Berne
Berne is the capital of Switzerland, a medieval city founded in 1191 on and around the River Aare. In 1983, UNESCO inscribed Berne as a World Heritage Site. It is here that Albert Einstein worked, the Toblerone chocolate bar is made, and Emmental cheese (known as Swiss Cheese) originated. With its stately sandstone buildings, historical towers, and 11 magnificent fountains, Berne is one the most impressive examples of medieval town architecture in Europe. Over the centuries, the townscape has been preserved and kept virtually intact. The noble dome of the House of Parliament presides above the city, just a few steps from the main station. Its peak is visible from the Aare River, the Prison Tower, and all other places of interest in Berne. On most days, the doors of the House of Parliament are open to the public, with visitors permitted to watch the live proceedings of the parliament.
Discover Berne
The city of Bern was built using local sandstone in Gothic style with gables, bay windows, and more arcades than any other city in Europe. Berne houses Switzerland's tallest Gothic cathedral, the Münster-Cathedral, and the Heiliggeist-Kirche, a prime example of 18th century Protestant church architecture. Throughout the city are towers, arcades, and many old fountains. The Münster-Terrasse, a square in front of the Cathedral, has been a famous meeting place for centuries.
Umbrellas made from stone...
One house after the other, shop after shop. Entire rows of houses merge into one integrated whole, all connected by long covered promenades - the arcades. Rain or shine, it is a pure delight to leisurely stroll along one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe.
Tourist Office Berne (at the railway station)
Bahnhofplatz 10a, 3011 Bern, Tel. 031 328 1212
> classic city tour on foot starts at the Tourist Office at 11 AM
Highlights
Enjoy a walk through the unique Old Town of Berne (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where entire rows of houses are covered; the arcades are an ancient outdoor shopping mall which make shopping pleasant whatever the weather! Make sure you are at the Zytglogge Clock five minutes before a full hour to see the figurines in action. Head over to the House of Parliament (Bundeshaus) and the modern fountain right in front of it. The Cathedral (Münster) of Bern is Switzerland's largest ecclesiastical building. The vantage point of this masterpiece is located 344 steps above the entrance, in the 100m-high Cathedral spire from where tower visitors can enjoy magnificent views across the city and into the Bernese Mittelland and the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland. Inside the Münster, don’t miss intricate sculptings entitled The Last Judgment above the main door. During the summer months, visitors can join the locals for a dip in the river. Leave your belongings at the public pool at Marzili, walk upstream, and drift back with the current. The Marzilibad also offers the best possible views of the House of Parliament. At the Paul Klee Museum, you can see the world’s most important Paul Klee collection.
City Guides Berne – Smart Phone Apps
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The essentials of Berne
1) The Clock Tower (Zytglogge) and its figurines in action 5 minutes before every full hour
2) House of Parliament – the seat of the Swiss Government (Federal Council)
3) The new bear park along the Aare River giving great insights into the lives of bears
4) The Rose Garden which provides wonderful views of the Old Town and the Aare Loop
5) Schwellenmätteli - for riverside walks and/or for a relaxing lunch on a river bank in the center of town
6) The Gurten – Berne’s house mountain
Clock Tower (Zytglogge)
Today, this clock is one of Bern's most important sights. The ornate astronomical clock with its moving figures was built in 1530. It served as the city's main clock and thus had an authoritative function in Bern. It was from there that travel times indicated on stone markers along the cantonal roads were measured. Standard units of length – formerly cubit and fathom, today meter and double meter – are displayed for the public in the arch of the gate.
The House of Parliament
Construction on the Parliament Building (the west wing of today's Parliament Building) started in 1852. The east wing, mirroring the west wing, was added in 1884. In 1902, the structure was extended into a building complex composed of three parts. All in all, 38 artists from throughout Switzerland are responsible for the building's decorations. The Parliament Building is the seat of the Swiss government (Federal Council) and the parliament (National Council and Council of States). The building was completed in 1902. The central domed hall and both chambers feature numerous symbolic renderings of Swiss history.
