Switzerland’s capital city of Bern is a gateway to some of the country’s most breathtaking destinations, making it an ideal starting point for unforgettable day trips. Whether you’re drawn to charming alpine villages, vibrant cities, or serene lakeside retreats, there’s something for everyone just a short and seamless journey away.
From the picturesque streets of Evolène to the cultural hub of Geneva, these destinations across Switzerland promise a perfect escape from the capital’s historic charm.
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Evolène
By Juan of planetofadventures.com
Back in 2012, Evolène was voted as the prettiest village in Switzerland and this is just one of the many reasons to plan a day trip from Bern or even a weekend escapade. The town of Evolène in the Val d’Herens is the quintessential Swiss village, with beautiful medieval wooden houses nested in between a breathtaking mountainous landscape.
Located under two and a half hours from Bern, either by public transport or car; you can make a day trip to Evolène either during the winter or summer as the region has plenty to offer year-round.
During the colder months you can do cross-country skiing just minutes away with 42Km of alpine ski slopes. The route between Evolène and Les Haudères is considered one of the most beautiful trails in the Valais region. In the summer, even longer hiking trails are accessible for a full day in the mountains.
The best thing to do is to walk a circuit from Evolène to Les Haudères. The circuit is about 8Km in total and well signalled, taking you along a stream and stunning viewpoints. The walk is not strenuous and it’s a perfect activity for people of all ages.
Depending on your pace, you can go for lunch either at Restaurant Le Refuge in Evolène or Les Melezes in Les Haudères, both known for their local specialties.
If you decide to make it a weekend trip there are a handful of hotels in the area but you can also stay at one of the traditional chalets or restored old barns that now serve as cosy BnBs.
Geneva
By Lisa Garrett of Travel to Lyon
Geneva is one of the best day trips from Bern (and it’s also a great choice for a day trip from Lyon or Annecy).
Geneva is a city with something for everyone!
Take some time to stroll the waterfront along Lac Leman. Admire the gorgeous flower clock and watch the Jet D’Eau shooting high into the sky (they’re some of the top attractions in Geneva!). And don’t miss out on the stunning Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in Geneva’s charming old city.
You can visit the headquarters of the United Nations (guided tours are offered in 14 languages). Check out the nearby Ariana Museum, a gorgeous building which is now a museum of ceramics and glass.
Geneva is known for its high-end shopping venues, and it’s the perfect place to splurge on a luxury watch. Or tour the one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe Museum, featuring 2500 watches and special objects in its collection.
Enjoy a meal of traditional Swiss favorites like raclette and fondue at Restaurant Les Armures, or Italian favorites at the Restaurant Le Lacustre.
Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, which boasts a prime location overlooking Lac Leman.
Tip
If you’re staying at an approved hotel in Geneva, you’ll receive a free Geneva transit pass for your stay. This allows you to utilize the city’s public transit from buses to the water ferries that cross the lake.
Grindelwald
By Zoe of Together In Switzerland
If you are looking for a picturesque location for a day trip idea from Bern, consider taking the journey for one day in Grindelwald. As one of the popular Swiss destinations, it’s highly worth a visit for the scenery and activities.
To be surrounded by the mountains is a true delight when standing in Grindelwald. Visit any time of the year and you won’t be disappointed.
For the warmer seasons, head up to Grindelwald First at 2,184m (7,165 ft) elevation with the cable car. From the top you can consider a local hiking route to Bachalpsee Lake. There you can see the reflection of the Schreckhorn mountain in the water, and you might even see a local marmot. If you’re not afraid of heights, take a free walk at the First Cliff Walk, which hangs over the edge.
To head back down the mountain, you can choose to fly, go kart and bike down instead of the cable car with their additional activities. Great fun for families with children who meet the safety height restrictions.
For the colder seasons, Grindelwald is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. It’s great for trying snowshoe hiking and they also have a few snowy toboggan trails. You can rent all equipment in Grindelwald for your day on the slopes.
