Bern is known for its 6-kilometer-long arcades, which offer a unique shopping experience. The city is rich in history, culture and architecture and attracts visitors with its historic charm.
Our tip: Visit to the rose garden in Bern. This beautiful park above the old town not only offers a magnificent view over Bern and the River Aare, but also a variety of roses and other flowers. Especially in summer, the rose garden is a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Experience cultural heritage: Bern’s historical wealth and charm
Bern, the capital of Switzerland stands out among cities, for its preservation of its historical heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 Berns old town is a living testament to its rooted history and cultural importance. Its 6 kilometer long arcades, affectionately referred to as “Lauben ” are celebrated as one of Europes covered shopping streets.
Transport yourself back in time. Soak in the enduring charm of Berns Old Town, where each cobblestone street and ancient edifice narrates tales of eras. Wander leisurely through the arcades lined with a variety of shops offering delights and global brands. Berns Old Town is a reservoir of riches awaiting discovery and admiration granting visitors a glimpse, into Switzerlands heritage and lively urban ambiance.
Federal Palace Bern
Federal Palace in Bern and seat of the Swiss government
Bern sits enthroned in the heart of Switzerland as the country’s seat of government. Just a short walk from the main railway station, the imposing Federal Palace rises majestically above the city. Visitors often have the privilege of entering the doors of the parliament building and witnessing political events up close.
But Bern’s fascination goes beyond the political arena. While exploring the picturesque alleyways, with a bit of luck you might even bump into one of the members of the government moving between the historic walls. A city where politics and history merge into a harmonious interplay.
Bernese Old Town UNESCO World Heritage Site
Old Town of Bern Zytglogge
Bern Minster
With its unique medieval atmosphere, Bern enchants visitors with its numerous fountains, sandstone facades, picturesque alleyways and historic towers.
Bern captivates its visitors with a charm showcasing a wealth of fountains, sandstone buildings, charming narrow streets and ancient towers.
The Old Town of Bern earned its deserved spot, on the UNESCO World Heritage List back in 1983. This recognition highlights the value and irreplaceable significance that this historic gem holds for people
Exploring Berns Old Town is an experience for travelers from across the globe offering a blend of history stunning architecture and cultural legacy. Wandering through the meandering streets and quaint squares of this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping in time—an unique encounter, for those who value humanitys treasures.
To enjoy the best view of the Old Town, which is embraced by the Aare, we recommend the elevated rose garden above the BärenPark or the platform of the imposing 101-metre-high cathedral tower. The former redoubts and bastions slope steeply down to the river, giving the city a special topography.
The old town is home to charming boutiques, bars and cabarets, some in the cellar vaults, as well as cozy street cafés that attract both locals and tourists. Although Bern has a well-developed public transport system, the city center is best explored on foot to fully appreciate all its beauty and charm.
Zytglogge with atronomical clock
Zytglogge
The Zytglogge, also known as the Zeitglocke or Zeitglockenturm, is a historic clock tower in the city of Bern. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is home to one of the oldest tower clocks in Switzerland.
The Zytglogge is one of the most visited attractions in Bern and was once part of the city wall in the early 13th century. The imposing bell, which was initially rung manually, was installed in 1405. The clock, on the other hand, is somewhat younger: the clockwork by the German armourer Kaspar Brunner was installed in the Zytglogge in 1530.
The movement of the Zytglogge consists of five combined movements housed in a common case. It comprises the going train, two striking mechanisms and two movements for figure movements. The hands of the clock are controlled by the hour axis of the going train and move above the two large 12-hour dials and the impressive astrolabe clock. The Zytglogge is a fascinating testimony to the art of clockmaking in past centuries and a striking landmark of Bern.
Bern BärenPark
BärenPark – landmark of Bern
The BärenPark Bern is a modern animal enclosure that was opened in 2009 to house brown bears in a species-appropriate environment. It replaced the old bear pit, which no longer met the requirements of species-appropriate husbandry. The BärenPark is located in the Bärenpark district, opposite Bern’s old town, on the banks of the River Aare. It is part of the Bern Zoo, the main part of which, the Dählhölzli, stretches along the Aare about two kilometers to the southwest.
The BärenPark and the old bear pit are among the most famous sights in Bern and are closely associated with the bear as the heraldic animal of the city and canton of Bern.
The Bernese bears find an exclusive home in the BärenPark with a view of Bern’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The “Mutzen”, as the bears are affectionately known, live in an extensive park on the banks of the River Aare.
Paul Klee Museum
Paul Klee Center
The Paul Klee Center, a new architectural highlight, was created in 2005 as a landmark for the federal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bern. The wave-like construction made of steel and glass, designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, is worth a visit in itself. The three curved hills and delicate lines of the building blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Surrounded by fields and a spacious park, the center invites you to take a relaxing stroll.
At the Zentrum Paul Klee, you can admire more than 4,000 of the almost 10,000 works by Paul Klee, including paintings, watercolors, drawings and biographical material of the artist, who spent a large part of his life in Bern.
Bern
The museum building, designed by the multi-award-winning architect Renzo Piano, is an architectural masterpiece. It forms a green oasis from which three hills of steel and glass rise up. Here you will find exhibition rooms, a music and event hall, a children’s museum as well as plenary halls and seminar rooms.
Bern ideal starting point for tourists
Located in the heart of Switzerland, Bern is the gateway to the Alps and offers countless opportunities for travelers. The capital is easily accessible by car via well-developed roads or even by plane via Bern-Belp Airport. Thanks to the excellent bus connections, you can easily reach the city center. For rail travelers, Bern offers a dense rail network with direct connections to major European cities.
With its central location, Bern is the ideal starting point for exploring the whole of Switzerland. Whether majestic mountain peaks, idyllic lakes or picturesque towns – from Bern you can easily reach the most fascinating places in the country. After an eventful day, the numerous accommodation options in Bern are ideal for resting and recharging your batteries for further explorations.
Bern is therefore not only a political and cultural stronghold, but also a transportation hub that opens the door to unforgettable alpine adventures for visitors.
Video Bern Switzerland in 4k – shots from above of this beautiful city | Switzerland Travel
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a truly beautiful city with a well-preserved old town. With its medieval city center, Bern was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
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Video Top 10 Places to Visit in Bern | Switzerland – English
Bern is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Switzerland having many best places in Bern…
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