Bern – Gateway to the Alps

Bern, the capital of Switzerland and seat of the Swiss government, attracts visitors with scenic beauty at all times of the year.  Breath-taking mountains, stunning views, pristine nature and glittering lakes are guaranteed. by Helen Cleary

Historians date the foundation of Bern to 1191. Today you can enjoy the medieval atmosphere of Old Town which was recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural World Heritage Site in 1983. Bern is famous for its quaint narrow streets, 100-odd fountains, sandstone facades and arcades, and historic towers. One of the most famous of the towers is the elaborate Zytglogge clock tower with astronomical clock and carillon. 

With four miles of arcades, the Old Town has one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. Cafés, bars and restaurants invite you to linger and enjoy Bernese cuisine. 

Art and culture enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice. The Historical Museum, the Einstein Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Alpine Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Communication hold multiple collections. The Zentrum Paul Klee houses the most important Paul Klee collection in the world.

The bear is the official heraldic animal of Bern. The city has had bears since 1513, until 1857 in the city itself, then in a bear pit, and since 2009 in the BärenPark. The Rose Garden on a hill above the park is home to around 250 types of roses, 200 iris varieties and numerous rhododendrons. Up here you have an amazing panoramic view, and, on a clear day, you can not only see the Gurten, Bern‘s local mountain, but also the Bernese Alps with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks which attract mountaineers from all over the world.

The Zibelemärit (onion market) on the fourth Monday in November is the city’s biggest market. The Christmas markets sparkle particularly beautifully against the historical backdrop. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of “Samichlous”.