Visiting Bern
Bern is a compact capital city of fewer than 150,000 residents, yet it serves as the seat of the entire Swiss federal government. Nestled against the Aar river, the city preserves a wealth of history, including an old town designated as a Unesco World Heritage site. Located within easy reach of the Alps and the sprawling Parc Naturel du Gantrisch, Bern is a logical starting point for anyone looking to explore Switzerland.
The elegant Old Town of Bern
Most of the narrow streets and the six kilometers of arcades that define Bern's old town date back to the 14th century. The city is defined by its sandstone architecture, such as the Bern Minster, a church founded in 1421 with ornate Gothic details. The main entrance is particularly striking. Sculpted by Erhart Kung, it features 294 individual figures depicting scenes from the Last Judgment. You can climb the 312 steps of the bell tower for a panoramic view of the city, with the Alps serving as a backdrop.
Another major landmark is the expansive Bundesplatz, which features 26 water jets representing each of the cantons that make up Switzerland. This square sits directly in front of the Federal Palace, the center of Swiss political power, easily identified by its distinctive green copper domes. As you walk through the city center, you will likely encounter the Zytglogge, or Clock Tower. Every hour on the hour, mechanical figures including a bear, a golden rooster, a jester, and Chronos perform a brief show on its facade.
Essential sights in Bern
If you enjoy gardens, head to the Rosengarten (Rose Garden). Beyond its hundreds of varieties of roses and irises, this hilltop park offers the best vantage point looking down over the city. The garden is located just above the famous Bärengraben (Bear Pit), housing the city's heraldic animal. If you are traveling with children, head to the Dählhölzli zoo to see species like leopards, wolves, and puffins.
Bern's cultural scene is equally compelling. The Zentrum Paul Klee is housed in a unique, wave-like contemporary building designed by Renzo Piano. The city's Museum of Fine Arts has been active since 1879 and holds a significant collection of renowned works. Finally, you can learn about the life and genius of the 20th century's most famous scientist at the Einstein House, located in an apartment where he once lived.
When to go
Bern is a year-round destination. For a unique local experience, visit on the fourth Monday of November for the Zibelemärit (Onion Market), a massive festival that celebrates the vegetable in every imaginable form.
How to get there
The most efficient way to reach the Swiss capital is to fly into Zürich, Geneva, or Lausanne, and then complete your journey to Bern by train.
I was pleasantly surprised by Bern. After having a negative first impression while driving around the city on the highway, I finally discovered that the Swiss capital is home to a remarkable city center! Wander from the Bernisches Historisches Museum to the Bundesplatz, passing by the Clock Tower, and then finish with a striking view of the Aare from the Nydeggbrücke.