Bern is the capital of Switzerland and, with a population of around 140,000, is the fourth-most populous city in the country. The old city of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on a peninsula formed by the Aare River. It is a federal city and, along with 26 other cantons, makes up the Swiss Confederation. The city is known for its medieval old town, the Bernese Alps and the Federal Palace of Switzerland.
The first mention of Bern in written history is in the 12th century, when Duke Berthold V of Zähringen founded the city in 1191. It remained under Zähringen control until 1218, when it was acquired by the powerful House of Kyburg. Bern flourished under Kyburg rule, becoming a major commercial and cultural center in the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1353, Bern joined the Swiss Confederation, cementing its status as a leading city in Switzerland. The city continued to grow and prosper in the following centuries, becoming the capital of Switzerland in 1848. Today, Bern is a thriving city with a rich history and culture, and is known for its beautiful medieval Old Town.
Read more >> Top Tourist Attractions in Thun Switzerland
Top 9 Visiting Places In Bern
1. The Bear Pits
The Bear Pits is a historic tourist attraction in the city of Bern, Switzerland. It is located in the center of the city, near the River Aare. The Bear Pits is home to four bears, two females and two males. The bears are fed twice a day and have a large enclosure to roam in. Visitors can watch the bears from a viewing platform or take a tour of the facility.
2. The Bernese Alps
The Bernese Alps are a mountain range of the Alps, located in western Switzerland. The highest mountain in the range, the Finsteraarhorn, is also the highest mountain in the Bernese Oberland and the entire Alps. The range extends from the Saanenland in the southwest to the Aare basin and the Grimsel Pass in the northeast. It is separated from the adjoining Simmental Alps by the Grimsel Pass and Gries Pass. The Bernese Alps are drained by the rivers Aare, Saane, Kander, and Rhône.
3. The Cathedral of Bern
The Cathedral of Bern is the oldest cathedral in Switzerland and is a fine example of Swiss Gothic architecture. It is located in the city of Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and has been a major landmark in the city ever since. The cathedral is home to a number of important artifacts and works of art, and is a popular tourist destination.
4. The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower in Bern, Switzerland is a tower that was built in 1530. It is located in the old city center of Bern. The Clock Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bern. It is a symbol of the city and is a popular tourist destination. The Clock Tower is open to the public and offers stunning views of the city.
5. The Einstein House
The Einstein House is located at Kramgasse 49 in Bern, Switzerland. It is a preserved historic house where the theoretical physicist Albert Einstein lived for over 20 years, from 1903 to 1905, and developed his theory of special relativity. The house is now a museum operated by the City of Bern.
6. The Old City
The Old City is a historic area in the center of Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old City is home to many of Bern's most important historic sites, including the Swiss Parliament building, the Cathedral of Bern, and the Bernese Alps.
7. The River Aare
The Aare is a river in Switzerland. The Aare is the tributary of the Rhine. The Aare is the second longest river in Switzerland. The Aare flows through the canton of Bern. The Aare flows into the Aarau.
8. The Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum in Bern is a museum of cultural history that tells the story of Switzerland from the earliest times to the present day. The museum's collections encompass everything from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary art, and the museum is also home to a library and archives. The Swiss National Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland, and it is also a popular destination for school field trips.
9. The Zytglogge
The Zytglogge is a medieval clock tower in the old city of Bern, Switzerland. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks and a symbol of the Swiss capital. The Zytglogge was built in the early 13th century and served as the main gate to the city. It was renovated in the 15th century and again in the 19th century. The clock tower has three floors and a height of about 30 meters. The top floor of the tower is decorated with a wooden figure of a bear, the symbol of the city of Bern.
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