Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland and is also a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Duke Berthold V of Zähringen founded the city on the bend of the River Aare in 1191 and allegedly named it after the bear he had killed; the bear is featured on the present city coat of arms.

Many of the sights and monuments in Bern are worth a visit, the Zeitglockentrum "clock tower" built in the 16th century stands in the middle of Bern, this with the 11 fountains representing allegorical figures also built in the 16th century running up the center of the street make for good viewing, another sight is the Barengraben "bear pit" located close to Nydeggbrucke bridge and is home to a few bears the symbol of the city.
The late Gothic Cathedral Munster has the largest steeple in Switzerland and the Gothic Rathaus "city hall" together with the many museums and art galleries, notably the Kunstmuseum with its art collection dating back to the 13th century are a must see.

Bern also offers great shopping with a large selection of shops and boutiques or alternatively sit back in one of the many roadside cafes and watch the world go by.

Berne Slide Show

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