The Bear Park
Bern's heraldic animal has been released into new-found freedom on the beautiful slope of the Aare River. The creators of the new, bear-friendly Bear Park built a landscape where Björk and Finn can climb, fish, and play, but also retreat and relax. A visit to the Bear Park is a special experience for children as well as adults. Paths run through the park down to the Aare riverside path, giving visitors great insight into the lives of the bears. They can watch the bears play, bathe, and climb right in front of their eyes.
The Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is a large park with a wonderful view of the Old Town and Aare Loop. The park is home to 220 different types of roses, 200 types of irises, and moor beds with 28 different types of rhododendrons. From 1765 to 1877, the Rose Garden served as a cemetery. Since 1913 the Rose Garden has been a public park resplendent with the rich beauty of flowers and a pond. From 1956 to 1962 the park was redesigned, introducing rhododendrons and azaleas as well as an iris garden.
Schwellenmätteli
The Aare River characterizes the city of Bern with its unmistakable charm, providing the perfect setting for riverside walks. The Schwellenmätteli is located on the bank of the Aare, yet right in the middle of town. At the Schwellenmätteli – aptly named the Riviera Restaurant – you'll feel like you're on an island vacation. The restaurant is an oasis for dining and entertainment and has become a welcome attraction on the Bernese horizon.
The Gurten
For visitors who would like to forget about the hustle and bustle of the city, a 25 minute ride on tram #9 (with the help of a funicular) will transport them to the summit of Berne’s local mountain: the Gurten. This mountain is the perfect location to relax among meadows and woodlands and listen to the birds.
Excursions
Cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
April – October (Included with some Swiss Rail Passes!). Boats are operated on both of these beautiful lakes. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on a modern ship or one of the renovated stately steamers. Cruises depart in Thun (to Interlaken West) or in Interlaken Ost (to Brienz).
Gruyeres
The small village of Gruyeres is probably one of the most charming ones on the Old Continent. It is easily reachable from Berne. Here, visitors can walk the cobblestone road to the old castle and visit a Cheese Factory. The traditional lunch offered in all restaurants around the castle is raclette, a must for all cheese lovers!
Emmental / Emmental Cheese
Whether you're on a day trip or a few days' holiday, you certainly won't be bored in the Emmental region. Hiking, snow shoeing, Nordic walks, panning for gold, golf, cycling, riding, pottery - this region offers an activity to satisfy virtually every desire. You'll find everything here from the legendary Emmental cheese to ham, to a Gault&Millau menu, an almost unparalleled range on offer and often made from regional products (Ämmitaler Ruschtig). There is also an Emmentaler Schaukäserei in Affoltern i.E. where one can watch and participate in cheese making - more info at www.showdairy.ch.
Schilthorn - Piz Gloria (2970m/9744ft)
The most spectacular 360° panorama in the Alps! Dine-and-wine in the world's first revolving restaurant at an altitude of nearly 3000 metres. Impressive views embrace some 200 snow-capped peaks, ranging from the Bernese Alps to Mont Blanc in France and Germany's Black Forest.
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe (3454m/11333ft)
Snow and ice 100% guaranteed! The Sphinx observation hall, impressive Ice Palace and hiking plateau - these are the year-round attractions up on the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Summer attractions include a skilift, husky-drawn sledging and adventure activities.
Train Adventure
The first leg of this trip takes you to Zweisimmen where you board the Panoramic Express for a ride through the Saanenland region to Gstaad, then on to Montreux (Chateau de Chillon). Then the second leg takes you from Montreux to Brig (Valais, Aletsch Glacier) and through the Lötschberg tunnel via Kandersteg and Spiez back the Berne.
Aletsch Glacier
Enjoy spectacular views of the high alpine region of the Valais and the Aletsch Glacier - the longest glacier in Europe that is 18km/11 miles long and 800 meters thick. This excursion takes you through the famous Lötschberg tunnel and the helical tunnel between Kandersteg and Kandergrund.
Chateau de Chillon
In a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, stands one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland. Originally a fortress built in the 13th Century, the Castle of Chillon underwent numerous transformations with a view to its adaptation to the advances in the defensive and offensive weapons of the age.
