Practical Information

Bild der Berner Altstadt

Mobility within Bern

Public transportation within Bern is free of charge for all tourists staying at a hotel or B&B.
You will get a free ticket (called "Bern Ticket") for public transportation when checking-in at your accommodation. On arrival, your printed hotel reservation is valid as a ticket. The Bern Ticket is valid within the city of Bern (zone 100), its suburbs (zone 101), and trips from/to Bern Airport (zone 116). Click here for an overview map.
Detailed information is provided by Bern Tourist Information (in English).
 
Public transportation runs every day between 5.30h and 24.00h. During the night, you have to walk or take a taxi. Taxi companies:
  • 0041 313 313 313. Prices here (in German) (credit cards accepted).
  • 0041 31 333 88 88. Prices here (in German) (credit cards accepted).
 
For all Dutch guests and everybody else who feels like cycling in Feburary: You can get bikes for free via Bern rollt (only in German). Pick up at Milchgässli at main station. 
 

Travel around in Switzerland

The public transport in Switzerland is the densest in the world. It is the most convinient and most eco-friendly way to travel around the country - but quite expensive. If you plan to visit several spots, often one of the following options is cheaper then multiple single trip tickets.

For foreign visitors, the Federal Railways company offers multi-day passes. The passes (called "Swiss Travel Pass" or "Swiss Travel Pass Flex") allow free travel on all trains, most trams and busses, most boats, and offer additional reductions, such as 50% discount on cable cars and free entrance in many museums. The passes are available for 3 to 15 days (flexible or for consecutive days). Information here.

A similar offer is made by Interrail. The One-Country-Passes are a bit cheaper and more flexible, but only valid on trains. Click here for European Citizens and here for Non-European Citizens.

Different regions offer similar Regional Passes, such as the Bernese Oberland, Central Switzerland, Zürich, and Lake Geneva.

Prices

All prices are given in Swiss francs (CHF). Euros and US-Dollars are accepted at some (larger) locations however the exchange rate might be disadvantageous! Credit and Debit cards are accepted at most stores. It is usual to pay cash.
The general price level in Switzerland is high. For a coffee you have to spend around 3 to 5 CHF, a beer will be around 5 to 9 CHF. A standard dinner à la carte starts at 15 CHF, a three-course menu starts around 30 CHF.
For reliable statistics, please visit the information provided by Swiss Statistics, Eurostats or the the Economist.
Some hints, tipps and recommendations for affordable holidays in Switzerland were put together by Swiss Tourist Information.

Currency Exchange

Exchange rates are:
Euro  1 CHF
1 €
 = 0.90 €
= 1.10 CHF
US-Dollar  1 CHF
1 $
= 1.00 $
= 1.00 CHF
Pound Sterling
1 CHF
 1 £  		 = 0.67 £
= 1.50 CHF
(state 04/04/2015)
For current exchange rates, please visit oanda.com.

Tipping

All services are included in the prices. Nevertheless, it is usual to round up the bill in restaurants, bars, etc. to a round sum.

Weather / Climate

Related to Köppen Climate Classification Bern is located in the Cfb climate zone. The average weather conditions in February are as follows:
Temperature
 -3° to + 5°C (26° to 41°F)  daily mean +o.7°C (33°F) 
Precipitation  60mm in average  snowfall 13cm (5.2 inches) 
Daily sunshine
3-5 hours
 
Rain days/ month
8 in average
 
Humidity
around 70%
The actual weather and a 5-day-forecast can be found here. Average climate data for Bern is available here (only in German).

Customs and Visa

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. Please consider the rules for Entry, Visa Procedures, and Customs.

Electricity and plugs

In Switzerland a 230 volt 50 Hz system is used. The Europlug (two-prong round pin plugs, Type C) and Swiss Plugs (Type J) work. The European round plug (Type F Schuko) and other systems (such as British, French or American plugs) cannot be used without an adapter.