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Bern

Visit Bern

Bern is a city of grey green sandstone and red tiled roofs built inside a tight horseshoe loop of the Aare River. It is the definitive starting point for a Bern road trip because it serves as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland and the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps. You should walk through the lower part of the old town to see the dozens of sixteenth century fountains that are topped with colorful figures like the Ogre Eater or the Justice statue. The local identity is tied to the arcades which are covered stone walkways that stretch for six kilometers through the city center protecting residents from the mountain weather. For a unique detail visit the Zytglogge to see the astronomical clock and the rotating mechanical figures that have marked the hour since the early thirteenth century.

The city geography is defined by the steep river banks where the locals swim in the fast moving glacier water during the summer months. You should explore the Rose Garden on the hill above the river for a view of the skyline and the massive spire of the Bern Minster which is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. For a specific local detail look for the bears in the Bärengraben park which have been the living symbols of the city since at least 1513. The city is home to the Einstein House on Kramgasse where the scientist lived and developed his theories of relativity while working at the local patent office.

Exiting the city toward the south involves getting onto the A6 highway which leads directly toward the lakes of Thun and Brienz. The road system is perfectly maintained and leads you through a landscape of emerald green pastures and traditional wooden chalets with heavy stones on their roofs. You will notice the peaks of the Eiger and the Jungfrau grow larger on the horizon almost as soon as you clear the city limits. Bern is a place where the mountain air and the ancient stone structures create a sense of permanent stability for the traveler.

Top sights to visit

  • Zytglogge Clock Tower Secure a spot in the street four minutes before the hour to watch the mechanical puppets perform their routine. Admire the complex astronomical clock face that has tracked the time and the zodiac for over six hundred years. This tower is the heart of the medieval heritage of Bern and a masterpiece of early engineering.
  • Aare River Swimming Join the locals during the summer as they float through the center of the city in the turquoise glacier water of the river. Walk the river path and jump in at the park for a long, refreshing drift down to the Parliament building. This is the ultimate ritual in Bern and a unique way to see the city from the water.
  • The Bear Park Walk to the end of the bridge to see the large, green enclosure where the live bears of the city live on the riverbank. Watch the bears swim in their pool or climb the trees from the safety of the pedestrian platforms. The bear has been the symbol of the city for eight hundred years and seeing them is a mandatory part of any visit.
  • Bern Minster Spire Climb the three hundred and forty four steps of the highest church spire in Switzerland for a view that stretches to the snowy mountains. Admire the portal above the main door, which features over two hundred intricately carved figures. This gothic cathedral is a stone masterpiece that dominates the skyline of the Old Town.
  • The Rose Garden Walk up the hill to this former cemetery that was turned into a lush park with over two hundred species of roses. Find the bench with the statue of Albert Einstein for the perfect photo overlooking the entire river loop. This is the best place in Bern for a quiet afternoon with a panoramic view of the red rooftops.
  • Bundeshaus Plaza Stand in front of the Swiss Parliament building to see the twenty six water jets that represent each of the cantons of the country. Take a guided tour of the interior to see the grand stained glass and the high domed hall where the government meets. This plaza is the political heart of the nation and a vibrant public space.
  • Einstein House Museum Visit the small apartment where Albert Einstein lived when he developed his Theory of Relativity. See the original furniture and the personal items that provide an intimate look at the life of the most famous physicist in the world. It is a tiny but incredibly significant site located right in the middle of the old town arcades.
  • Six Kilometers of Arcades Walk the covered stone walkways that line the main streets of the Old Town for a distance of six kilometers. Explore the many cellar shops and boutiques that are tucked below the street level. These medieval arcades make Bern one of the best cities in the world for shopping regardless of the weather.
  • The Ogre Fountain Find the fountain featuring the bizarre sculpture of a giant eating a sack of children. Explore the city to find the other ten colorful fountains that each tell a different historical or mythical story. These fountains still provide fresh, drinkable spring water for any traveler.
  • Kornhaus Keller Bar Descend into the former grain cellar to see the massive vaulted ceilings and the grand murals of local folklore. Order a glass of Swiss wine or a local beer in this elegant, underground palace. It is one of the most atmospheric and grand dining spaces in the country.
  • Gurten Mountain Funicular Drive to the edge of the city and take the red funicular to the top of the local mountain of Bern. Walk the park trails or climb the lookout tower for a full view of the Alps and the Jura mountains. It is a favorite escape for local families and offers a great break from the urban center.
  • The Matte District Take the elevator down from the cathedral platform to explore this neighborhood by the river where a secret language was once spoken. Walk the narrow canals and bridges to see the workshops and small craft businesses. This area has a quiet charm that contrasts with the grand arcades above.

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History of Bern

Bern is a city of bears and sandstone, founded in 1191 on a dramatic, horseshoe-shaped loop of the Aare River. According to legend, the founder, Duke Berchtold V, vowed to name the city after the first animal he killed on a hunt, which happened to be a bear. Since then, the bear has been the city’s symbol and its mascot. Bern joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353 and because of its central location and diplomatic skill, was eventually chosen as the federal capital of Switzerland in 1848.

The city is a World Heritage site because its medieval center has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries. The six kilometers of stone arcades, known as Lauben, were built to allow merchants to trade regardless of the weather, creating one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. Bern was also the place where Albert Einstein lived and worked as a patent clerk; it was in a small apartment here that he developed his Theory of Relativity.

Modern Bern is a capital that moves at its own pace, famously slower and more relaxed than the bustling hubs of Zurich or Geneva. The Aare River remains the city’s lifeblood, where locals spend their summers swimming through the center of the town. It is a city of tradition, where the Zytglogge clock tower still performs its mechanical dance every hour as it has for six centuries. Driving into Bern, you see a city that has preserved its medieval soul while serving as one of the world’s most successful democracies.