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Introduction
Bern, the de facto capital of Switzerland, is a city of 146,000 inhabitants situated along the Aare River in the west-central part of the country. Its remarkably preserved Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, features 6.4 kilometers of covered arcades, medieval architecture, and 16th-century fountains. The city was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V von Zähringen and joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353, later becoming the federal city in 1848. Notable landmarks include the Gothic cathedral with Switzerland's highest spire at 328 feet, the Federal Palace housing the Swiss parliament, and the famous Clock Tower (Zeitglockenturm) with its mechanical puppets. The city serves as a major cultural center with numerous museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts which houses the world's largest collection of Paul Klee works.
Interesting Facts about Bern
- Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is named after a bear found in a nearby forest, and its coat of arms features a bear, symbolising the city's origins.
- Bern's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque setting along the River Aare.
- The city boasts the longest covered shopping promenade in Europe, with arcades lining the streets of its historic centre.
- Bern is home to over 100 public fountains, including 11 iconic Renaissance fountains in the city centre.
- The Zytglogge, a 12th-century clock tower, features an astronomical clock and automaton show that has been entertaining visitors since 1530.
- The Berner Münster, or Cathedral of Bern, has the highest church tower in Switzerland, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Bern is famously associated with Albert Einstein, who lived and studied in the city.
- The city's Bear Park, or Bärenpark, provides a unique opportunity to see bears roaming in a semi-liberty environment.
History
Bern was founded in 1191 by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen on a peninsula surrounded by the River Aare. After becoming a free imperial city in 1218, it joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353 as the eighth canton. Following a devastating fire in 1405, the city's wooden buildings were replaced with sandstone structures that now characterise its Old Town. Through conquest and expansion, Bern grew to become the largest city-state north of the Alps, particularly after acquiring Aargau in 1415 and Vaud in 1536. The city became a Protestant stronghold in 1528 and reached the peak of its power in the 18th century. French troops occupied Bern in 1798 during the French Revolutionary Wars, stripping it of many territories. In 1848, Bern was chosen as the federal city (seat of government) of Switzerland, selected over Zürich and Lucerne due to its central location and support from French-speaking cantons. The city's population grew from approximately 5,000 in the 15th century to over 100,000 by the 1920s. Today, Bern's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring distinctive 15th-century arcades and 16th-century fountains.
Main Attractions
Old Town (Altstadt)
Bern's medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of the city. Its well-preserved architecture, cobbled streets, and colourful fountains make it a delightful area to explore. The Old Town features:
Arcades: Bern boasts over 6 kilometres of covered shopping arcades, claimed to be the longest in Europe.
Fountains: Over 100 public fountains dot the Old Town, many adorned with unique statues. The Ogre Fountain (Kindlifresserbrunnen) is particularly notable.
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
The Zytglogge is Bern's most iconic landmark. This 13th-century clock tower features an astronomical clock and a charming mechanical show that occurs on the hour. For a unique experience, consider booking a tour to explore the tower's interior and climb to the top for panoramic views.
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
Berner Münster (Cathedral of Bern)
The Berner Münster, Switzerland's tallest cathedral, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. Visitors can:
- Admire the intricate stone carvings on the main portal
- Climb the 100-metre bell tower for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
- Marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows inside
Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
The Federal Palace, home to the Swiss Parliament, is an impressive domed structure featuring stained glass windows and statues. When Parliament is not in session, guided tours are available to explore this significant building.
The Federal Palace of Switzerland, Bern.
Bear Park (Bärenpark)
Bears have been a symbol of Bern since the 16th century. The Bärenpark, located along the Aare River, provides a spacious, semi-natural habitat for the city's resident bears. It's a popular attraction, especially for families, and is free to visit.
Rosengarten (Rose Garden)
For breathtaking views of Bern's Old Town, visit the Rosengarten. This beautiful park features:
- Over 200 varieties of roses
- A restaurant with a panoramic terrace
- Lovely cherry blossoms in spring
Aare River
The turquoise Aare River encircles Bern's Old Town on three sides. In summer, locals and visitors alike enjoy swimming in the river. For a unique perspective of the city, take a stroll along the riverside paths.
Nydeggbrücke
This historic bridge offers excellent views of the Old Town and the Aare River. It's also conveniently located near the Bear Park, making it easy to combine both attractions.
Bern's compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, stunning natural surroundings, and unique attractions, the Swiss capital offers a delightful experience for visitors.
Top Museums
Kunstmuseum Bern (Museum of Fine Arts)
The Kunstmuseum Bern is the oldest art museum in Switzerland, housing an extensive collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to the present. Its collection includes over 3,000 paintings and sculptures, as well as nearly 50,000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos, and films. The museum features works by renowned artists such as Paul Klee, Picasso, and Ferdinand Hodler.
Zentrum Paul Klee
Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the Zentrum Paul Klee is a striking landmark dedicated to the works of Paul Klee. It houses the world's largest collection of Klee's artworks, with approximately 4,000 paintings, watercolors, and drawings. The museum offers changing exhibitions and includes the Creaviva Children's Museum, which provides interactive art education experiences.
