and the contemporary. This museum explores how humans have connected throughout history, from smoke signals and early postal routes to the digital age and social media. It is widely recognized for its innovative approach to exhibits, often winning awards for its engaging and family-friendly displays. The museum asks deep questions about how communication shapes our relationships and our society. Even from the outside, the building suggests a more modern, forward-thinking Bern, contrasting beautifully with the historic villas of the surrounding Kirchenfeld neighborhood.

Kirchenfeldbrücke

Conclude your walk on the Kirchenfeldbrücke, the high-level iron bridge that spans the Aare River. Built between 1881 and 1883, this bridge was the catalyst for the development of the Kirchenfeld district you just explored. As you walk across, take a moment to look back at the Bernese skyline. The view is unparalleled: the towering spire of the Bern Minster, the turquoise waters of the Aare below, and the green dome of the Federal Palace. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city and provides a perfect panoramic summary of Bern’s blend of nature, history, and political power. From here, it is a short, scenic stroll back into the heart of the Old Town.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total walking distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles). Including time to admire the architecture and take photos, the walk takes about 120-180 minutes, though this will increase significantly if you choose to enter the museums.