Bellevue Palace is a vibrant hotel of the Swiss government with a history extending back 150 years – it is the only grand hotel in the heart of the capital.
Following a beautiful visit to Adelboden, my great Swiss trip has taken me north- west, to the capital. People have been telling me about Bern for years, but I’ve never managed to see it for myself until now. The Old City of Bern is a listed UNESCO world heritage site, and right at the top of my travel itinerary.
We only had one day in Bern, but really enjoyed our time there. One of my followers on Instagram (if you don’t follow me, here you go: @whyshyme), who lived nearby, advised us on some of the things to do in Bern. Let me show you how we spent one perfect day in one of the most relaxed of Europe’s capitals, along with our own tips and tricks to getting the most out of your time there.
Everything about Bern was great – the architecture, the atmosphere, not too many tourists. Cities that we visited before can be overwhelming sometimes, so it was great to take a break and stay in such a relaxing city. This is especially so if you stay in a hotel like Bellevue Palace.
Bellevue Palace is a vibrant hotel of the Swiss government with a history extending back 150 years – it is the only grand hotel in the heart of the capital. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city overlooking the river, one can enjoy and relax in this comfortable hotel without having to venture far.
The immediate impression upon entering Bellevue Palace is that everything you could want is at that five-star level. Upon check-in, the friendly staff make you feel as though you’ve just arrived home. Even the weariest of travelers will leave the front desk with a smile to accompany their room card.
I stayed in a Deluxe Suite and I liked it a LOT – it was primarily in saturated red/ green tones and looked really classy.
The king-size bed was plush and the view from the balcony was breathtaking. It made our five-star experience at the Bellevue Palace in Bern really special.
We arrived when the weather was rainy and grey, but the next morning, the beautiful “Bellevue” showed what its name’s true meaning.
Breakfast was served in the restaurant VUE, which has a perfectly put-together continental buffet available, and hot food a la carte.
My tip is to definitely have dinner at VUE Restaurant and try the culinary delicacies by head chef Gregor Zimmermann. I couldn’t wait to try a new concept based on “sharing” and “French brasserie cuisine” — a true delight for my tastebuds!
The amuse bouche on our visit was a «Grilled Fish» and «Scampi a la plancha»”. Our server insisted we try the ‘Marquise of bitter-orange chocolate’, the signature dessert on their menu, and it was unreal. Buttery, rich, delicious and all over much too soon.
The restaurant staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable in helping you select the best neo-artisanal dishes and flavours.
Actually, that goes for the entire hotel staff, because the people at the Bellevue Palace, from the front desk to the restaurant staff and everyone you meet as you discover the hotel, truly embody the politeness, courtesy, and precision of a profoundly intriguing culture.
The next day, before catching the train, we had afternoon tea, a decadent occasion that takes place in the gorgeous Le Lobby.
We started off with a cup of hot tea and listened to the Christmas songs filling the air. We enjoyed an exquisite array of petits fours and other delicacies over a selection of teas: that’s the specialty of the «Länggass Tee» teahouse. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
Overall, the Bellevue Palace is one of those hotels that’s very comfortable with being a little traditional old-fashion. I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel and highly recommend a visit to the beautiful Bellevue Palace.
As I mentioned before, it was my first time in Bern, and I was stunned by the beauty of its setting, so different from Geneva and Zurich. I’ve now realized that in Switzerland, every city, every village has its own charm, and it’s the difference from one another that makes you want to visit each of them.
The old town of Bern is more than worthy of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s small, covered in cobblestoned streets and medieval buildings, set along the beautiful aquamarine waters of the Aare River, and close to the mountains.
You could just wander the city for days feeling like you’re back in the 1600s. The most popular tourist attractions are Federal Palace, House of Parliament, Prison Tower (which was built as a city gatehouse in the 13th century), Clock Tower (a 15th-century astronomical clock), Bern Cathedral, Einstein House (the former residence of Albert Einstein which now serves as a museum), and Historical Museum of Bern (also dedicated to the life of Einstein).
There are some great spots to get good views of Bern. A view from Rosengarten, the Gurten – the house mountain of Bern – or from the Münster Cathedral. The view from these locations are impressive and breathtaking. I recommend heading up there first so you can gain an overall impression of the layout of the city. But as has been noted above, the best vista is from the room in Bellevue Palace.
A morning stroll along River Aare is one thing not to be missed when you are in Bern… The Bernese have a special love for “their” river. And they treat it with the same tenderness with which the renowned Aare Loop flows around the city. Following the flow of the water on a relaxed stroll along the bank of the River Aare from the BearPark to the Zoological Garden Dählhölzli, and breathing in the atmosphere of the city – this is a real insider’s tip for those wanting to get to know Bern.
While you’re in Bern, be sure to try some of the international food, chocolate (Toblerone was started here), and all the craft beer popping up at the new bars throughout the city. If you’re a real foodie, don’t miss these food spots with the most delicious meals:
–Restaurant VUE at Bellevue Palace (the best Neo–artisanal cuisine)
–Restaurant Essort (a menu with a very personal touch and good vegetarian offerings)
– Casa Nov Restaurante & Vinoteca (the terraces close to the Aare are incredible and very beautiful. One of the best restaurants with a terrace, after Bellevue La Terrace)
–Restaurant Haberbuni (classy restaurant in old Bern. They are always fully-booked, so reserve a table in advance)
This is perhaps a favorite place in all of Bern. Just to the south of the center of the city, the Gurten is a high mountain (864 meters) with a 360-degree view. Below lies the gorgeous city with its towers and domes, while the spiky Alps jut from the countryside beyond. You can also see across the Three Lakes Region all the way to the Jura mountains. Be sure to climb up the tower – it’s free, and the views improve with every step.
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