Bern-Swizerland

The ancient capital of Switzerland, its also known as 'Berne' by
Switzerland's French-speaking citizens. The whole city was
renovated after it was ruined by fire in 1405. It has many fine
examples of early-15th-century architecture - so U.N. declared
it a 'World Heritage Site'. The Old town is identified by its
thick-walled stone houses brightened by the boxes of geraniums
on the balconies overlooking the Aare River.

Bern's 11th-century arcaded streets provides wonderful
opportunities for tourists for sightseeing and shopping.
Mountains around Bern provides a beautiful backdrop - the
northwest is dominated by the Jura and the Alps and their
foothills provides a wonderful backdrop to the south. The
city centre with its beautiful medieval architecture is located
on the Aare River between the the striking copper spire of the
Nydegg church (Nydeggkirche) and the 13th-century clocktower
(Zeitglockenturm). Vegetable and flower markets are held everyday
during the summers. A celebrated onion market is also held here
on the fourth Monday of November.

Berne is famous for so many of its sights and important Swiss buildings.
Of particular historical interest is the Zytglogge Clock Tower, which
presides over the Old Town and features animated characters when the
clock chimes, which always draws a crowd. Also known for its bear pits
(bärengraben), bears have been an important attraction in Berne since
the 1600s and reside within Dählhölzli Zoo. Other important landmarks
include the 15th-century Münster Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament
(Bundeshaus) and the Einstein-Haus, once the rather humble home of
Nobel prize-winning scientist Albert Einstein. More information about
Berne Tourist Attractions and Landmarks.

With Berne being the proud capital of Switzerland, tourists generally
expect it to contain some of the country's leading museums, and they
will be far from disappointed. The Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts)
is a good place to begin a day out and contains works by Dali, Klee
and Picasso, amongst many others, while for information about the
city's rich past, pay a visit to the Bern Historical Museum on the
Helvetiaplatz, before moving on to the neighbouring Swiss Alpine
Museum, where you will learn all about the Swiss Mountains. More
information about Berne Museums and Art Galleries.

Enjoying the perfect location to explore many of Switzerland's biggest
and most important cities, Berne is within easy striking distance of
Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne and also Zurich. Each of the cities
has a huge amount to offer and are well connected to Berne by a range
of transport options, so it is sensible to plan your excursions ahead,
so that you make the very most of your time. In particular, tourists
should look out for the Jet d'Eau fountain in Lake Geneva, the
historical Old Town (Vieille Ville) in Lausanne, Lucerne's medieval
city walls (Museggmauer) and the 13th-century cathedral (Fraumünster)
in Zurich. More information about Berne Attractions Nearby.