Living in Bern
A comprehensive guide for internationals relocating to Switzerland's charming capital city. Discover why Bern offers the perfect balance of medieval charm and modern convenience.
Introduction to Bern: Switzerland's Capital City
Nestled along the curves of the Aare River, Bern offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern convenience that many internationals find irresistible. As Switzerland's de facto capital, this UNESCO World Heritage city combines political significance with an exceptional quality of life that consistently ranks among Europe's highest.
Having helped hundreds of expats relocate to Bern over the past decade, we've witnessed firsthand how the city's manageable size, excellent infrastructure, and central location make it an increasingly popular choice for internationals seeking the quintessential Swiss experience without the intensity of Zurich or Geneva.
Why Choose Bern for Your Swiss Relocation?
Perfect Balance
Urban and natural living combined - walk from your office to swimming in the pristine Aare River in less than 15 minutes.
Central Location
1 hour to Zurich, 1.5 hours to Basel, 2 hours to Geneva, and 1 hour to the gateway of the Alps.
More Affordable
Significantly more reasonable housing costs compared to Zurich or Geneva, with savings of up to 30%.
Housing Cost Comparison
| Housing Type | Bern (Monthly Rent) | Zurich (Monthly Rent) | Savings in Bern |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | CHF 1,200-1,500 | CHF 1,800-2,200 | ~30% |
| 3-bedroom apartment (city center) | CHF 2,300-2,800 | CHF 3,500-4,200 | ~33% |
| 3-bedroom house (suburbs) | CHF 2,800-3,500 | CHF 4,000-5,000 | ~30% |
*Source: Prime Relocation market analysis 2024, based on client placement data
Bern's Neighborhoods: Where to Live
Altstadt (Old Town)
Living in Bern's UNESCO-protected medieval center means residing in one of Europe's most beautiful urban environments.
Pros:
- Unmatched historic charm with 15th and 16th-century architecture
- Car-free zones make for peaceful living
- Everything within walking distance
- Vibrant café culture and weekly markets
Cons:
- Premium pricing (expect to pay 15-20% more than other areas)
- Apartments tend to be smaller and older
- Tourist presence, especially in summer
- Parking is extremely limited and expensive
Ideal for:
Singles or couples without children who prioritize atmosphere and convenience over space
Altstadt (Old Town)
Kirchenfeld
Just across the Kirchenfeldbrücke from the Old Town, this upscale neighborhood houses many of Bern's museums and embassies.
Pros:
- Elegant 19th-century buildings
- Proximity to the Aare River and parks
- Excellent schools
- Quieter than the Old Town but still central
Cons:
- One of Bern's most expensive neighborhoods
- Limited grocery shopping options
- Fewer restaurants than other central areas
Ideal for:
Diplomatic families, professionals, and those seeking a prestigious address with more space than the Old Town
Kirchenfeld
Breitenrain and Lorraine
North of the Aare, these increasingly popular neighborhoods offer a more contemporary urban feel with excellent transport links.
Pros:
- Vibrant, diverse community with many young professionals
- Excellent restaurant scene and nightlife
- More modern apartments
- Good value compared to south-of-river neighborhoods
Cons:
- Some areas still undergoing gentrification
- Can be noisier, especially near main roads
- Fewer international schools nearby
Ideal for:
Young professionals, creative types, and families seeking more space for their budget
Breitenrain and Lorraine
Länggasse
Home to the University of Bern, this neighborhood offers a lively, intellectual atmosphere.
Pros:
- Student energy creates a dynamic environment
- Excellent cafés and affordable dining options
- Good public transport connections
- Walking distance to the main train station
Cons:
- Can be noisy during university term time
- Parking is challenging
- Higher turnover of residents
Ideal for:
Academics, young professionals, and those who enjoy a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere
Länggasse
Suburban Options: Köniz, Ostermundigen, and Wabern
For families seeking more space and greenery, Bern's surrounding communities offer excellent options with easy commutes to the city center.
Pros:
- Significantly more living space for your budget
- Garden access more common
- Strong community feel
- Excellent public schools
Cons:
- 15-25 minute commute to city center
- Fewer dining and entertainment options
- Less convenient for car-free living
Ideal for:
Families with children, those working from home, and anyone prioritizing space over central location.
Working in Bern
Major Employers and Industries
While smaller than Zurich's financial hub or Geneva's international organizations, Bern offers diverse employment opportunities:
Federal Government
As the capital, Bern houses most federal agencies and offers numerous positions for internationals with the right language skills.
Healthcare and Research
The Inselspital university hospital and related research institutes employ many international specialists.
Telecommunications
Swisscom headquarters provides opportunities in tech and telecommunications.
International Organizations
The Universal Postal Union and several diplomatic missions hire international staff.
Education
The University of Bern and international schools employ teaching and research staff.
