At a glance
- The Zytglogge figures start moving just before the hour. Arriving at 11:00 may mean missing the opening sequence, so reach the east face by 10:50.
- Einstein House is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, February 4 through December 18, 2026. Adult admission is CHF 8.
- A tour inside the Federal Palace requires a separate reservation and security screening. It takes about an hour, so it is difficult to fit into this morning route.
- Bern Minster is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 11:30 to 17:00. Entry may be restricted during services or events.
- The outdoor area of the BearPark is free to access 24 hours a day, year-round, but bears are not always visible.
- The Bern Ticket is for guests staying at least one night in Bern. Day visitors should check fares for local transit in Bern separately.
- The 13:34 departure from Bern is an example of a regular service, arriving in Fribourg at about 13:56. If you arrive at 14:18 and still plan to catch the 16:47 train to Murten, shorten your visit in Fribourg and leave Bern Bridge at 16:17. To keep your visit as planned, check the next train to Murten and your onward return connection in the SBB timetable for your travel day.
From Bern through Fribourg's Lower Town to Murten
① Walk through Bern's Old Town, then ② return to the station from the BearPark. ③ Start at Fribourg station and ④ descend to the Lower Town before ⑤ taking a train to Murten. Tap a pin to see why you need to keep to the times at each stop.
See the travel guidance for each stop below.
-
Bern Bahnhof 09:58 · Start
Walk east via the Federal Palace and the Zytglogge. Start returning to the station from the BearPark at 12:35 to catch the train to Fribourg.
-
BearPark 12:35 · Bus 12
After crossing Nydegg Bridge and finishing your visit, take bus 12 back to Bern Bahnhof.
-
Fribourg/Freiburg Example: 13:56 · Arrival
This is the typical example arrival time for the 13:34 departure from Bern. Match it to the actual SBB timetable for your travel date and your planned start time in Fribourg.
-
Bern Bridge 16:17 · Finish your visit
This is the final stop after descending from the cathedral and Zaehringen Bridge to the Lower Town. While the funicular is out of service, return to the station by bus 4 or on foot.
-
Murten/Morat Example: 16:47 · Depart Fribourg
Check the actual platform on the departure board before heading over. After arriving, visit Berntor, the ramparts, and the lakeside according to your available time and sunset.
Route and schedule
Travel from Bern through Fribourg to Murten
In Bern, walk east and take bus 12 from the BearPark back to the station. In Fribourg, descend from the Upper Town to the Lower Town, then return to the station by bus 4 or on foot uphill for the train to Murten. All map links are coordinate-based.
-
1
Bern BahnhofStart
-
2
Federal PalaceWalk
-
3
ZytgloggeWalk
-
4
Einstein HouseWalk
-
5
Bern MinsterWalk
-
6
BearParkWalk
-
7
Bern BahnhofBus 12
-
8
Fribourg/FreiburgTrain
-
9
Fribourg CathedralWalk
-
10
Pont de BerneWalk downhill
-
11
Bus stop for Route 4 listed by TPF for your visit dateWalk to the stop’s actual operating location, such as Karrweg or Auge Sous-Pont
-
12
Fribourg/FreiburgBus 4 or walk uphill
-
13
Murten/MoratRegional train
-
14
Murten Old TownWalk
Day by day
Suggested itinerary
See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.
Walk from Bern station to the Federal Palace to see its exterior and Bundesplatz. Skip the indoor tour. Then follow Marktgasse to the east face of the Zytglogge and get there by 10:50.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from Bern station to the Federal Palace and about 10 minutes from the palace to the Zytglogge. Use the remaining time to stroll past the arcades and fountains. Google Maps 길찾기
After watching the figures, go to Einstein House at Kramgasse 49. Spend about 20 minutes in the exhibition, then continue to the minster. Take a brief look inside, then view the Aare River from Münsterplattform to the south.
It takes about 3 minutes to walk from the Zytglogge to Einstein House, then about 5 minutes from there to the minster. Skip the minster tower on this itinerary. Google Maps 길찾기
Walk from Münsterplattform across Nydegg Bridge to BearPark. Do not go far down toward the river, and finish your visit by 12:35. At the stop in front of BearPark, check that the Route 12 stop is for Bern Bahnhof and confirm the destination on the display before boarding back to the station. Do not board the same route number in the opposite direction.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Münsterplattform to the BearPark. Walking back to the station takes about 25 minutes, so bus 12 is the safer choice if you want to catch a train around 13:34. Google Maps 길찾기
Take a direct train from Bern station to Fribourg/Freiburg. The example regular service departing at 13:34 arrives at about 13:56. If you choose a train arriving at 14:18, shorten your Fribourg visit and leave Bern Bridge at 16:17 to catch the 16:47 train to Murten. If you cannot shorten the visit, check the actual timetable for the train to Murten and your onward return connection.
