Upon entering a luxurious suite at Hotel Bellevue Palace in Bern, Switzerland, the sight of sophisticated binoculars immediately captured attention. Through these lenses, the serene River Aare and the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps shrouded in mist beckoned exploration.
This five-star hotel is renowned for its breathtaking views and exceptional amenities, making it a prime choice for visitors to the Swiss capital. Housed in a stunning art nouveau building constructed in 1913, the Bellevue Palace is conveniently located next to the Swiss Parliament, attracting a mix of diplomats, renowned politicians, and high-profile celebrities.
A Gateway to Historical Elegance
While visiting Bern, many choose to use the Bellevue Palace as a base to explore the city’s magical medieval charm. An engaging tour led by the hotel’s director, Urs Buehrer, reveals that the Bellevue’s history is as rich and complex as that of Switzerland itself.
A suite with view. Photo Credit: Gregoire Gardette/Bellevue Palace Bern
The Bellevue Palace may not have been a royal residence nor a popular stop for travelers on the Grand Tours of Europe, but it exudes grandeur from the moment guests ascend the red-carpeted steps. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by an arching stained-glass ceiling that bathes the lobby and courtyard in light, creating a luxurious atmosphere reminiscent of the Belle Époque era. Fresh flowers in vintage vases and plush upholstered chairs invite guests to relax and enjoy a cocktail in the lobby’s Gin Bar, which boasts an impressive collection of 99 different brands.
Buehrer personally greets guests and provides an insightful tour of the hotel’s 11 elegant ballrooms adorned with crystal chandeliers, often transformed into venues for political gatherings and exclusive weddings.
The stained-glass ceiling in the Bellevue Palace lobby. Photo Credit: Barbara Redding
@Brasserie Vue, a refined French dining establishment within the hotel, captures the essence of a royal study. It features built-in bookcases containing leather-bound volumes and fine wines, while floor-to-ceiling doors open to a stunning patio where patrons can enjoy views of the river and mountains. On the recommendation of the director, a spectacular sea bass dish baked in salt for two became a highlight, paired effortlessly with a Swiss Riesling.
The Bellevue offers 126 exquisitely designed rooms and 25 suites, showcasing parquet flooring, elegant furnishings, and lavish marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. A spacious walk-in closet in the suite hints at the bygone era when guests arrived with steamer trunks.
The Bellevue Bar, Switzerland’s oldest American bar, holds intriguing tales from its past. Frequented by spies during World War II and the Cold War, it became a hotspot for intelligence agents. The director pointed out a secluded corner favored by novelist John le Carré, who studied at the University of Bern before serving in MI6.
The hotel’s Bellevue Bar, a place of political intrigue during World War II and the Cold War. Photo Credit: Maud Devaud/Bellevue Palace Bern
A Storied Past
The origins of the Bellevue Palace trace back to 1848 when Bern was designated as the Swiss Confederation’s capital. Local hotelier Friedrich Osswald acquired the property adjacent to the new government offices. Following a reconstruction led by Osswald’s descendants, the hotel reopened in 1913, delighting guests with its opulent interiors. Since then, it has hosted dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Nelson Mandela.
In the 1970s, the Swiss National Bank acquired the hotel to prevent Russian purchases for their embassy. Now it is operated by the Michel Reybier Hospitality Group, under the ownership of the Swiss Confederation. Its prime location makes it easily accessible to many of Bern’s attractions, whether on foot or via tram.
Rooftops of Bern seen from the clock tower. Photo Credit: Barbara Redding
Discovering Bern’s Wonders
Bern, often overlooked by travelers en route to the Swiss Alps, is a treasure trove of highlights. The Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts cobbled streets and sandstone edifices that house charming boutiques and cafes, all shaded by expansive arcades.
Art enthusiasts and history buffs alike will appreciate Bern’s blend of vibrant museums, the iconic clock that has been in operation since 1530, and the ornate water fountains where visitors can conveniently refill water bottles.
Among the must-visit attractions are the Einstein Museum, which offers insights into the life of the genius who revolutionized physics during his time in Bern, and the Paul Klee Center, home to an extensive collection of the celebrated artist’s work within its architecturally stunning complex.
If the weather permits, swimming in the clear waters of the River Aare is a popular activity among locals, allowing visitors to experience a quintessential Bern tradition. For those unable to partake, the view from the Bellevue suite remains equally captivating through high-powered binoculars.
