Is the internet fast enough for remote work in Bern?

Bern has excellent internet infrastructure with average speeds of 206 Mbps. This is more than sufficient for video calls, file uploads, and general remote work. Many cafes and coworking spaces offer reliable WiFi for digital nomads.

Is there a digital nomad community in Bern?

Bern has a active digital nomad community with a Nomad Score of 72/100. You'll find regular meetups, coworking spaces, and expat-friendly venues where you can connect with other remote workers. Facebook groups and Slack communities are active for this destination.

Is Bern safe for digital nomads?

Bern is generally considered safe for digital nomads and travelers. Like any city, it's recommended to take normal precautions, especially in tourist areas. The local community is generally welcoming to remote workers.

What is the best time to visit Bern as a digital nomad?

The climate in Bern, Switzerland varies throughout the year. Most digital nomads prefer visiting during the shoulder seasons for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Spring and autumn typically offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices. Check our detailed climate section for monthly weather data and recommendations.

How long can I stay in Bern as a digital nomad?

Visa requirements for Switzerland depend on your nationality. Many digital nomads stay on tourist visas (typically 30-90 days), while some countries offer specific digital nomad visas for longer stays. Check the latest visa requirements for Switzerland before planning your trip, as regulations may have changed recently.

Bern Nomad Guide: Cost & Internet 2026

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.

🌍 Overview

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.

🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads

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:

Altstadt: The historic center of Bern is a must-visit, with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and picturesque fountains. As a digital nomad, you’ll love the area’s charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. Rent prices in Altstadt are relatively high, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around CHF 1,800-2,200 (approximately $1,900-$2,300 USD) per month.
Länggasse: This trendy neighborhood is located just outside the city center and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, street art, and independent shops. Länggasse is a popular area for young professionals and digital nomads, with a range of affordable accommodation options, including shared apartments and coworking spaces. Rent prices in Länggasse are around CHF 1,500-1,800 (approximately $1,600-$1,900 USD) per month.
Kirchenfeld: This upscale neighborhood is located on the south side of the Aare River and offers stunning views of the city. Kirchenfeld is a popular area for families and professionals, with a range of high-end apartments and amenities. As a digital nomad, you’ll appreciate the area’s peaceful atmosphere and easy access to the city center. Rent prices in Kirchenfeld are around CHF 2,000-2,500 (approximately $2,100-$2,600 USD) per month.

Cost of Living Breakdown

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:

Rent: CHF 1,800-2,500 (approximately $1,900-$2,600 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
Food: CHF 15-25 (approximately $16-$26 USD) for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, CHF 5-10 (approximately $5-$11 USD) for a coffee or beer
Transport: CHF 70-100 (approximately $75-$110 USD) per month for a public transportation pass
Coworking: CHF 200-500 (approximately $220-$550 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space

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.

Internet & Coworking

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:

Impact Hub Bern: A vibrant community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and remote workers, with a range of desks, offices, and meeting rooms available.
Bern Coworking: A shared office space with a focus on community and collaboration, offering a range of membership options and amenities.
The Workspace: A modern coworking space with a range of desks, offices, and meeting rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

Digital Nomad Community

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 Digital Nomads: A Facebook group for remote workers and digital nomads in Bern, with regular meetups and events.
Startup Bern: A community of entrepreneurs and innovators, with a range of events and workshops focused on startup development and growth.
Bern Expats: A group for expats and international professionals in Bern, with regular social events and activities.

Culture & Lifestyle

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.

Visa Information

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.

💡 Practical Tips

As a digital nomad in Bern, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. Prices start from around CHF 10-20 (approximately $11-$22 USD) per month.
Transport: Bern has an excellent public transportation system, with buses, trams, and trains connecting the city and surrounding areas. You can purchase a public transportation pass for around CHF 70-100 (approximately $75-$110 USD) per month.
Safety: Bern is a very safe city, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Weather: Bern has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Be sure to pack accordingly, and enjoy the city’s beautiful parks and gardens during the spring and summer months.