Bern, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#974
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bern is the capital city of Switzerland, known for its medieval architecture and charming old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 133,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering high-speed connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 CHF is approximately 1.09 USD as of April 2025. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality, sourced from the Alps. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt, with options for prepaid SIM cards available at various stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include UBS, Credit Suisse, and PostFinance; apps like Revolut are also widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments, with prices averaging CHF 1,500 for a one-bedroom in the city center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, contactless payments are widely accepted across the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate websites offer options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Bern Backpackers Hostel offer affordable lodging for travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town (Altstadt) is the best area for tourists, close to main attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Matte neighborhood is popular among digital nomads for its hip atmosphere and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub Bern, offering flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaffeeküche, known for its great coffee and conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly networking meets at Impact Hub and various tech meetups listed on Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Bern Expats Meetup group on Facebook hosts regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in the city, as well as local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Lime and local bike rentals are available for easy city exploration. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Biel, approximately 30 mins away by train, provides beach access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SkyWork Airlines operates flights to various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Swiss International Air Lines provides extensive international flight services. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A1 highway connects Bern to major Swiss cities, including Zurich and Geneva. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bern Hauptbahnhof (main station) is the primary transportation hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly and weekly passes are available for unlimited use on public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent trains operate to nearby cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Basel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Inselspital, a leading hospital in Bern with comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Bern offers various classes for all skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Bern provides a wide range of gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Locker Laundry offers convenient self-service washing options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and Uber Eats are popular food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Berner Platte, a traditional plate of mixed meats and sausages. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Hildegard's offers a great selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Konditorei Schenker is famous for its delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Bundesplatz market offers affordable fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include Digitec and Brack.ch for electronics and more. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros offer online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Wabern is known for its lively bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bernese Brew serves a range of locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar 28 specializes in Swiss wines and offers tasting experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | You can find various food stalls at the Bern Farmers' Market on Thursdays. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Taj Mahal offer Indian cuisine, and La Pergola specializes in Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Zytglogge clock tower and the Federal Palace are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kunstmuseum Bern hosts an impressive collection of art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Bear Park and the Rosengarten are notable historical places to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Bern (Berner Münster) is a stunning Gothic church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bern Carnival and the Fête de l'Escalade are major local events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Matte neighborhood is vibrant with art galleries and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater an der Effingerstrasse exhibits various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bundesplatz market is a must-visit for local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host live music, including La Cappella. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the many murals around the Wabern area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the Culinary Institute of Bern offer local culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the Zentrum Paul Klee for contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Federal Palace and the historic old town's buildings showcase Bern's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's symbols include the bear, which is featured on its coat of arms. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gurten Park offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Emmental National Park is accessible within an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Aare River path provides beautiful scenery for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Rosengarten offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands along the Aare are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Gurten Park allow for bonfires, ideal for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Swiss Post and DHL provide parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair services at PC-Check offer quick device fixes. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Bern University offers free table tennis facilities to students. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Goethe-Institut offers German language courses for non-native speakers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Zentralbibliothek Bern provides a quiet study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Gemeinschaftszentrum offers various social activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | LAN Plus provides a gaming room for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Bern offers gaming activities and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 160,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 330,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 252,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 416,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 320,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approx. 21%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Swiss tax system includes both federal and cantonal taxes based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approx. 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7.7% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Switzerland has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, variable based on cantonal policies. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 1.5% to 3% based on the canton. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Yes, certain incentives for foreign professionals setting up businesses. |