Of all Swiss cities, Bern (Berne in French) is arguably the most immediately charming: Cobbled lanes lined with sandstone buildings that have barely changed in over 500 years, heavily wooded hills and riverbanks, and breathtaking views of the Old Town and the majestic Alps. Once voted Europe’s most floral city, the tiny city of Bern, with a population of barely 130,000, is Switzerland’s capital and home of the Swiss parliament. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.With a perfectly preserved medieval street plan with its arcades, street fountains and towers, the real attraction of Bern is its ambience – wandering the streets and alleys, relaxing in its cafes, perhaps cooling off in the river.
Münster of Berne
The Münster of Berne (or Berner Münster in German) is the Late Gothic cathedral started in 1421 but whose spire, the tallest in Switzerland, was only completed in 1893. The basilica with its three naves towers above the roofs of Bern's old town. The portal with its depiction of the Last Judgment is an outstanding feature. The vantage point of this masterpiece is located 344 steps above the entrance in the100m high (328 ft) cathedral spire.
Münster of Berne Virtual Tour
Zentrum Paul Klee
Zentrum Paul Klee contains the world’s most important collection of paintings, watercolors and drawings of Paul Klee’s work, one of the most significant artists of the first half of the 20th century. The collection is also noteworthy for the private exhibits it contains, such as the puppets Paul Klee made for his son Felix or the notes he used when teaching at the Bauhaus, which provide an insight into the artists’ workshop.
Zentrum Paul Klee Virtual Tour
Zytglogge
One of the main tourist attractions in Bern is the clock tower, or Zytglogge. The tower itself was part of the original city walls at the beginning of the 13th century. The great bell was cast in 1405. The clock is more recent, but it is nevertheless one of the oldest town clocks in Switzerland: its mechanism dates back to 1530 when the first elements, such as the golden cockerel that crows three times and the man who turns the hour glass, were built. The revolving bears, symbolizing the power of the city, were added in 1610. The jester was added in 1642. He strikes his bells and kicks his legs when the cock crows.
Zytglogge Virtual Tour
Einstein House
Albert Einstein rented the flat on the second floor of Kramgasse No. 49 from 1903 to 1905. It has been restored in the style of that period to reflect Einstein's stay in Bern and is open to the public.
Einstein House Virtual Tour