If you wish to extend the day trip into a night or two, book your accommodation at 4-start Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald. After a day in the mountains, you deserve to relax in a cosy room, enjoy the sauna, pool and delicious dinner time here.
Lausanne
By Lavina D’Souza of Continent Hop
Picture yourself sitting in one of the leisurely cafes along the promenade as you enjoy the backdrop of snow-capped mountains reflecting in the transparent blue water of Lake Geneva – That’s what a perfect Switzerland destination looks like, right? This is how the postcard-perfect city of Lausanne will welcome you.
Home to the famous Olympic Museum and the AQUATIS Aquarium, Lausanne is one of the best day trips from Bern. The distance between Bernand Lausanne is hardly 100 kilometres with direct trains and buses connecting the two cities. That makes it a perfect destination for a road trip in Switzerland.
When visiting Lausanne, you can spend hours walking around the old town, exploring the interesting neighbourhood of Place de la Palud. This is where the towering Gothic Town hall is located.
The historic Lausanne Cathedral with its ornate painted portal, the Olympic Museum with its fascinating exhibits, and streets like the Rue du Bourg and Rue de la Mercerie, where you can visit chic boutiques as well as laid-back cafes, will steal a piece of your heart when you visit Lausanne. Restaurants like Inglewood Saint-Laurent and Vieux-Lausanne are perfect to pamper your taste buds as you wander along the old town.
Visit Lausanne in winter, and you will love the holiday charm this city offers. The boat ride on Lake Geneva is a must to soak in the picturesque beauty of this city. Consider staying at Beau-Rivage Palace which is located on the banks of Lake Geneva. This luxury hotel in Lausanne is only a few meters away from Parc Olympique.
Lichtenstein
By Mark Jeavons
Just a two and a half hour drive or train ride away from Bern is one of the most fascinating and often overlooked countries in all of Europe: Liechtenstein. This landlocked country is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery that makes for a perfect day trip.
There’s lots of fun activities to do in Liechtenstein too. From quirky museums, gorgeous architecture to glorious nature hikes and more. I recommend checking out the views of the capital city Vaduz from Vaduz Castle, which is just a short walk up from the city.
Although the castle is not open to visitors, the surrounding views are incredible and you can get pretty up close to the castle itself.
When it comes to restaurants, there are plenty of good quality options in the city centre and the surrounding areas as well. Torkel restaurant is a contemporary, Michelin starred restaurant that overlooks a lovely vineyard named ‘Herawingert’ just north of Vaduz. The dishes at Torkel represent the best of Liechtenstein cuisine and fine dining in general.
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Liechtenstein, then I can recommend Park Hotel Sonnenhof. This beautiful four star hotel has exceptional facilities such as an award winning gourmet restaurant, a spa, indoor swimming pool and uses an eco-friendly cooling system throughout the hotel.
The views from Park Hotel Sonnenhof are to die for; you can expect breath-taking panoramic views of the Alps, the Rhine Valley, Vaduz Castle and more.
Lucerne
Lucerne is one of the best day trips from Bern, offering a perfect mix of history, nature, and Swiss charm.
Start your visit with a walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a 14th-century wooden bridge adorned with picturesque paintings. Then, explore the Old Town, where cobblestone streets and colorful frescoed buildings transport you back in time. Don’t miss the Lion Monument, a touching tribute to Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
For stunning views of the city and Lake Lucerne, take the cableway up to Mount Pilatus or enjoy a boat cruise on the lake.
Dine at Wirtshaus Galliker, a cozy, family-run restaurant known for its traditional Swiss cuisine. If you’re craving fine dining with a view, head to Restaurant Balances on the Reuss River.
For a luxurious stay, check into the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern, the famed five-star lakeside retreat that offers elegant rooms and world-class service. Another fantastic option is the Art Deco Hotel Montana, known for its stylish interiors and panoramic views of Lake Lucerne. If you prefer a boutique experience in the heart of the city, Hotel des Balances is a great choice.
