
Bern

Overview:
BERN
Where Heritage Meets Prestige
Switzerland’s capital is a masterpiece of time and taste, medieval arcades, quiet courtyards, and the turquoise shimmer of the Aare curving gently around the city. Bern moves at its own graceful rhythm: elegant, refined, and effortlessly Swiss.
With Watermark, every moment here is curated around you. Mornings might begin under Gothic spires or along riverside promenades, afternoons could unfold in art-filled halls or private ateliers, and evenings bring candlelight, fine wine, and sweeping views over the city’s copper rooftops. Bern is never rushed, it’s lived, one exquisite detail at a time.
A DAY IN BERN: THE WATERMARK WAY
Morning, The Heart of History
Your private host leads you through Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, where arcaded streets, artisan boutiques, and centuries-old clocktowers whisper of the city’s golden past. Watch the Zytglogge strike the hour, then enjoy a leisurely coffee beneath the arcades as the morning light dances across sandstone façades.
Midday, Parliament and Prestige
Enjoy a private tour of Switzerland’s Federal Parliament, subject to availability, or gain behind-the-scenes insight into the nation’s political legacy. Follow with a refined lunch at the historic Kornhauskeller, where vaulted ceilings and curated wines make every meal feel like a celebration.
Afternoon, Art, Chocolate and Hidden Corners
Explore Bern’s art scene with a private visit to the Zentrum Paul Klee or a hidden atelier rarely open to the public. For the indulgent, take part in a hands-on chocolate workshop guided by a local master chocolatier, complete with champagne pairings and your own personalized creation to take home.
Evening, Views, Wine and Quiet Grandeur
As daylight fades, your driver whisks you to the Rosengarten, where champagne awaits against one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking city panoramas. From here, Bern glows beneath you, calm, golden, timeless.
WATERMARK PRIVILEGES IN BERN
Each journey is crafted individually and may include access to experiences typically reserved for a select few. Availability and arrangements vary seasonally, but every privilege is designed to elevate your stay far beyond the ordinary.
Private Parliament Access
A behind-the-scenes visit to Switzerland’s Federal Palace, available upon request and dependent on session schedules.
After-Hours Zytglogge Experience
Step inside Bern’s medieval clock tower with a private horologist as your guide. Optional wine service or photography session available on select dates.
Art and Politics Dinner
A curated private dinner within an art gallery or historical residence, hosted by a local artist or historian, an evening of conversation, culture, and culinary finesse.
Aare River Champagne Picnic
Chauffeured or helicopter arrival to a riverside setting where chilled champagne and gourmet delicacies await. An unforgettable summer indulgence.
Chocolate Atelier Workshop
Create and taste alongside Bern’s finest chocolatiers in a private setting, exclusive pairings, custom flavors, and your own signature box to take home.
VIP Dining at Kornhauskeller
Reserved seating, sommelier-led pairings, and an optional pre-dinner cellar tour, dining elevated to theatre.
Forest and Wine Soirée
An intimate, torch-lit dinner at a private countryside estate, accompanied by live music and curated local wines.
Sunset Champagne at Rosengarten
A private terrace setup with panoramic Alpine views, complete with live violin or photography on request.
THE WATERMARK PROMISE
Every Watermark experience is handcrafted and subject to availability, permissions, and seasonal access. Our network opens doors not typically available to the public, and while exclusivity cannot always be guaranteed, elegance always is.
When to Visit:
BERN AT ITS BEST
Autumn (September – November)
Bern exhales in warm tones. The harvest vineyards glow. Streets fill with aroma of roasting chestnuts. In November, the Zibelemärit (Onion Market) transforms Old Town into a folk spectacle. It’s a time for cozy interiors, art walks, and soft lighting in historic arcades.
Winter (December – February)
Christmas markets appear in Münsterplatz and throughout the Old Town. January brings late-night museum evenings. February bursts into festivity with Bern’s carnival; lanterns, parades, music, masks.
Spring (March – May)
New life returns. The Aare edge becomes lively again. Garden paths beckon. Bern’s spring fairs and trade expos take place. It’s a quiet, elegant season, ideal for curated museum visits, artisan studios, and riverside calm.
Summer (June – August)
This is Bern in motion. Outdoor concerts, open courtyards, festival energy. Streets hum, evening light lingers. It’s the season of Buskers Bern, Gurten Festival, city festivals, and music in every lane.
Special Events and Festivals:
2025 (remaining)
• Zibelemärit (Onion Market) — The fourth Monday of November
A one-day folk & farmers’ market event with stalls, onion artistry, local food, and street energy.
• Ferienmesse Bern — January 22–25, 2026 (fair for travel & lifestyle)
A major expo at BernExpo for travel inspiration and planning.
2026
• MUV Festival — May 22–24, 2026
Swiss sports, health, outdoors expo at BernExpo with live events and gatherings.
• BEA (Bern Spring Fair) — April 24 to May 3, 2026
A major city fair combining markets, exhibitions, entertainment, and local flavors.
• Cultura Suisse — March 11–13, 2026
Cultural festival of art, music, and Swiss heritage at BernExpo.
• Buskers Bern — August 6–8, 2026
Street-arts festival in Old Town: international artists performing music, theatre, visual acts.
• Berner Stadtfest — June 19–21, 2026
City festival across squares and alleys with performances, food, local culture.
• Gurten Festival — July 15–18, 2026
Major music festival on Bern’s local mountain, with big-name acts and alpine views.
THE WATERMARK TOUCH
We don’t just show you events; we place you inside them. Think front row vantage points, after hours access, artist meet ups, curated food pairing pop ups, and insider paths to skip the crowds.
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Testimonials
Real journeys. Real stories. Real satisfaction.
"We just told Them what we liked, and somehow he built a trip better than anything we could’ve planned. Every hotel, every view, just spot on."

Caroline M.
"It didn’t feel like some cookie-cutter tour. I got to hike, eat like a king, and sleep in places I’d never find on my own. Totally worth it."

Marcus W.
"The heli ride was insane. I still can’t believe I did that. Jamal knew exactly where to push and where to chill. Legend."









