We can’t wait for you to be able to travel to Switzerland again! Switzerland is renowned for its natural beauty, so definitely plan on spending most of your time outdoors when you visit. We recommend visiting Interlaken, one of the adventure capitals of the world, and doing a day trip to the capital, Bern! Bern is only an hour away from Interlaken, so it’s manageable in one trip. We must say that the scenery in the city center is more beautiful than the next, in particular thanks to the loop of the Aare which surrounds Bern.
What to do, what to see, explore the city of Bern
Located at the foot of the Alps in Switzerland, Bern is a pretty little town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic heart, founded in the 12th century. Although the federal capital of Switzerland, Bern is a very small city that can be easily explored on foot! The historic heart is unique with its green sandstone facades and arcades. In Bern, it's impossible to get lost… Everything always brings us back to the clock.
1. The Clock Tower: Zytglogge
The unmistakable clock tower marks the center of Bern's Old Town. This astronomical clock features a chime that strikes every hour. With the crowing of a rooster, a madman rings the bells before a round of 7 bears sets in. The show takes place outside, but it is from the inside that it is the most interesting to observe. The mechanical movement of this clock dates from the 16th century and is incredibly ingenious.
2. The Bear Park
The city's second identity is its bears! The history between Bern and this mammal dates back to the 12th century when Duke Berthold V of Zäringhen, the city's creator, has captured his first bear. They can be found as statues all over the city, on the fountains, and on the clock, also among other places, but it is the 3 bears of the Bärenpark who must be visited.
The famous bear pit has now been transformed into a 6,000 m2 park where 3 bears live and have a blast. The park is located on the banks of the Aare river and is an ideal entry point for a short walk with a view of the old town.
3. The Federal Palace
The Federal Palace is a magnificent building located in the center of Bern which houses the Swiss Parliament. It is in this impressive building that the Government sits and that the ordinary sessions of the two Swiss councils (the National Council and the Council of States) are held four times a year.
4. The rose garden
The Rose Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Bern, offering a unique view of the old town and the famous Aar loop. In good weather, the view extends beyond the city's borders. As its name suggests, this park is above all known for its profusion of flowers. You can also admire more than 220 varieties of roses, 200 varieties of irises, and 28 varieties of rhododendrons, as well as a magnificent pond dotted with water lilies. A pavilion and a reading garden make this rose garden a perfect place to rest.
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5. The Collegiate Church of Bern
The Collegiate Church of Bern (Das Berner Münster) is the largest sacred building in Switzerland. Its construction began in 1421 and generations of builders have dedicated themselves to continue this masterpiece. The tower was not completed until 1893 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site ever since. The climb costs 5 CHF and after that, you have to climb 344 steps in order to enjoy a fantastic view of the capital of Switzerland. The view extends over the Bernese plateau and the snow-capped mountains. The church itself is also very cool to visit.
