NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF BERN

The Natural History Museum of Bern is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most respected museums, offering a dive into the natural world. Established in 1832, the museum houses an extensive collection of over 6 million objects, ranging from fossils to taxidermy mounts of animals and rare specimens. One of its most famous exhibits is the complete dodo skeleton, one of the only few remaining in the world, which draws visitors all through the year. The museum’s Alpine dioramas are another highlight, providing a vivid portrayal of Swiss wildlife and landscapes.

Beyond its permanent exhibits, the Natural History Museum of Bern’s temporary exhibitions cover various aspects of natural history, from evolution to environmental issues. Conveniently located in Bern, the museum is a must-visit for those interested in learning more about the planet's rich and diverse natural history.

Highlights

• Discover one of the few remaining dodo skeletons in the world along with other fascinating rare exhibits at this museum.
• Stand in awe before the museum’s collection of giant crystals, some of the largest ever found.
• Immerse yourself in the realistic Alpine dioramas (3D replicas) that vividly portray the wildlife and landscapes of the Swiss Alps.
• Interact with hands-on exhibits, designed to make learning fun and engaging for all ages. 
• Explore the museum’s comprehensive displays of evolution, tracing the journey of life from its origins to the present day.

How To Reach

• By Car: The museum is located at a distance of 3.2 km from the city centre. It will take around 10 minutes to reach there by car via the Kirchenfeldstrasse Road or Route 10.
• By Bus: Take bus number 19 and get down at the Aegertenstrasse stop, located at a distance of 130 metres from the museum. You can easily reach there by taking a short 2-minute walk from the station. 
• By Tram: Board the 8 no. line tram to the Helvetiaplatz stop which is located at a distance of 270 m from the museum. You can reach the attraction from here easily by a short 3-minute walk. 

Best Time To Visit

The Natural History Museum of Bern welcomes visitors to explore its exhibitions and artefacts throughout the year. 

• Best day of the week: The best days to visit the Natural History Museum of Bern are the weekdays as weekends tend to be overcrowded with visitors. 
• Best time of the day: It is recommended to visit the attraction early in the morning right after the opening hours to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience.

Other Essential Information

• Arrive early to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore all exhibits.
• Look out for special temporary exhibits that might be on display during your visit, and consider booking your tickets online in advance.
• Wear comfortable footwear as the museum is large and requires a lot of walking.
• Bring a camera to capture memorable moments, as photography is allowed in most areas.
• Consider using the audio guide for detailed information on exhibits to enhance your visit.
• Visit the museum's official website for up-to-date information on opening hours and special events.
• Follow all museum guidelines, such as not touching exhibits, to help preserve the collections.