Berne
The capital City
General Information
Other Name: -, District: NA, State: NA, Switzerland
Area: 51.6 km²
Languages Spoken: German,French
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: Swiss Cheese, reached out to the world.
Best Time to Visit: May to August and December
International Access: -
Description
Berne is the capital of Switzerland, a diverse and beautiful city.It is the fifth most populous city in Switzerland (after Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne).Duke Berchtold V of Zahringen founded the city on the River Aare in 1191.Bern still has those famous stone bear pits that hold live bears and, in general, the city still retains a medieval quality, which is evident in the gothic architecture and cobblestone streets.Berne has quite attractions and historic sites, as well as an active cultural life.Berne''''s city center is largely medieval and has been recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural World Heritage Site. Perhaps its most famous sight is the Zytglogge, an elaborate medieval clock tower with moving puppets.With its stately sandstone buildings, historical towers and 11 magnificent fountains, Berne is one the most impressive examples of medieval town architecture in Europe.Location
Berne is located in Central Switzerland, 122 km (76 miles) from Zurich.Climate
Mild.
Located in the center of the Old Town, this 15th-century cathedral sports a towering 328-foot-tall spire that dominates the city skyline.
The 1902 Bundeshauser, the home of the Swiss Federal Assembly, are built in an impressive Florentine style, and contain statues of the nation''s founding fathers, a stained-glass dome adorned with cantonal emblems and a huge, 214-bulb chandelier.When the Parliament is in recess, there are hourly free 45-minute tours in different languages.
The Kramgasse ends at the Clock Tower, a notable Berne landmark, frequently rebuilt which was the west gate of the town until about 1250. On the east side of the tower is an astronomical clock (1527-30), with mechanical figures which perform four minutes before every hour.
The world''s most famous scientist developed his theory of relativity in Bern in 1905, and the small Einstein Haus has been given a facelift recently to celebrate the centenary of that discovery. The humble apartment where Einstein lived with his young family while working as a low-paid clerk in the Bern patent office has been redecorated in the style of the time.
This peak boasts two restaurants, a miniature railway and an adventure playground. You can also enjoy fine views as you hike down the mountain following the clearly marked paths.
On the south side of Helvetiaplatz the Historical Museum of Berne (1892-94) is built in the style of a 16th century castle, with collections of prehistoric material, folk art and traditions, ethnography and various types of decorative and applied art.
Home of the Swiss Federal Assembly, are impressively ornate, with statues of the nation''s founding fathers, a stained-glass dome adorned with cantonal emblems and a huge, 214-bulb chandelier.
Beyond Berne''s Clock Tower is the busy Marktgasse (pedestrian precinct), with old guild-houses, arcades, shops and two more fountains, the Schutzenbrunnen (Marksman fountain) and Anna-Seiler-Brunnen, both of about 1545.