Working Culture
Bern's work environment tends to be less intense than Zurich but maintains Swiss precision and professionalism. The work-life balance is generally excellent, with most offices emptying by 5:30-6:00 PM.
Language Requirements
German language skills are more important in Bern than in more international cities like Geneva. While many workplaces use English for technical matters, social integration and career advancement often require at least conversational German (or preferably Swiss German).
Education Options for Expat Families
International Schools
International School of Berne (ISB)
Location: Gümligen
IB curriculum from pre-K through high school
Annual fees: CHF 26,000-32,000 annually
Feusi International School
Location: Bern
Cambridge curriculum with bilingual German-English instruction
Annual fees: CHF 18,000-24,000 annually
Bilingual Options
Freies Gymnasium Bern
Offers a bilingual German-English program leading to the Swiss Matura
NMS Bern
Provides bilingual education options with strong support for non-native German speakers
Local Public Schools
Bern's public schools are excellent but instruction is in German. For younger children (under 10), integration is usually smooth with proper support. The canton provides additional German lessons for non-native speakers.
Public schools are free, highly structured, and offer excellent quality education, though the system differs significantly from Anglo-American or Asian educational approaches.
Healthcare in Bern
Healthcare System Overview
Switzerland's healthcare system is world-class, and Bern is no exception. The Inselspital university hospital provides cutting-edge care and attracts specialists from around the world.
Insurance Requirements
All residents must obtain Swiss health insurance within 3 months of arrival. Basic coverage costs approximately CHF 300-500 per adult monthly, with children's premiums significantly lower.
English-Speaking Medical Care
Centramed
Location: Near the main station
English-speaking medical care
Praxis Bubenberg
Location: City center
International patient services
Lindenhofspital
Location: Bern
Private hospital with international patient services
Transportation and Connectivity
Public Transport
Bern's public transportation system is exceptional, with frequent trams and buses covering the entire city and suburbs.
Annual Libero Pass: CHF 800 for zones 100/101
Hotel guests receive free Bern Ticket for unlimited transport
Cycling
Bern is extremely bicycle-friendly, with dedicated lanes throughout the city and suburbs.
PubliBike: City bike-sharing program
Convenient pickup and drop-off points throughout the urban area
Car Ownership
Car ownership in central Bern is challenging and often unnecessary.
Parking: CHF 200-300/month for garage
Mobility carsharing available for occasional needs
Leisure and Lifestyle
Outdoor Activities by Season
Summer
- Swimming in the Aare River
- Hiking in the nearby Gurten mountain
- Outdoor cinema events
Fall
- Mushroom foraging in surrounding forests
- Wine tasting in nearby Bielersee region
Winter
- Skiing in nearby resorts (Adelboden-Lenk is just 1 hour away)
- Ice skating at Ka-We-De
Spring
- Cycling along the Aare
- Visiting the Rose Garden when in bloom
Cultural Offerings
Despite its modest size, Bern offers rich cultural experiences:
Seasonal Events and Traditions
February
Bern Carnival (Fasnacht)
Transforms the usually reserved city
April
Spring Festivals
Various cultural events throughout the city
July-August
Open-air Cinema
On the Münsterplatz
August 1st
Swiss National Day
Celebrations with fireworks over the Aare
November
Zibelemärit (Onion Market)
Traditional folk festival dating back to the 15th century
December
Christmas Markets
Throughout the Old Town
Practical Tips for New Arrivals
First Week Essentials
- Register with authorities: Visit the Einwohnerdienste (residents' services) within 14 days of arrival
- Set up a bank account: UBS, Credit Suisse, and Kantonalbank all have English-speaking staff
- Arrange health insurance: Companies like CSS, Helsana, and Swica offer English services
- Get a Swiss mobile phone: Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt are the main providers
- Public transport pass: Purchase at the main station or Bernmobil centers
Useful Apps for Bern Living
- SBB Mobile: Essential for train schedules and tickets
- Bernmobil: Local public transport information
- Comparis: Compare health insurance, mobile plans, and more
- Too Good To Go: Reduce food waste and discover local restaurants
- Meetup: Find expat and special interest groups
Emergency Information
General Emergency
112
Police
117
Ambulance
144
Fire
118
Inselspital Emergency Room
Open 24/7, located at Freiburgstrasse 16
Medical Helpline
0900 57 67 47 (CHF 1.98/min) for medical advice in English
Making Bern Your Home
Bern offers a uniquely Swiss living experience that combines historical charm with modern convenience. Its human scale, exceptional quality of life, and central location make it an excellent choice for internationals seeking authentic Swiss living without the intensity and costs of larger Swiss cities.
The key to thriving in Bern is embracing its rhythm and traditions while making efforts to integrate with the local community. Unlike more transient expat hubs, Bern rewards those who invest time in building relationships and learning the local language and customs.
At Prime Relocation, we've helped hundreds of internationals successfully transition to life in Bern. From navigating the competitive rental market to building social connections, our team provides personalized support throughout your relocation journey.