Bernisches Historisches Museum (Bern Historical Museum)
This museum is one of Switzerland's most important cultural and historical institutions. It features a vast collection of about 500,000 objects, spanning from the Stone Age to the present day. The museum is housed in a castle-like building and includes the Einstein Museum, which offers insights into the life and work of Albert Einstein.
Museum of Communication
Located in the heart of Bern, the Museum of Communication offers an interactive and engaging exploration of various forms of communication. It features surprising objects, large-scale video screens, and interactive displays. The museum's unique approach includes "communicators" - real people who guide visitors through the fascinating world of communication.
Einstein House (Einsteinhaus)
While smaller than the others, the Einstein House is a significant museum located in the apartment where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905. During his time here, Einstein developed and published his theory of relativity. The museum offers a glimpse into Einstein's life and work during this crucial period.
Natural History Museum of Bern
Known for its life-sized dioramas, the Natural History Museum of Bern is one of the most renowned natural history museums in Switzerland. It houses extensive collections of native and exotic animals, as well as impressive displays of giant crystals and geological specimens.
Local Cuisine
The culinary landscape of Bern showcases a rich tapestry of hearty Swiss specialities. The city's most renowned dish is the Berner Platte, a sumptuous platter featuring an array of meats including smoked pork, beef tongue, and various sausages, served alongside juniper-spiced sauerkraut, pickled turnips, and boiled potatoes. The region is also famous for its Emmentaler cheese, which originated in the Emme valley and is essential for the beloved Swiss fondue. Local delicacies include the Berner Haselnusslebkuchen (hazelnut gingerbread), Berner Zungenwurst (a sausage made with beef, pork and bacon), and the traditional Berner Züpfe, a braided loaf typically enjoyed on Sundays. During autumn, visitors shouldn't miss the Zibelechueche (onion tart), particularly during the annual Zibelemärit (onion market) in November. The city's restaurants range from historic establishments like the Goldener Schlüssel, Bern's oldest restaurant, to modern eateries serving both traditional and contemporary interpretations of Swiss cuisine.
Shopping
Bern offers a delightful shopping experience centred around its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, which features six kilometres of covered arcades ('Lauben') - one of Europe's longest weather-protected shopping promenades. The main shopping thoroughfares, Spitalgasse and Marktgasse, house luxury boutiques offering watches, jewellery, and upmarket fashion, whilst the historic Kramgasse showcases unique local designs and speciality shops. The city's medieval architects cleverly designed vaulted cellars beneath the buildings, which today host trendy boutiques and studios. Markets are a significant part of Bern's shopping culture, with regular food and flower markets held on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Bundesplatz, Waisenplatz and Bärenplatz, whilst special events like the Geranium Market in April and the Christmas Markets during Advent add seasonal charm. Most shops operate Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00 (with late-night shopping until 21:00 on Thursdays) and Saturdays from 08:00 to 17:00, though they typically remain closed on Sundays.
Nature in and around Bern
Bern offers a remarkable array of natural attractions that showcase Switzerland's stunning landscapes. The city itself features the enchanting Rose Garden, with its 250 varieties of roses and spectacular city views, whilst the mighty Aare River winds through the heart of the city, providing a popular spot for summer swimming and riverside activities. Just outside Bern, three magnificent nature parks await exploration: the Gantrisch Nature Park spans 402 square kilometres between Bern, Thun and Fribourg, offering diverse landscapes and wildlife spotting opportunities; the Diemtigtal Nature Park presents excellent hiking trails along rivers and mountain meadows; and the Parc Chasseral amazes visitors with its pastured woodlands, moor landscapes and steep rocks. For panoramic views of the city and the Bernese Alps, one can take the funicular up to Gurten, Bern's local mountain standing at 858 metres, which offers an extensive network of walking and cycling trails. The region also boasts several stunning bodies of water, including Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, both perfect for water sports and lakeside relaxation.
Getting Around
Bern boasts an efficient and comprehensive public transport network comprising trams, buses and trolley buses that make getting around the city a breeze. The city centre is remarkably compact and walkable, but when you need to venture further, Bernmobil operates 5 tram lines, 3 trolley bus lines and 16 bus lines that thoroughly cover the entire city. Visitors staying overnight will receive a complimentary Bern Ticket upon checking into their accommodation, which provides free travel within zones 100/101 and includes access to the Gurten funicular, Marzilibahn funicular and the cathedral platform lift. Single journey tickets cost 5.20 CHF (or 3.00 CHF with a half-fare card) and are valid for 60 minutes, while short-distance tickets are available at 3.00 CHF for 30-minute journeys. Tickets must be purchased from machines at stops or from the LIBERO shop at the main station, as they cannot be bought onboard vehicles.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit Bern is between May and September when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 24°C. During this period, the city comes alive with outdoor activities, open-air markets, and the famous Aare river becomes suitable for swimming. Whilst July and August constitute the peak tourist season with higher accommodation prices and larger crowds, the shoulder months of May, June, and September offer equally delightful conditions with fewer tourists and more reasonable rates. The summer months may experience some rainfall, though this rarely disrupts sightseeing plans, and the city's charming covered arcades provide excellent shelter. For those seeking to experience Bern's cultural events, summer brings numerous festivals, including the Gurtenfestival in July and the Bern Buckers' Street Music Festival in August.