There is no separate lunch break. It fits the schedule better to buy something simple at Bern station and eat it on the train. Google Maps 길찾기
Walk about 15 minutes from the station to St. Nicholas Cathedral. After visiting the cathedral, head towards Zaehringen Bridge and descend to Place du Petit-Saint-Jean in the Lower Town. Walk along the Sarine River to Bern Bridge, a covered wooden bridge, and finish your visit by 16:17.
Despite its name, Bern Bridge is in Fribourg. Allow extra time in the rain, as there are many downhill sections and stairs. Google Maps 길찾기
While the funicular is out of service, go from Bern Bridge to the Route 4 bus stop shown on TPF’s route for the day. Depending on construction, the actual stop may be Auge Sous-Pont or Karrweg, so check the official route before setting out. Board a bus whose display shows Fribourg/Freiburg, gare routière, and get off at the bus terminal to walk to the railway platforms. Do not take the bus in the opposite direction toward Auge Sous-Pont.
Choose the 16:47 train to Murten only if you can fit in the walk to the bus stop, waiting, the bus ride, and the walk to the station platform. Finishing your visit at 16:17 alone does not guarantee a connection. Even if you walk uphill, check the travel time along the actual route on the map, and switch to the next train if you are running late. Google Maps 길찾기
Check the departure board at Fribourg station and take a regional train to Murten/Morat. 16:47–17:17 is one example service in the published 2026 timetable; follow the SBB departure board on the day for the train number and platform.
When you arrive at the station, first check the destination Murten/Morat and the actual platform. It is safer to eat your snacks after boarding the train. Google Maps 길찾기
From Murten/Morat station, walk past Berntor and along Hauptgasse to the ramparts. If the ramparts are closed or the sun is setting, visit the Old Town and see the exterior of Murten Castle, then head down to the lakeside. Adjust your time in Murten to fit your onward accommodation or return train.
It is about an 8-minute walk from the station to the old town. If returning to Bern, enter Murten/Morat→Bern in SBB and check whether the S5 or S52 runs directly on your visit date, along with its departure time and travel time. Work backward from the time needed to walk from the old town or lakeside to the station and allow extra time to reach the platform to set your sightseeing end time. Use sunset and your return train to decide whether you can see both the ramparts and the lakeside. Google Maps 길찾기
History and context
The bear is Bern's heraldic animal. The city has kept bears since 1513 and opened today's BearPark on the Aare River slope beside the old Bear Pit in 2009.
The astronomical clock and its figures do more than mark the hour. Just before the hour, a rooster and procession of bears move, followed by the bell announcing the new hour.
Fribourg Tourism dates the bridge's origins to the mid-13th century. Its current form reflects several rounds of repairs, and it is the last covered wooden bridge remaining in Fribourg.
Opened in 1899, the Neuveville-Saint-Pierre funicular uses the difference in water weight between its two cars. It is still known for using the city's wastewater as a counterweight.
Places and meals
The starting point for the morning route and the place to catch the train to Fribourg. Coordinates: 46.948819, 7.439117.
Google MapsThis itinerary visits only the exterior and the square. Coordinates: 46.946667, 7.444167.
Google MapsTo see the figures at 11:00, reach the east face by 10:50. Coordinates: 46.947980, 7.447800.
Google MapsA small exhibition at Kramgasse 49. Coordinates: 46.947670, 7.449970.
Google MapsAssess the time needed to visit the interior and to climb the tower separately. Coordinates: 46.947240, 7.451600.
Google MapsA free viewing terrace south of the minster. Coordinates: 46.946790, 7.451830.
Google MapsA bridge over the Aare connecting the Old Town and the BearPark. Coordinates: 46.948470, 7.458490.
Google MapsA free outdoor viewing area. Coordinates: 46.947683, 7.459185.
Google MapsThe starting and ending point for the Fribourg route. Coordinates: 46.802960, 7.151020.
Google MapsA landmark in Fribourg's Upper Old Town. Coordinates: 46.806160, 7.163200.
Google MapsA bridge overlooking the Sarine River and the Lower Town. Coordinates: 46.806540, 7.166760.
Google MapsA specific landmark that makes it easier to find your way in the Lower Town. Coordinates: 46.803530, 7.167430.
Google MapsFribourg's covered wooden bridge. Coordinates: 46.804290, 7.169000.
Google MapsUsually the terminus for bus 4. TPF lists restrictions until 17:00 on September 24, 2026, while the City of Fribourg lists Karrweg as the temporary terminus through September 26. Check TPF's route for the day to confirm whether the bus stops as usual on September 25–26 as well. Coordinates: 46.806890, 7.166740.
Google MapsTPF lists this as the temporary terminus for bus 4 until 17:00 on September 24, 2026, while the City of Fribourg lists it through September 26. Follow TPF's route for the day on September 25–26, when the dates differ. Coordinates: 46.802190, 7.166830.
