Bern: Switzerland’s Historic Capital and Diplomatic Center

Bern offers a distinctive lifestyle that combines the prestige of a capital city with the charm of a smaller historic town. Set in a dramatic bend of the Aare River, its perfectly preserved medieval center creates a unique backdrop for government institutions, diplomatic missions, and a relaxed approach to Swiss living that appeals to families and professionals seeking balance.

Living in Bern

Quality of Life

Bern consistently ranks among the world’s top cities for quality of life, with exceptional public services, pristine streets, and abundant green spaces. The city’s smaller size creates a more relaxed pace than Switzerland’s financial centers, with most destinations reachable within minutes by public transport or even on foot.

Safety and Security

Bern is extremely safe by global standards. The crime rate is very low, and public spaces are secure at all hours. The presence of government institutions means security is well-managed but unobtrusive, contributing to the city’s relaxed atmosphere.

Climate

Bern experiences four distinct seasons:

• Spring: Mild and beautiful with temperatures of 8-18°C
• Summer: Warm and pleasant with temperatures of 18-25°C, perfect for Aare River swimming
• Autumn: Colorful and crisp with temperatures of 8-15°C
• Winter: Cold with occasional snow, temperatures of -2-5°C

Working in Bern

Economic Environment

Bern’s economy centers around government administration, international organizations, healthcare, education, and telecommunications. While not a financial hub like Zurich or Geneva, it offers stable employment opportunities, particularly in the public sector and diplomatic services.

Major Employers

• Government: Federal Administration, Cantonal Government
• International Organizations: Diplomatic missions, international agencies
• Healthcare: Inselspital University Hospital, health insurers
• Telecommunications: Swisscom headquarters
• Education: University of Bern, Bern University of Applied Sciences

Work Culture

The work environment in Bern tends to be less intense than in Switzerland’s financial centers. Working hours typically run from 8:00-17:00, with an emphasis on work-life balance. The business culture is formal but approachable, with German being the primary language in most workplaces, though English is common in international organizations.

Housing Market

Popular Expatriate Neighborhoods

Kirchenfeld

• Profile: Prestigious district with many embassies and museums
• Appeal: Elegant atmosphere, green spaces, proximity to Old Town
• Average Monthly Rent: CHF 2,600+ for a 3-bedroom apartment

Länggasse

• Profile: University district with vibrant atmosphere
• Appeal: Cultural diversity, cafes, proximity to city center
• Average Monthly Rent: CHF 2,300+ for a 3-bedroom apartment

Breitenrain

• Profile: Family-friendly residential area north of the center
• Appeal: Good schools, parks, practical amenities, excellent transport
• Average Monthly Rent: CHF 2,200+ for a 3-bedroom apartment

Muri

• Profile: Affluent suburb with larger homes and gardens
• Appeal: Space, views, prestigious address, quieter lifestyle
• Average Monthly Rent: CHF 2,800+ for a 3-bedroom apartment

Housing Considerations

Bern’s housing market is competitive but more accessible than Zurich or Geneva:

• Begin your search 2-3 months before moving
• Be prepared with employment contracts, references, and deposit funds
• Consider neighboring communities for more housing options
• Expect housing costs to be 20-30% lower than in Zurich

Education Options

International Schools

Bern offers quality international education options:

• International School of Berne: IB curriculum from early years to diploma
• Swiss International School Bern-Köniz: Bilingual education
• Feusi International School: Bilingual Swiss/international curriculum

Local Schools

The Bern public school system is excellent and free. Classes are conducted in German (Bernese German dialect is spoken socially, but High German is used in schools). Public schools offer integration programs for foreign children, including special German language courses.

Higher Education

• University of Bern: One of Switzerland’s leading universities, founded in 1834
• Bern University of Applied Sciences: Practical higher education in various fields
• PHBern: Teacher training and educational research

Healthcare

Bern offers exceptional healthcare facilities:

• Inselspital: University hospital and one of Switzerland’s largest medical centers
• Lindenhofgruppe: Network of private hospitals with excellent facilities
• Hirslanden Klinik Beau-Site: Private hospital with international patient services

All residents must have mandatory health insurance, and Bern is home to several major health insurance companies, making administration relatively straightforward.

Transportation

Public Transport

Bern’s public transportation system is comprehensive and efficient:

• Extensive tram and bus network operated by BERNMOBIL
• S-Bahn regional train connections
• Free bicycle rentals
• Pedestrian-friendly city center

A monthly pass costs approximately CHF 70 for the city center.

International Connections

• Bern Railway Station: Major rail hub with connections throughout Switzerland and Europe
• Bern-Belp Airport: Regional airport with connections to major European cities
• Proximity to Zurich and Geneva Airports: 1-2 hours by direct train
• Central Position: Excellent highway connections to all parts of Switzerland

Cultural Life

Arts and Culture

• Bern Historical Museum: Switzerland’s second-largest historical museum
• Zentrum Paul Klee: Dedicated to Bern’s famous artist
• Kunstmuseum Bern: Fine arts museum with important collections
• Bern Theater: Productions in German and occasional international performances
• Dampfzentrale: Contemporary arts venue

Events and Festivals

• Zibelemärit (Onion Market): Traditional folk festival (November)
• Buskers Bern: Street music festival (August)
• Bern Carnival: Colorful spring tradition (February/March)
• Gurtenfestival: Popular music festival on Bern’s local mountain (July)
• International Jazz Festival: Annual music event (March)

Recreation

Outdoor Activities

• Aare River Swimming: Local tradition during summer months
• Rose Garden: Park with stunning views of the Old Town
• Gurten: Bern’s local mountain with recreation areas
• Bremgartenwald: Extensive forest with walking and jogging trails
• Alpine Access: Proximity to the Bernese Oberland and Alps

Sports

• BSC Young Boys: Successful Swiss football club
• SC Bern: One of Europe’s most-attended ice hockey teams
• Numerous Sports Clubs: Tennis, swimming, hiking, and more
• Wankdorf Stadium: Modern sports complex
• Public Swimming Pools: Both indoor and outdoor facilities

Practical Information

Languages

German is the official language (with Bernese German dialect spoken locally), but many residents speak some French due to the proximity to the French-speaking part of Switzerland. English is widely understood in government offices, tourist areas, and international organizations.

Banking and Finance

Bern has a solid banking sector with all major Swiss banks represented. As the seat of the Swiss National Bank, financial services are well-developed, though less prominent than in Zurich.

Shopping

• Marktgasse and Spitalgasse: Main shopping streets under historic arcades
• Westside: Modern shopping center designed by Daniel Libeskind
• Waisenhausplatz: Weekly markets
• Loeb and Globus: Major department stores
• Lauben: The 6km of covered shopping arcades in the Old Town

Dining Scene

Bern offers excellent dining from traditional Swiss restaurants to international cuisine. The city has several Michelin-starred establishments alongside cozy cellar restaurants in the Old Town. Local specialties include Bernese platter (meat and sauerkraut), Emmental cheese, and meringues with double cream.

Tips for New Arrivals

1. Learn German: While you can manage with English, learning German will enhance your experience
2. Register at the Einwohnerdienste: Within 14 days of arrival
3. Embrace Outdoor Culture: Aare swimming in summer is a must-try local tradition
4. Explore from the Center: Bern’s central location makes it perfect for exploring the rest of Switzerland
5. Understand the Pace: Bern operates at a more relaxed tempo than Zurich or Geneva

Bern offers a unique combination of capital city prestige and small-town charm, making it particularly attractive for diplomatic staff, government employees, academics, and families seeking a balanced lifestyle in a beautiful historic setting.