Grand Casino Bern

Grand Casino Bern — Classic Elegance in the Heart of the Capital

Grand Casino Bern is a prestigious gaming complex located in the center of Bern, near the famous Bear Park and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The casino has become part of the capital’s cultural and entertainment life: it combines gaming, fine gastronomy, and the atmosphere of historical Switzerland. Its convenient location makes it popular with both tourists and locals.

The main feature is the harmony of tradition and modernity. The casino is housed in the Kursaal Bern building, known as one of the country’s leading congress centers. It is a place where you can play roulette, enjoy fine dining, and in the evening take a walk along the banks of the River Aare.

History

Grand Casino Bern opened in 2002 after receiving a state license to operate games of chance. It became part of the Kursaal Bern complex, which had already served since the 19th century as a venue for cultural and business events. Since then, the casino has undergone several upgrades: new gaming halls, an expanded poker area, and award-winning restaurants. Today, Grand Casino Bern is among Switzerland’s leading casinos.

Architecture and Design

The casino building combines the classical architecture of Kursaal with modern interiors. Spacious halls are decorated in light tones, with elements of Art Deco and minimalism. The lighting creates an atmosphere of privacy, while lounge areas offer comfort. VIP rooms are designed in a modern lounge style with panoramic views of the Alps and the River Aare.

Gaming Area

Grand Casino Bern offers a wide range of games: from classic table games to the latest slot machines. The casino regularly hosts poker tournaments, including international events.

Accommodation

Grand Casino Bern does not have its own hotel but is integrated into the Kursaal Bern complex, which includes the Swissôtel Kursaal Bern (4★). This hotel is considered one of the best in the capital for combining business and leisure trips. It offers over 170 rooms with modern design, panoramic windows, and views of the Old Town or the Alps. Included in the price are a buffet breakfast, access to the spa with sauna, fitness center, and large conference rooms. Standard rooms cost from $220 per night, while superior categories and suites range from $300–500.

Other options within walking distance include:

• Bellevue Palace (5★) — a legendary hotel, part of the “Swiss Deluxe Hotels” collection. Since 1865 it has hosted diplomats, celebrities, and government leaders. Rooms with classic interiors and views of the Aare start from $400, while presidential suites exceed $1000 per night.
• Hotel Allegro (4★) — a modern stylish hotel, also part of the Kursaal Bern complex. It has about 150 rooms, including panoramic suites with terraces. Prices start from $180.
• Hotel Savoy Bern (4★) — a boutique hotel in the historic center, combining modern comfort with classical architecture. Average prices start from $200.
• Goldener Schlüssel (3★) — one of the oldest hotels in Bern, operating since the 15th century. It offers a cozy traditional Swiss atmosphere, with rooms starting from $150.

For budget travelers, Bern also offers hostels and B&Bs: Bern Backpackers Glocke in the Old Town or family-run guesthouses on the outskirts. This is a good option for those wanting to stay near the casino without paying for upscale hotels.

Dining

The culinary scene at Kursaal Bern is one of the complex’s highlights. Gastronomy here stands alongside gaming and culture, and the restaurants attract not only casino guests but gourmets from all over Switzerland.

The pride of the venue is the Meridiano restaurant, awarded a Michelin star. This fine dining space combines Swiss traditions with French sophistication and Asian influences. The menu changes with the seasons: asparagus and fresh fish in spring, game and mushrooms in autumn. Dining at Meridiano is more than a meal — it is a theatrical experience with panoramic views of Bern’s rooftops and the snow-capped Alps.

For fans of Asian cuisine, the Yù restaurant at Swissôtel Kursaal Bern offers a culinary journey through Asia: Chinese dim sum, Thai curries, Japanese sushi, and Vietnamese pho. Its “all you can eat” concept with an open kitchen is especially popular with families and groups.

Another highlight is Giardino, an Italian-style restaurant serving Mediterranean classics: homemade pasta, risotto, thin-crust pizza, and seafood. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, perfect for friendly gatherings and wine dinners.

For light meetings and aperitifs, the Bernissimo bar is ideal. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails, Swiss wines, and tapas, with live music on weekend evenings. In warm weather, the spacious terrace with views of the Alps and the River Aare becomes the main attraction. It is one of the most romantic spots in the complex, perfect for watching the sunset with a glass of wine or champagne.

Average Prices:

• Cafés and bars — $30–50 per person,
• Mid-range restaurants — $60–100,
• Haute cuisine at Meridiano — from $150 per dinner.

Additional Entertainment

Grand Casino Bern is located within Kursaal Bern, one of the city’s main cultural hubs. Concerts of classical and modern music, theater performances, art exhibitions, conferences, and international congresses are regularly held here. A visit to the casino can easily be combined with cultural events of all kinds.

The city of Bern itself is among Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Its Old Town, with arcades, towers, and fountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk through its medieval streets reveals the atmosphere of old Switzerland: artisan shops, cozy cafés, and wine bars. A highlight is the Zytglogge Clock Tower, with its astronomical clock that draws tourists at every chime.

Nearby attractions include the Bear Park, the Munster Cathedral, and the manicured banks of the River Aare, where visitors can swim or take boat rides in summer. Strolling along the river offers scenic views of the Old Town and the Alps.

Shopping lovers can head to Spitalgasse and Kramgasse, with Swiss and international boutiques, jewelry stores, and traditional confectioneries. Excursions to picturesque villages and mountain resorts are available nearby, while in winter, ski resorts in the Alps are just an hour’s drive away.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Grand Casino Bern is conveniently located in Kursaal Bern, just a 15-minute walk from Bern’s central railway station. High-speed SBB trains run from Zurich to Bern in just 1 hour (tickets $30–40, 2nd class). From Geneva the journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, and from Basel about 1 hour. For visitors arriving at Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA), direct trains run to Bern every 30 minutes. The small Bern Airport (BRN) serves regional flights and is only 20 minutes from the city center.

By Car: From Zurich, the A1 motorway takes about 1.5 hours; from Geneva about 2 hours. Kursaal Bern offers an underground car park with several hundred spaces, including electric charging stations. Parking costs around 2–3 CHF per hour.

Best Time to Visit: The casino is open year-round. In summer, combine your trip with a stroll through Bern’s Old Town and swimming in the River Aare. Autumn is popular for food festivals and wine fairs in the Bern canton. In winter, the city comes alive with Christmas markets and cultural events at Kursaal. In spring, the capital blossoms with flowers, especially in the rose gardens near the Bear Park.

Tips:

• Book hotels in advance during peak season (May–September and December), as nearby hotels fill up quickly.
• If you plan to join poker tournaments, check the schedule in advance — the casino is especially lively on these days.
• For short visits, the Swissôtel Kursaal Bern or Hotel Allegro are the most convenient, being part of the complex.
• If arriving by train, use the Bern Ticket — a free public transport pass provided with most hotel bookings.
• For exploring the region, the Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and even some boats.

Good to Know: The Bern Welcome tourist office is located next to the station and is open daily. There you can get maps of the Old Town, tour schedules, and recommendations for gastronomic routes.

Grand Casino Bern is more than just a casino: it is a cultural hub of Switzerland’s capital, where gaming combines with fine dining, architectural landmarks, and the atmosphere of a historic city. Spend an evening playing poker, enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner, and the next day stroll through the Old Town. Add Grand Casino Bern to your Swiss itinerary to experience the capital at its most stylish and vibrant.