Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, a European medieval city founded in 1191, on the River Aare. Bern has quite a few attractions and historic sites, as well as an active cultural life. It is here that Albert Einstein worked, the Toblerone chocolate bar is made, and Emmental cheese, known as Swiss Cheese, reached out to the world.

The city of Bern was built with local sandstone in Gothic style with gables, bay windows, and more arcades than any of the city in Europe. Bern claims Switzerland’s highest 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 lots of old fountains. The Münster-Terrasse, a square in front of the Cathedral, has been a famous meeting place over the centuries.

The fantastic Clock Tower has puppets that pop out before the hour and perform a little skit. The Museum of Fine Arts exhibits the largest collection in the world of Paul Klee’s paintings. The Swiss Alpine Museum displays a history of the Swiss Alps. Bern has many small theatres.
The River City Tour takes visitors on a boat tour down the River Aare past major sites and under the sandstone bridges. A day trip to Gurten, a mountain next to city offers a wonderful panorama of Bern and the Alps.