What is this place

The Einsteinhaus in Bern is a compact museum flat at Kramgasse 49 where Albert Einstein lived with Mileva Marić and their son Hans Albert in 1903–1905. It presents the family’s domestic setting and a concise exhibition on Einstein’s life and science.

Key features

  • Layout – the c. 1905 apartment is recreated on the 2nd floor; the 3rd floor hosts biographical panels and a 20-minute film.
  • Bern years and the 1905 annus mirabilis – the museum connects the landmark papers published in Bern to the family’s daily life on Kramgasse.
  • 2025 hours – 1 Feb to 20 Dec, daily 10:00–17:00, last entry 16:45; closed from 20 Dec 2025.
  • Tickets – adults CHF 7, students/seniors CHF 5, youth 8–15 CHF 4; Swiss Travel Pass discount; family deals.
  • Access – original narrow spiral staircase, no lift, stairs to reach the displays.

What to see

  • The period-style family rooms on the second floor.
  • The third-floor display with a short film.
  • Commemorative plaques and views along UNESCO-listed Kramgasse.

History

In 1902 Einstein joined the Bern Patent Office and soon settled in the Old City; in 1903–1905 the family rented the flat at Kramgasse 49. His celebrated 1905 papers were published while he lived in Bern.

Since the late 1970s the apartment has operated as a museum run by the Albert Einstein Society; for the 2005 anniversary the entrance and staircase were gently refurbished. In 2015 the Einsteinhaus became the first joint EPS–APS Historic Site.

Practical information

Location: Kramgasse 49, 3000 Bern – in the heart of the Old City.

Getting there: 8–10 minutes on foot from Bern HB via Marktgasse–Kramgasse; trams 6/7/8/9 to Zytglogge.

Access: Entry via historic stairs, no lift; compact rooms.

Visiting hours: 1 Feb–20 Dec 2025 daily 10:00–17:00; last entry 16:45; closed from 20 Dec 2025.

Visit duration: 30–45 minutes; up to 1 hour with the film.

Best time: At opening or on weekdays to avoid crowding; mid-morning in summer is comfortable.

Notes: Tickets CHF 7/5/4; Swiss Travel Pass discounts; group tours by booking, standard up to 20 people CHF 150 plus reduced admission.