Where is Bern?
Bern lies on the Swiss plateau about 20 km north of the Bernese Alps. The Federal Capital of Switzerland, Bern is home to more than 300,000 people and is easy to reach by all means of transportation.
Travel
Booking your flight to Switzerland
Participants are encouraged to book travel directly to Bern International Airport (BRN). BRN receives direct flights from several European cities including Paris, London, and Munich. Alternately, participants can travel to Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), or Frankfurt (FRA) with connection to Bern via high-speed rail.
How to get to Bern from:
Zurich Airport (ZRH):
During the daytime several Trains depart from the Zurich airport for Bern every hour. Train frequency is less in the late evenings and early morning hours. Total travelling time is approximately 1h 15m.
2nd class ticket (each direction): CHF 55.- (EUR 51 / USD 56)
1st class ticket (each direction): CHF 97.- (EUR 91 / USD 98)
Outward-and-return tickets are valid one month.
Geneva Airport (GVA):
Trains depart GVA for Bern three every hour. Train frequency is less in the late evenings and early morning. Travelling time: 1h 50m.
2nd class ticket (each direction): CHF 55.- (EUR 51 / USD 56)
1st class ticket (each direction): CHF 97.- (EUR 91 / USD 98)
Outward-and-return tickets are valid for one month.
Frankfurt – Germany Airport (FRA):
Trains depart frequently from FRA International Airport, but may require a change en route via Mannheim (DE) and/or Basel (CH). Travel time is approximately 4h 10m to Bern.
2nd class ticket (each direction): CHF 126.- (EUR 119 / USD 127)
1st class ticket (each direction): CHF 211.- (EUR 198 / USD 213)
Outward-and-return tickets are valid for one month.
How to get to the Conference Venue (Kursaal Bern) from Bern Rail Station:
(Kursaal Bern, located at Kornhausstrasse 3, is 1.5km from Bern Rail Station)
Accomodations
Accommodations within walking distance of the conference are listed below:
- Hotel Bern Best Western
Zeughausgasse 9
3011 Bern
T: +41 31 329 22 22 - Hotel Bristol, Best Western
Schauplatzgasse 10
3011 Bern
T: +41 31 311 01 01 - Hotel Baren Best Western
Schauplatzgasse 4
3011 Bern, Switzerland
T: +41 31 311 33 67 - Hotel Kreuz Bern
Zeughausgasse 41
3011 Bern
T: +41 31 329 95 95 - Hotel Metropole
Zeughausgasse 26
3000 Bern
T: +41 31 329 94 94
Visas
Refer to the list below if to determine if you need a visa to enter Switzerland:
If you need a visa please see this site for more information.
Your visa application should be made to the Swiss consular authorities in your country. Addresses of all the Swiss representations/consular services outside Switzerland can be found here.
An official invitation can be sent to the participants on demand (contact: claudia.greco@helvetas.org). Participants are encouraged to begin their visa application process as early as possible – at least 6 weeks in advance to ensure processing is completed in time.
Other
Conference Venue
The conference will take place at the Kursaal Bern (Kornhausstrasse 3, 3000 Bern) in Bern. It is situated slightly east of the Aare River, 1.5 km walk from Bern’s main rail station. Several hotels are within a 15 – 20 minute walk of the conference location.
Weather
September/October temperatures in Switzerland range from 10° C (50° F) to 20° C (68° F). Be sure to bring warm clothes and a rain jacket.
Tipping
Gratuity for services provided is already included in hotels, restaurants, and taxi bills. For special services, a small tip is of course welcome.
Time zone
Middle European time (GMT + 1 hour), summertime (+ 1 hour) end of March to end of October.
Electricity
Europlug, 220 volt, 50 hertz
Language
Bern is located in the German-speaking region of Switzerland. Aside from German, most Bernese speak both English and French.
Banks/money exchange/credit cards
Bern has many banks able to exchange money. At both the airport and main rail station money can be exchanged for a nominal fee. Most hotels also exchange money, but usually at higher rates. Credit cards (Visa, Master/Eurocard, and American Express) are generally accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Opening times of banks: 8 am – 12 pm / 1:30 pm – 5 pm (Monday – Friday)
Exchange offices at the stations are open until 8 pm.
