Bern is a great city for shopping when you want things that feel like the place you visited. The streets and markets have a mix of food items, handmade crafts, and practical objects made by local makers. This guide covers items you can find across the city, not a single street or store.

You’ll read tips for judging quality and packing lighter, and suggestions that avoid mass-produced tourist goods.

1. Swiss chocolate bars

• Why it’s worth buying: Chocolate from local chocolatiers uses regional cocoa blends and Swiss techniques. It’s a taste of the country that doesn’t require special storage.
• Where to look: Find bars at food halls and open-air markets.
• Price range: $4–$20
• How to spot a good one: Check the ingredient list for cocoa percentage and minimal additives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep bars in your carry-on away from heat and sunlight.

2. Jarred mustard or alpine honey

• Why it’s worth buying: Local mustards or honey reflect regional flavors and pair well with cheeses. They store well and make neat gifts.
• Where to look: Look for them at markets and specialty food halls.
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Prefer jars with clear producer names and production dates.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap the jar in clothing and place it in the center of your suitcase.

3. Vacuum-packed regional cheese

• Why it’s worth buying: Cheese aged nearby often has distinct taste and is packaged for travel. It represents local dairy traditions.
• Where to look: Purchase at central markets and food halls.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Choose sealed packages with a producer label and expiry date.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep cheese in insulated bags for the trip home.

4. Wool scarf or embroidered textile

• Why it’s worth buying: Textiles made from local wool or embroidered by hand feel sturdy and useful. They show regional patterns without being fragile.
• Where to look: Browse independent shops or artisan co-ops.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Look for tight stitching, natural fibers, and clear maker labels.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold textiles flat between clothes to avoid creases.

5. Hand-thrown ceramic mug

• Why it’s worth buying: A locally made mug holds memories of a café or view and is usable every day. Each piece has small variations that show handcraft.
• Where to look: Check galleries and artist co-ops.
• Price range: $18–$80
• How to spot a good one: Inspect the glaze for even coverage and a smooth base.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap the mug in bubble wrap or several layers of clothing.

6. Small leather coin purse

• Why it’s worth buying: Quality leather goods last and are practical souvenirs you’ll use every day. Small items show craftsmanship without heavy baggage.
• Where to look: Find them in independent shops and leather co-ops.
• Price range: $15–$70
• How to spot a good one: Check seams and hardware; good leather smells natural.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place leather goods in a dust bag or cloth to protect them.

7. Hand-carved wooden figure

• Why it’s worth buying: Wood carving is a traditional craft and small figures are light to carry. They show local carving styles and natural wood grain.
• Where to look: Buy from markets or independent craft stalls.
• Price range: $12–$60
• How to spot a good one: Look for clean carving lines and smooth sanding with no rough edges.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pad between soft items and put fragile pieces in your carry-on if possible.

8. Local art print

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints from Bern artists capture local scenes and are easier to transport than framed originals. They support local creatives.
• Where to look: Purchase at galleries and museum shops.
• Price range: $10–$120
• How to spot a good one: Check the paper quality and whether the print is signed or numbered.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll prints in a sturdy tube to prevent creases.

9. Handmade silver or mixed-metal bracelet

• Why it’s worth buying: Jewelry from local metalsmiths often uses simple designs and good techniques. A small piece carries personal meaning without being bulky.
• Where to look: Discover pieces in galleries and independent jewelry shops.
• Price range: $30–$200
• How to spot a good one: Examine solder joints, clasps, and any maker’s mark.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store jewelry in a small pouch inside your carry-on.

10. Small forged kitchen tool or metal bookmark

• Why it’s worth buying: Metalwork from local smiths is durable and useful, often showing simple, honest design. It lasts longer than cheap souvenirs.
• Where to look: Look in galleries or artisan co-ops.
• Price range: $12–$90
• How to spot a good one: Feel the weight; a well-made piece has balanced heft and smooth edges.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap metal items in soft fabric to avoid scratching other things.

11. Local craft beer in bottles

• Why it’s worth buying: Small breweries produce distinct flavors you won’t find elsewhere and bottles are easy to pack when travel rules allow.
• Where to look: Buy bottled beers at food halls and specialty markets.
• Price range: $4–$12 per bottle
• How to spot a good one: Choose labels with producer information and bottling dates.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Check airline liquid rules and consider shipping if bottles are heavy.

12. Letterpress postcards and stationery

• Why it’s worth buying: Local stationery often features city scenes and good paper that lasts as a keepsake. Letterpress textures add a tactile memory.
• Where to look: Find them in independent stationery shops and galleries.
• Price range: $2–$25
• How to spot a good one: Look for thick paper, crisp printing, and a credited designer.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep flat in a folder or your carry-on to prevent bending.

Quick buying tips for Bern

• Carry some cash; small vendors may prefer cash vs card use for small purchases.
• Haggling is rarely expected here; politely ask about a bulk discount if reasonable.
• Wrap fragile items in clothing and place them in the center for fragile packing advice.
• Ask vendors about shipping availability for heavier or multiple items before buying.
• Check for a “made locally” label or maker’s name to confirm local production.
• Know airline rules for liquids and food; pack liquids according to packing rules.

Where to shop in Bern

Shopping is spread across the medieval Old Town, market squares, and near museums. Different areas specialize in food, crafts, or design objects, so choosing where to go depends on what you want to bring home.

• Old Town (Altstadt) — arcades with souvenir stalls, bookshops, and artisan boutiques for crafts and prints.
• Bundesplatz and central market squares — daytime food markets selling cheese, honey, and prepared goods.
• Museum shops at major museums — design-forward items, art prints, and quality stationery.
• Riverside areas near the Aare — small shops and occasional crafts stalls near popular walking routes.
• Seasonal markets like the Christkindlmarkt — winter market with regional foods and gift items.
• Zibelemärit (annual Onion Market) — a one-day fair with traditional foods and local produce.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap keychains with generic Swiss symbols — mass-made and low durability.
• “Swiss-made” tags with no maker listed — might not actually be produced locally.
• Overly ornate cowbells — heavy, often mass-produced, and difficult to pack.
• Watches advertised cheaply on the street — risk of infringement and poor quality.
• Unsealed or unlabeled food items — uncertain origin and packing safety.
• Lightweight souvenirs with poor finish — they often show wear quickly.

If you only buy three things

Swiss chocolate bars — they travel well and show local taste traditions.
A small leather coin purse — practical, compact, and crafted to last.
A local art print — captures the city without taking up much space.

FAQ

1. What is Bern known for making?
   Bern is known for quality food products, traditional crafts, and design items. The city supports small makers in textiles, ceramics, and metalwork.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Bern?
   Chocolate, vacuum-packed regional cheeses, local mustards, and honey are reliable choices. They are commonly sold with clear producer labels and travel packaging.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Bern?
   Prices range from modest to high depending on materials and maker reputation. Handcrafted leather, metalwork, and ceramics cost more than small food items.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Bern?
   Chocolate bars and postcards are the easiest to pack and carry in hand luggage. They’re light, flat, and don’t need special handling.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for a maker’s name, production location, and readable ingredient or material lists. Ask the seller where it was made and whether the label says “made locally.”

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

Let us know in the comments if this has been useful or if you’ve got suggestions we can include