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Bern (Swiss Standard German: ⓘ, German:), or Berne (French: ⓘ), is the de facto capital of Switzerland, referred to as the "federal city". With a population of about 133,000 (as of 2022), Bern is the fifth-most populous city in Switzerland, behind Zürich, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne.
Jun 13, 2024 · Bern, city, capital of Switzerland and of Bern canton, in the west-central part of the country. It lies along a narrow loop of the Aare River. After a devastating fire ravaged the wood-built town in 1405, Bern was rebuilt with sandstone.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thanks to its 6 kilometres of arcades - the locals refer to them as 'Lauben' - boasts on of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe.
Discover Bern, the charming Swiss capital with medieval flair. Experience historical sights, cultural diversity and culinary delights in the centre of a picturesque old town.
- The Arcades
- Zytglogge – Astronomical Clock Tower
- Renaissance Fountains
- Einstein House – Museum
- Amazing Views
- The Cathedral of Bern
- The Parliament Building, Bundesplatz
- The Bear Pit / Bear Park
One of the most impressive parts of the old city of Bern is the arcades. There are over 6 kilometers of arcades running slowly downhill toward the river. The arcades are a pleasure to walk under or admire from the pedestrian-only streets of Kramgasse and Münstergasse. The city’s residents and shop owners have made great use of the limestone buildin...
One of the most famous landmarksto see in Bern is the Zytglogge. This impressive astronomical clock chimes once an hour with a unique series of movements that are a sight to behold. The clock itself is a stunning example of multiple clocks in one. There is a normal 12-hour clock, of course. And a 24-hour clock as well. But the most amazing is the a...
The old city of Bern has a huge range of Renaissance fountainsthat are worth admiring as you walk around. They are usually in the middle of the road, but some are off on side roads as well. There are eleven medieval fountains in all, and each one represents either a historical event, a hero of some kind, or a social ideal. The majority of them were...
If you know a little about Einstein you would know that he spent a portion of his life in Bern, sometimes working at the post office. It was here that he came up with the idea for Special Relativity. You know? E=mc2 and all that! The stuff that Einstein is famous for. He lived in this house in the center of Bern between 1903 and 1905. There is a mu...
It may not seem like a place to get spectacular views, walking amongst the streets of the old city of Bern. But let me give you a few quick tips! If you head to the south side of the Bern old town, towards the right as you walk down the arcade streets, you will be in for a surprise. Because the old city sits so high above the surroundings, the view...
The Cathedral of Bern has a Gothic spire you almost can’t miss. It is the highest church spire in Switzerland and stands at over 100 meters. The largest bell in Switzerland has also found a home here, so you can hear it ringing from all over Bern. It takes 312 steps to reach the top, something that will take your breath away – literally! And once y...
No visit to the old city of Bern is complete without passing by the Parliament Buildingat Bundesplatz. The building is large and imposing as such buildings should be. There is not a lot to spend time exploring, aside from the rear where the epic views are. If you want to do atour of the inside, to see the domed hall, the Council chambers, and the l...
Bern is historically intertwined with bears, ever since the founding Duke first named the city after his first game hunt kill – a bear! No one is 100% sure this is true, many also attribute the association to the original name of the city – Bernador. Either way, bears are plastered all over Bern. From the canton’s flag and coat of arms to fountains...
Nov 28, 2018 · Many people are surprised when they hear that pretty little Bern is the Swiss capital. Surely industrial Zurich or international Geneva would be more logical, they say.
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Jul 17, 2019 · Bern is the de-facto capital of Switzerland. However, the country does not have an official capital city.
