Bern, The city of Bears 🐻

#westerneurope

Bern – the capital city of Switzerland – is a charming blend of medieval elegance and modern Swiss efficiency. Nestled along the meandering Aare River, Bern is known for its well-preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, cobblestone streets, sandstone arcades, and iconic Zytglogge clock tower, where visitors gather daily to watch the animated figures come to life.

Highlights of Bern:
🕰️Zytglogge (Clock Tower): A 13th-century landmark with an astronomical clock and moving figurines.

🏰Federal Palace (Bundeshaus): Seat of the Swiss Parliament, open to public tours.

🧸Bear Park: Home to the city’s symbol, the brown bear – a nod to Bern’s name origin.

⛪Bern Cathedral (Münster): Switzerland’s tallest church tower, offering panoramic views.

🏞️Aare River: Perfect for scenic walks or a daring summer swim – a true Bernese tradition.

🎨Einstein Museum & House: Bern is where Albert Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity.

🏡Rosengarten (Rose Garden): Offers breathtaking views of the Old Town and seasonal floral displays.

🏢Atmosphere:
Bern is relaxed yet refined. The 6 km of arcades – among the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe – make for all-weather strolling, and the city's pace is more laid-back than Zurich or Geneva. It combines political importance with a deep sense of heritage, culture, and natural beauty.

✨Fun Fact:
Though Bern is the de facto capital (called the federal city), Switzerland officially has no capital in its constitution.

#switzerland #bern