The Einstein House in Bern is a museum located in the former residence of Albert Einstein, where he lived from 1903 to 1905. During this time, while working at the patent office, Einstein wrote some of his most groundbreaking papers – including the special theory of relativity. The museum recreates the historical interior and presents an exhibition about his life and work in Bern. It offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the everyday world of a man who transformed modern physics.
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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.
