Living in Bern, Switzerland. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Welcome to our comprehensive digital nomad guide to Bern, Switzerland, with monthly cost of living around $3,931 and average internet speeds of 206 Mbps. Whether you're planning a short stay or considering Bern as your next long-term base, this guide covers everything remote workers need to know.
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Bern, Switzerland, my home for several months. This charming city has won my heart with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Bern is a hidden gem for remote workers, offering a high quality of life, stunning scenery, and a thriving community of like-minded individuals. With a Nomad Score of 72/100, Bern is an excellent choice for digital nomads looking for a balance between work and play. The city’s Safety Index of 7466/100 is also a significant draw, making it an ideal destination for those who value security and tranquility.
One of the reasons I love Bern is its compact size, which makes it easy to explore on foot. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring picturesque streets, charming cafes, and impressive architecture. As a Bern digital nomad, you’ll appreciate the city’s relaxed atmosphere, which is perfect for focusing on work or exploring the surrounding countryside. With a population of 121,631, Bern is small enough to feel welcoming, yet large enough to offer a wide range of amenities and activities.
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Bern, there are several areas that are particularly popular with digital nomads. Here are three of my favorites:
The cost of living in Bern is relatively high, but as a digital nomad, you’ll find that the city offers a high quality of life and a range of amenities to suit your needs. Here’s a breakdown of some typical costs:
Overall, the cost of living in Bern is around CHF 3,500-5,000 (approximately $3,700-$5,300 USD) per month, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.
As a digital nomad, you’ll be pleased to know that Bern has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with fast and reliable connections available throughout the city. The average internet speed in Bern is 44 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive.
For coworking, Bern has a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Some popular coworking spaces include:
Bern has a thriving community of digital nomads, with a range of meetups, events, and activities to suit different interests. Some popular groups and events include:
Bern is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and as a digital nomad, you’ll love exploring the city’s historic center, museums, and cultural events. The city has a thriving food scene, with a range of traditional Swiss restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Some popular local dishes include fondue, raclette, and birchermüesli.
As for nightlife, Bern has a lively scene, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to suit different tastes. Some popular areas for nightlife include the Altstadt, Länggasse, and the area around the train station.
Dating in Bern can be a bit challenging, as the city is relatively small and the dating scene is not as active as in larger cities. However, with a range of social events and activities available, it’s easy to meet new people and make connections.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to consider visa requirements when planning your stay in Bern. Switzerland has a range of visa options available, including tourist visas, work visas, and residence permits.
For short-term stays, you can enter Switzerland on a tourist visa, which is valid for up to 90 days. For longer-term stays, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, which requires a range of documents, including proof of income, health insurance, and a rental agreement.
Unfortunately, Switzerland does not currently offer a digital nomad visa, but the country is considering introducing a new visa program for remote workers in the near future.
As a digital nomad in Bern, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
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SWITZERLAND