Bern, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#974
46.948474, 7.452174
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bern is the capital city of Switzerland, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and beautiful scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 133,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The official currency is Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards and cash are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, the quality is excellent. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | UBS and Credit Suisse are popular options, along with online banking services like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are common platforms for short-term housing. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bern offers affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub Bern offers great facilities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Dritter Ort is a popular choice among remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community events are often held at the Coworking space and various local cafés. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups are regularly organized on platforms like Meetup.com as well as expat groups on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Bern, along with local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Züri rollt offers bike and scooter rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Thun Lake is about 30 minutes away and is great for summer outings. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Helvetic Airways operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | SWISS and Lufthansa are major carriers operating out of Bern Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E27 highway connects Bern to Zurich and Geneva. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bern Main Station (Bern Hauptbahnhof) is the primary train hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Various options including daily, weekly, and monthly passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains operated by SBB connect to major Swiss cities including Zurich and Lucerne. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Inselspital is the leading healthcare facility in Bern. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga im Park offers several classes in a cozy environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitnesspark offers multiple locations and services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat 4you provides self-service washing machines. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Domino's are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rösti is a must-try traditional Swiss dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Häppy Veggie serves a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Confiserie Tschirren offers exquisite pastries and chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Berner Markt has great fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local services include Siroop.ch for general shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Nydeggasse area is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brauerei Locher is a renowned local brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Weinhandlung ZAP offers a wide selection of wines to taste. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Markthalle Bern hosts various food stalls offering numerous cuisines. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Osteria Giacomo is famous for its Italian fare. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Zytglogge clock tower and Bear Park are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bern Historical Museum is a highlight, along with the Zentrum Paul Klee. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Federal Palace is a significant historical building. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Bern Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bern Jazz Festival occurs every year in spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich cultural history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater Bern offers a range of performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Wabern Market is held weekly and is popular among locals. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Café Sattler is known for its live music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Visit the BearPark for stunning views and some street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at Bern's Kursaal explore local Swiss cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kunsthaus Bern showcases both local and international art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Clock Tower is a remarkable historic landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bern's medieval street layout is a testament to its long history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gurten Park offers hills and trails for outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Emmental National Park is accessible within an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Aare river paths are perfect for cyclists and walkers alike. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Rosengarten provides great views over the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Bremgarten Forest offers decent spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas are available in some parks around Bern. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | MediaMarkt provides various tech repair options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Tennisplatz Bern has facilities for various sports including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Goethe-Institut offers German language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The University Library Bern is a great quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Haus der Religionen is a center for cultural exchange and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | eSports Lounge Bern hosts competitive gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Bern offers various gambling options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40m² = CHF 400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 8,500 per m² (e.g., 40m² = CHF 340,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 9,500 per m² (e.g., 60m² = CHF 570,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60m² = CHF 450,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80m² = CHF 680,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80m² = CHF 520,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 21%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum tax rate can go up to 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable, based on the property's estimated value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 1.5%. |