Lucerne
On of Switzerland's most popular excursion destinations, lovely Lucerne is only 60 minutes' travelling time from Berne. The city is renowned for its attractive townscape, historic Chapel Bridge and excellent shopping facilities. There are various routes to get from Berne to Lucerne. Either going or on your return, take the scenic ride via Interlaken and over the Brünig Pass.
Lausanne
Lausanne is a truly elegant city and approx. an hour by train from Bern, on Lake Geneva. Its hillside setting on the lake facing the Alps is truly spectacular. Lausanne is a university city with a vibrant student population. The Swiss Hotel School is located here, as well as the International Olympic Committee headquarters, which has a fascinating Museum on the Olympics with all kinds of exhibits and a library of Olympic videos (www.olympic.org/museum).
Entertainment
Allegro Grand Casino Kursaal Berne
The Berner Kursaal and Casino offers a whole palette of possibilities, all under one roof. It is an arena-like theater that is equipped with two lifting platforms and includes the Casino Berne and the Hotel Allegro. Apart from yearly events such as the Berne Jazz Festival there are performances on a regular basis.
Shopping
Arcades
One house after the other - shop after shop. Entire rows of houses merge into one integrated whole, all connected by long covered promenades - the arcades. Rain or shine, it is a pure delight to leisurely stroll along one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe.
Berne Onion Market
A traditional folk festival every fourth Monday in November.
Other Street Markets
There are also many weekly themed markets, where you will find everything from fresh vegetables to local art and crafts. Best days are Fridays and Saturdays. For up to date information, please consult with the hotel you are staying at.
Museums & Art
Zentrum Paul Klee
The world's most important Klee collection, the Zentrum Paul Klee, displays its some 4,000 works through changing exhibits organized around different themes. The multimedia Museum Street of this building devoted to Paul Klee invites visitors to stroll, interact and enjoy. Besides concerts and other events, the unique museum hosts special exhibits and a broad program for children, youth and adults, particularly the children’s museum Kindermuseum Creaviv.
Einstein House
The Einstein House is located in the center of the Old City at Kramgasse 49, just some 200 meters from the Clock Tower (Zytglogge). Albert Einstein rented the flat from 1903 to 1905 and lived there with his wife Mileva and son Hans Albert. The second-floor residence features furnishings from that time period as well as photos and texts presented in a modern exhibition system. The third floor shows a film that gives an overview of Albert Einstein's life.
Museum of Fine Arts Berne
The Collection of the Berne Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most distinguished in Switzerland. It contains outstanding works spanning eight centuries and includes a total of 3'000 paintings and sculptures as well as approximately 55’000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos and films.
Swiss Alpine Museum
Experience the atmosphere of Switzerland’s mountains in the nation’s only Alpine Museum. Learn more about the Alpine world, its diversity, its historical and contemporary background, and its future prospects.
Bern Historical Museum
In its permanent exhibition, the Bern Historical Museum shows highlights from the fields of history, prehistory, early history and ethnography. The objects on display range from the Stone Age to the present, from cultures of all continents. The integrated Einstein Museum presents a powerful presentation of the life and work of Albert Einstein and places it in the context of world history. Animated films and experiments illustrate the pioneering theories of this genius. The temporary exhibition hall's 1,000 square meters of space are used to present innovative, changing shows that deal with cultural, historical, prehistoric or ethnographic subjects on a revolving basis.
Restaurants
Kornhaus Keller - Traditional Swiss Dishes (Kornhausplatz – 031 327 7272)
Restaurant Rosengarten (Alte Aargauerstalden 31b – 031 331 3206)
Schwellemätteli - riverside location (Dalmaziquai 11 - 031 350 5001)
Büner – laid-back; contemporary (Kasernenstrasse 31 – 031 333 1515)
Veranda – imaginative dishes (Schanzenstrasse 25 – 031 305 2180)
Tibits – Healthy Vegetarian and Indian (Bahnhofplatz 10 – 031 312 9111)
Altes Tramdepot – hearty Swiss Cuisine (Muristalden 6 – 031 368 1415)