Audio Guide of the Bern Historical Museum

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays). It is located at Helvetiaplatz 5, very close to the train station. To get there from Bern Main Station, you can walk about 10 minutes or take tram 5 or 7 to the Helvetiaplatz stop. You can check updated schedules at bern.ch/museum.

General admission costs 12 Swiss francs, while students and groups pay 8 francs. Children under 16 enter free of charge. The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. You can see full prices and buy tickets at bern.ch/museum.

A full visit to the museum usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, although if you want to read all the explanatory texts in detail, you may need up to 2.5 hours. The museum has a permanent exhibition on the history of Bern from the 12th century to the present, as well as temporary exhibitions. It is a manageable size, allowing you to combine it with other attractions on the same day.

The museum is housed in the historic Kornhaus of 1765, a landmark building that was already part of Bern’s urban life in the 18th century. It contains the most complete collection on the political, social, and cultural evolution of Bern, from its founding as an imperial city to its role as the federal capital. It also preserves important artifacts from Bernese heritage that tell the story of Switzerland.

Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are less crowded, making them ideal for a relaxed visit. In summer (June to September) there are more tourists, but Bern’s weather is pleasant. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays before 11:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. If you go on the first Sunday of the month, admission is free, but it may be busier.

Yes, the museum is fully accessible. The main building has an elevator and all exhibitions are on accessible floors. There are adapted restrooms, and wheelchairs are provided free of charge upon request. The staff are trained to assist visitors with special needs. To request specialized assistance, you can contact the museum at +41 31 344 24 24 or write to [email protected].

Just a short walk away, you will find the Zytglogge, Bern Minster, and the Bear Park, where the canton’s bears live. At the same square, Helvetiaplatz, is the Bern Museum of Fine Arts. Bern’s entire Old Town is a 5-minute walk away and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect to combine with your museum visit.

Ask for the English audio guide when you arrive so you do not miss key details of the permanent exhibition. The museum offers free guided tours on weekends at 2:00 p.m. in German, with some in English by prior booking. Pick up a map of Bern at the entrance to combine your visit with the Old Town, and remember that there are several cafés around Helvetiaplatz where you can rest after your visit.