Montreux
By Lyubomira of Bulgarian On The Go
Montreux, a charming lakeside town on the shores of Lake Geneva, makes for a perfect day trip from Bern. It’s located just 1.5 hours from the Swiss capital and it’s easily reachable by train. Montreux offers breathtaking alpine views, a mild climate, and a relaxed atmosphere that anyone could fall in love with. The town’s picturesque lakeside promenade, lined with flowers and sculptures, is ideal for a leisurely walk while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the most impressive things to do in Montreux is to visit the studio of Queen, where the legendary band recorded several albums. Another must-see is the Chillon Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress that seems to rise straight from the water. And if you’re coming here in July, you’ll stumble across the second largest Jazz festival in the world, which takes place annually in Montreux.
If you’re traveling with kids, consider the Chocolate Train. This experience provides a delightful journey through the Swiss countryside to the famous Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory. Here you can learn about chocolate-making and sample some of Switzerland’s finest sweets.
After a stroll through the town of Montreux or spending time at the casino (the Queen Studio, that is), a great restaurant you can stop by is La Brasserie J5. The place offers fresh and local seasonal dishes and it has different things on offer every day.
If you decide to extend your visit beyond just 1 day, one of the most preferred hotels is the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, which offers amazing views of the lake.
To make the most of the visit, the Montreux Riviera Card, available with many hotels, provides free public transport in the area. With its mix of history, music, and natural beauty, Montreux is a perfect Swiss getaway, even if just for a day.
Spiez
Spiez, a charming lakeside town, is a fantastic day trip from Bern, offering relaxation, history, and outdoor adventures.
Visit the Spiez Castle, a beautiful medieval landmark with stunning views of Lake Thun and the surrounding mountains. Stroll through the castle gardens and explore the nearby vineyards.
For outdoor enthusiasts, take a boat cruise on Lake Thun or hike the scenic Spiez Vineyard Sensory Adventure Trail, which offers breathtaking lake views.
Enjoy a lakeside meal at Riviera by Elio, serving delicious Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. For a more traditional Swiss experience, try Restaurant Seegarten Marina, offering local specialties with a view of the harbor.
Stay at Belvédère Strandhotel, a lakeside luxury hotel with a spa and panoramic views, or the charming Hotel Eden Spiez, known for its relaxing ambiance and wellness amenities.
Thun
Thun, a scenic gem on the shores of Lake Thun, is an excellent day trip from Bern for those seeking breathtaking landscapes and Swiss culture.
Begin your visit at Thun Castle, a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. Stroll along the Aare River, stopping by the Obere Hauptgasse, where charming wooden bridges and historic houses create a fairytale setting.
For adventure lovers, take a boat ride on Lake Thun or go hiking in the nearby Niederhorn mountain region.
Savor a meal at Chartreuse, a top-rated lakeside restaurant offering delicious Swiss and French cuisine. Alternatively, Zunfthaus zu Metzgern in the Old Town serves classic Swiss dishes in a historic setting.
For an overnight stay, check into Hotel Schlossberg, a boutique hotel set within a castle, or the elegant Congress Hotel Seepark, which offers lake views and wellness facilities.
Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is an exciting and easy day trip from Bern, combining history, shopping, and lakeside relaxation.
Start in Altstadt (Old Town), where medieval buildings, charming alleyways, and vibrant squares offer plenty to explore. Visit the famous Grossmünster Church, known for its twin towers and stunning stained-glass windows. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Kunsthaus Zürich, one of Switzerland’s premier art museums.
Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Zurich or stroll along the lively Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets.
Enjoy a meal at Kronenhalle, a historic restaurant frequented by artists like Picasso, or try Haus Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with an extensive buffet.
For an overnight stay, opt for Baur au Lac, a luxurious lakeside hotel, or Widder Hotel, a stylish boutique option in the heart of the Old Town.