WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE HISTORIC HEART OF BERN TOUR – APPROX. 2 HOURS

About this wheelchair accessible Historic Heart of Bern tour

Experience the timeless charm of Switzerland’s capital on this walking/rolling tour through its historic center. As one of Europe’s best preserved medieval districts, the Old Town of Bern has a unique and inviting atmosphere. The route on this licensed guided tour is mostly flat and thoughtfully planned for accessibility, though some cobbled sections remain part of the city’s heritage.

With plenty of opportunities to pause, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings, this tour offers a relaxed but enriching way to discover Bern, Switzerland’s “federal city.” Your tour starts at a set meeting point in the city center, where you meet your licensed guide.

Accessibility note: the area is mostly flat and asphalted with some slopes here and there but is generally suitable for wheelchair and scooter users. Please note that, due to the history of the city, some areas are cobbled or slightly uneven.

Old Town of Bern

Together with your guide, you discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Bern. This living piece of history is known for its extraordinary preservation and timeless atmosphere. The elegant sandstone facades and long, arcaded streets create a welcoming feeling.

As you move through the Old Town, you will encounter Bern’s famous fountains. Did you know that there are over 100 fountains in total? Each one is decorated with colorful figures representing historical and symbolic characters. These fountains are not only beautiful, but also functional, providing fresh drinkable water and inviting you to pause and take in your surroundings.

Covered Shopping Promenades

As you stroll through the Old Town, you will surely notice the covered shopping arcades, known as “Laubel.” These are a defining feature of the city and a highlight for visitors. Stretching for 6 kilometers, which is about 3.7 miles, they create one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe.

As you move through these elegant arches, you pass a mix of shops, traditional businesses, and cozy cafés. The surface of these walkways is generally smooth. There are some steps here and there, but your guide will always select an accessible route tailored to your mobility needs.

Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

The Clock Tower “Zytglogge” is a true symbol of Bern and stands as a reminder of the city’s past. It stands in the center of the city, and its clock and musical mechanism date back to 1530. Every hour, a performance with moving figues and ringing bells unfolds and draws crowds from all around.

Kramgasse Street

Kramgrasse, also known as “Grocers Alley,” is one of the Old Town’s principal streets. Lined with gorgeous buildings, many of which house independent shops, galleries, and welcoming cafés, this historic street offers one of the most picturesque experiences in the city. It’s the perfect place to pause and take a couple of pictures!

BearPark

Another highlight on your walking/rolling tour is BearPark. As the name suggests, this park located along the banks of the Aare River offers a unique opportunity to connect with Bern’s most famous symbol: the bear. The spacious park provides a natural environment for the animals and a relaxing setting for its visitors.

With plenty of seating areas and panoramic viewpoints, this free park is the ideal place to enjoy the peaceful riverside atmosphere. The park is open 24/7, though during winter, the bears may not be visible as they are hibernating.

Parliament Building

Also referred to as the “Federal Palace of Switzerland,” this building ins not only the political heart of the country, but also an architectural highlight that you should not miss. Its facade is grand, and its dome overlooks a spacious square that is both lively and accessible. Here you can take in the views of the surrounding city, while learning about Switzerland’s political system.