Google MapsThe Lower Town station. Coordinates: 46.803640, 7.158100.
Google MapsThe station in the Upper Town. Coordinates: 46.804090, 7.156870.
Google MapsThe starting point for the walk into Murten Old Town after arriving by regional train from Fribourg. Coordinates: 46.925264, 7.115489.
Google MapsA landmark gateway to Murten Old Town. Coordinates: 46.9290901, 7.1183930.
Google MapsA rampart walkway with views of Old Town rooftops and the lake. Access may vary depending on events and safety conditions. Coordinates: 46.928126, 7.117239.
Google MapsA good place to rest by the lake after walking the ramparts. Coordinates: 46.9306108, 7.1167413.
Google MapsFood and restaurants
- This itinerary has a short lunch break. Buy bread or a sandwich at Bern station before boarding the train to Fribourg so you do not need to cut your time in the Lower Town.
- A long late lunch in Fribourg's Lower Town will delay your return around 16:00. If dining at a restaurant matters to you, spend less time at Bern Bridge or eat after returning to Fribourg station.
How to fit it in
This itinerary has four key times. Reach the Zytglogge by 10:50, leave the BearPark for the station at 12:35, and take a train to Fribourg from Bern station at around 13:34. Finish visiting Bern Bridge in Fribourg by 16:17 and return to the station for the train to Murten.
Reality check
In Bern, take bus 12 from the BearPark back to the station. The Fribourg funicular is scheduled to resume on December 5, so do not count on it for your return until its reopening is officially confirmed. From Bern Bridge, head to the bus 4 stop shown on TPF's route for the day, or walk uphill. The 16:47 train to Murten is a published example service; follow the SBB departure board for the train number and platform.
The morning route in Bern works only if you keep indoor visits short. If aiming for the 16:47 train to Murten from Fribourg, work backward from the TPF and SBB schedules for your visit date to set your sightseeing end time, allowing for the walk from Bern Bridge to the actual Route 4 stop, waiting for and riding the bus, and walking to the station platform. A 16:17 departure from sightseeing does not guarantee a connection. If walking back, check the time for the actual uphill route, and if you are late, compare the next train with sunset in Murten and shorten your route.
Einstein House costs CHF 8 for adults, and BearPark is free. A regular Zone 10 ticket for the Fribourg funicular costs CHF 3 when it is operating normally. Fares for Bern city buses, the train from Bern to Fribourg, Fribourg city buses, the train from Fribourg to Murten, and the train for your onward return after Murten depend on the pass you hold and any discount conditions, so calculate the total for your travel date with SBB or TPF.
The Old Towns in all three cities have cobblestones, stairs, and steep slopes. In the rain, do not walk while looking at your phone on the downhill route in the Lower Town or the steps on Murten's ramparts. At the BearPark, watch from outside the enclosure; do not feed the bears or try to get a reaction by making noise. If you have a fixed last train, set your departure time from Bern Bridge first.
If plans change
To give Einstein House a proper visit or climb the minster tower, skip the BearPark or take a later train to Fribourg.
Only after the funicular has officially resumed service, check the actual walking route on the map and travel time from Bern Bridge to the lower Neuveville station before going there. Add the walk from the upper St-Pierre station to the railway station and work backward from the train departure time. Do not estimate it as a 10-minute walk based on the straight-line distance.
Instead of descending to the Lower Town, stay in the Upper Old Town after visiting Fribourg Cathedral and then return to the station. It is safer than rushing down wet stone steps. In Murten, connect Hauptgasse with the lakeside instead of walking the ramparts.
Small tip
In Bern, see the exterior of the Federal Palace and skip the minster tower. Keep your visit to Einstein House to about 20 minutes as well. If you delay the train to Fribourg to spend longer at a Bern attraction, rework the train to Murten and your onward return plans too.
Final check before departure
- Check your Bern departure, arrival time at Fribourg/Freiburg, and train to Murten/Morat together in SBB's timetable for your actual travel date.
- Reach the east face of the Zytglogge by 10:50.
- Have a ticket ready for bus 12 from the Bern BearPark to the station.
- Check with TPF for the bus 4 stop and funicular service on your travel date.
- If you are aiming for the 16:47 train to Murten, finish visiting Bern Bridge by 16:17. If the bus connection does not work, check the next train.
- Check access conditions for Murten's ramparts, sunset time, and your onward accommodation or return train.
The Fribourg Neuveville funicular will be out of service from August 27 to December 4, 2026, and is scheduled to resume service on December 5. During this period, return to the station by bus 4 or on foot uphill. Check train and bus times, platforms, and any stop changes due to roadworks with SBB and TPF on your travel day.
Information checked: 2026-10-01