About Bern
Located in the heart of Switzerland, southwest of Zurich, lies Bern, a small medieval town that's been serving as Switzerland’s capital since 1848. Several stories of antiquity can be found between Bern's walls, while Old Town was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Explore Switzerland
What to Do
- Zytglogge Clock Tower: Located within Old Town, this astronomical calendar clock attracts crowds as it strikes each hour, and a mechanical cast of characters comes out to perform. There are also tours that can be taken, inside the tower.
- 6km of Arcades: Nearly 4 miles of covered shopping promenades are located in Old Town. This is the longest in Europe and a great place to pick up unique and local souvenirs.
- Bear Park: Once known as the bear pit, is now a sprawling 1.5 acre park for the bears of Bern to explore. Connected by a tunnel to give the bears passage back into the wild, the park allows spectators to view and photograph the bears at leisure.
- The Aare River: A deep blue river that winds its way throughout the city. Swimming is highly encouraged, especially during summer, at the various outdoor swimming pools. The river is a local hangout and is even listed as an UNESCO tradition.
- Gurten Peak: Bern’s local mountain, contains several outdoor activities as well as a tobogganing run, playground, restaurant, and ongoing festivals.
When to Go
April - September brings warmer temperatures and long luxurious days. The highs get up to approximately 86°F at this time. Winter gets cold and can be rainy but there is rarely snow in Bern. July – mid August is peak vacation season for the Swiss so shops, restaurants, and activities may shut down early. There are several events and festivals that occur throughout the year however, Bern's Christmas market is their most famous.
Overview
Bern is not only surrounded by nature and history, but also holds several modern sites within, such as coffee shops, fine dining, promenades, and a bear park. Gardens, mountains, hiking paths, and the Aare River, which runs the length of the city, can also be embraced. Bern can easily be reached by train and can be counted on to provide 1-3 days of activity.
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