Visit Gothic cathedral of Bern Minster
Bern, Switzerland • 
Popular
PopularBern, Switzerland
Popular
Best months to visit
Jul, Aug
14°C – 25°C, warmest month with comfortable temperatures, though showers remain common, high crowds, peak season
14°C – 25°C, warmest month with comfortable temperatures, though showers remain common, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Main cathedral accessible with assistance, tower climb has 344 stairs, no elevator.
Main cathedral accessible with assistance, tower climb has 344 stairs, no elevator.
Value for money
High
Free entry; tower fee reasonable for the views.
Free entry; tower fee reasonable for the views.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Setting
Couples found the cathedral's ambiance perfect for a romantic experience.
Breathtaking Views
Visitors raved about the panoramic views from the tower, perfect for sharing.
Historical Beauty
Couples appreciated the stunning architecture and the historical significance.
Tower Climb
Some couples found the 344 steps of the tower climb strenuous.
Limited Access
Travelers noted that special events could restrict access to some areas.
Cobblestone Path
Couples with mobility issues found the path to the entrance challenging.
Hours of operation
Monday
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Embark on a walking tour of the historic Bern Minster.
Behold the breathtaking aerial perspective of Bern Minster.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
LOW
-2-5°C
Cold and damp, occasional snowfall; cloudy days are common.
Cold and damp, occasional snowfall; cloudy days are common.
Open
Tower access may be limited if icy; check for special Masses or concerts which could affect opening times.
Tower access may be limited if icy; check for special Masses or concerts which could affect opening times.
Not recommended
February is a tranquil time to visit Bern Minster, with cold weather and low crowds, but check ahead for any access limitations due to weather or events.
February is a tranquil time to visit Bern Minster, with cold weather and low crowds, but check ahead for any access limitations due to weather or events.
March
LOW
1-10°C
Cool, with increasing sunshine and occasional rain; snow is rare by late March.
Cool, with increasing sunshine and occasional rain; snow is rare by late March.
Open
Some religious ceremonies around Easter may restrict access to certain areas but the cathedral and tower are generally open.
Some religious ceremonies around Easter may restrict access to certain areas but the cathedral and tower are generally open.
Recommended
March brings milder weather and more daylight, making it a good time for quiet sightseeing at Bern Minster before the main tourist season.
March brings milder weather and more daylight, making it a good time for quiet sightseeing at Bern Minster before the main tourist season.
April
MEDIUM
4-14°C
Mild and variable, with a mix of sunny and rainy days; spring blossoms in the city.
Mild and variable, with a mix of sunny and rainy days; spring blossoms in the city.
Open
Occasional restrictions for church services, especially around Easter. The tower is usually open unless maintenance is scheduled.
Occasional restrictions for church services, especially around Easter. The tower is usually open unless maintenance is scheduled.
Recommended
April sees milder weather and longer days, making it a pleasant time to visit Bern Minster, though you may encounter moderate crowds during holidays.
April sees milder weather and longer days, making it a pleasant time to visit Bern Minster, though you may encounter moderate crowds during holidays.
May
MEDIUM
8-18°C
Mild spring weather with cool mornings and pleasant afternoons. Rain showers are relatively frequent.
Mild spring weather with cool mornings and pleasant afternoons. Rain showers are relatively frequent.
Open
Noise is strictly prohibited inside the cathedral. Climbing the spire requires ascending 344 steps; comfortable shoes are recommended. The cathedral is free to enter, but access to the viewing platform is ticketed.
Noise is strictly prohibited inside the cathedral. Climbing the spire requires ascending 344 steps; comfortable shoes are recommended. The cathedral is free to enter, but access to the viewing platform is ticketed.
Recommended
May is a good month to visit the Bern Minster, with comfortable temperatures and moderate crowd levels. The cathedral is fully accessible, and the city is lively with spring events.
May is a good month to visit the Bern Minster, with comfortable temperatures and moderate crowd levels. The cathedral is fully accessible, and the city is lively with spring events.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Several bus lines (e.g., 12, 19) stop near Bern Minster at the Zytglogge and Rathaus stops.
Train
Recommended
Bern Bahnhof is the main train station. From there, it's a 14-minute walk or a short tram/bus ride to the Minster.
Walking
Recommended
Walking from Bern Bahnhof or within the Old Town is highly recommended due to the central location and pedestrian-friendly surroundings.
Bike
Bike rentals are available via PubliBike. Cycle to the area, but walk on the cobblestone streets around the Minster.
Car
While driving to the Minster is restricted, parking garages like Rathaus Parking are nearby. Consider Park and Ride Neufeld.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Bern Bahnhof and can provide direct access to the edge of Münsterplatz.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages up to 99
