Is Bern Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, it’s a medium-sized city with a population of about 130,000.

It sits on a peninsula formed by the meandering turns of the river Aare.

Bern is in UNESCO World Heritage List is a World Heritage Site thanks to its harmonious architecture.

Tourists come here to see history museums and public art.

Also, of interest to visit are stunning natural places and parks:

Bear Park – with real bears to see.

The Gurten Hill –  is a lovely hill just outside the city. It features a park and great view over the city on one side and a nice panorama of the Bernese Alps on the other.

And many others.

Warnings & Dangers in Bern

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Bern is a safe enough city, the level of crime is low. Travelers should be vigilant, use common sense and follow the same safety precautions as you’ll be used in every Europe country.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis and public transport are absolutely safe to travel at any time of the day or night. Public transport runs on a clear schedule and you can always know exactly when to expect a bus or tram.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Petty robberies as pickpockets happen in Bern, mainly in public transport or in crowd tourist places. Be on the alert.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Most often, the Bern region is not prone to natural disasters. There is little risk of an earthquake. As usual, check out reliable sources of information on this subject before traveling here.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Stealing vehicles in Bern may occur if you don't lock your car or bicycle. Travelers may become a victim of a robbery on streets if they appear at late night in city suburbs. Be careful while walking by the city late at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There no terror cases in Bern last time. However, as elsewhere, you should be alert and study the news before a visit.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Normally in Bern, there is no scamming. However, like in every capital city, petty cheats with tourists can occur. Be careful and book your accommodation and entrance fees to museums/performances in licensed sources.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone in Bern can feel absolutely safe at any time of the day or night.

So... How Safe Is Bern Really?

Traveling in Switzerland is safe, it’s highly ranked on the list of the safest countries.

Violent crime is very rare in Bern.

Petty crimes like pickpocketing and phone and handbag snatching are on the rise in recent years.

But anyway Bern has a low index of crimes.

However, as it is the capital, political demonstrations occur here and sometimes leading to police intervention.

On the central railway station often you can see drunks and vagrants at night, but they are rarely dangerous.

The real problem is groups of drunkards, who should be avoided as they sometimes look for a fight.

Police officers in Bern always help you out if you are in trouble or need information.

They are also can ask for documents to “suspicious” persons.

Be sure you carry a photocopy of your passport and your onward ticket with you and stay calm and polite.

It is also necessary to keep in a safe place your vehicles: there are cases of theft of bicycles and scooters, as well as carjacking.

However, tourists should provide normal caution for free of violent crimes.

Walking alone at nights usually safe if you follow the basic precautions.

How Does Bern Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You need to have a valid passport to travel to Bern. For stays that are 90 days or shorter, visas are not required. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a visa from the Switzerland Embassy, unless you have Schengen.

Currency

Swiss franc or CHF is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland. Sometimes you can also pay in Euro here.

Weather

The best time to visit Bern for ideal weather is from the end of May to Mid September. Temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year.

Airports

Bern has The Regional Aerodrome Bern-Belp located 10 km from the city center. It serves civil and Swiss Air Force flights.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Bern Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Switzerland - Safety by City