How to Find Cheap Hotels in Bern, Switzerland. The capital of Switzerland, Bern functions as a cultural and governmental center for the country. This picturesque town has changed remarkably little in appearance since its Renaissance days, and you can find ways to enjoy its many offerings without breaking your budget on lodging.
Visit Einsteinhaus (Einstein Museum), where Albert Einstein lived with his young wife while he worked as a patent clerk. This is the very spot where the theories of general and special relativity were born, as well as Einstein's first son, Hans Albert.
Pay a visit to Zytglogge, a 16th century astronomical clock with many moving puppets. The clock tower is a focal point in Bern's city center, an area where you'll find many luxury and tourist-class hotels.
Admire the Bundeshaus. A new building by Bern standards, the Bundehaus was built in 1902 and houses Switzerland's Parliament. The building dominates Bern's square and was recently adorned with fountains.
Marvel at Bern's many examples of fine Gothic architecture, including Münster, a 15th century cathedral, and Bern's town hall, also built in the 15th century. Stay in a hotel near the city center to facilitate walking tours of these historic buildings.
Fly into Bern's small international airport or ride the Swiss Federal Railway from the larger airports in Zürich or Geneva. Bern's central location facilitates easy connection with the rest of Switzerland.
Bern has an excellent public transit system with extensive local service via bus, trolley-bus or tram. An S-Bahn railway provides speedy access to hotels in the surrounding suburbs.
To book accommodations, contact The Official Website of Bern Tourism at 011 (+41) 31 328 12 12 or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Seek accommodations away from the city center and in one of Bern's quaint suburbs, where the S-Bahn enables quick transit into the city. Some of the more remote locations can feature the most charming accommodations at a greatly reduced price.
Consider a one or two-star hotel. A star-rating of one or two only speaks to the quantity and quality of amenities, not the desirability of the location or the cleanliness of the property.
Stay in a hostel near Bern's old town. These hostels have been a long-time friend to backpackers, but they are not exclusively for the young. Hostels are an increasingly relied upon resource for inexpensive lodging and often provide a superior lodging experience for the social traveler. Plus, hostels are an inexpensive way to stay close to Bern's city center.
Reserve your accommodations in advance of your arrival through an online booking site or by contacting the reception desk via phone, email or fax. Budget accommodations fill up quickly in Bern, as it is Switzerland's capital.
