Einstein House

Einsteinhaus

The modest apartment where Albert Einstein lived while developing his theory of relativity in 1905. This intimate museum offers a glimpse into Einstein's daily life and genius through exhibits explaining his groundbreaking work.

Things to do

• Tour Einstein's Apartment — Walk through the carefully preserved two-room flat where Einstein lived from 1902 to 1909 and see period furniture and personal artifacts.
• Explore the Physics Exhibits — Study interactive displays explaining the theory of relativity and Einstein's 1905 'miracle year' discoveries through diagrams and multimedia presentations.
• Watch Documentary Films — View short films about Einstein's life and scientific breakthroughs in the museum's screening room.
• Visit the Museum Shop — Browse books, documentaries, and souvenirs related to Einstein and modern physics in the ground floor shop.
• Walk the Kramgasse Quarter — Stroll the charming medieval Old Town streets surrounding Einstein House, lined with historic buildings, galleries, and cafés.
• See the Astronomical Clock Tower — Visit the iconic Zytglogge clock tower a short walk away, which Einstein studied and used as a reference for his relativity experiments.

Food to try

• Bernese Platte — A hearty traditional platter featuring smoked meats, sausages, and potatoes that represents classic Swiss-German cuisine from the region.
• Rösti with Cheese — Crispy potato pancakes topped with melted Emmental or Gruyère cheese, a beloved Bernese comfort food.
• Swiss Chocolate from Local Shops — Sample handmade chocolates from nearby confectioneries using traditional Swiss recipes and local Bernese cacao preparations.
• Bratwurst Sandwich — Fresh grilled Swiss-style sausage served on crusty bread at street vendors throughout the Old Town.
• Fondue Neuchâteloise — A classic melted cheese dish from the nearby Neuchâtel region, typically served with bread and local white wine in Bern restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Quiet Hours — The museum is housed in a residential building, so maintain a quiet demeanor and follow posted guidelines about noise levels during visits.
• Learn Basic German Greetings — Most locals in Bern speak German; greeting staff with 'Grüezi' (hello) or 'Danke' (thank you) is appreciated and shows respect for Swiss culture.
• Plan for Closing Times — Einstein House closes early some days and all day Monday, so check hours before visiting to avoid disappointment.
• Use Local Currency — While cards are widely accepted, carrying Swiss francs (CHF) is helpful for small purchases at the museum shop and nearby Old Town vendors.