Key Figures
- Population: 150,000
Overview
Bern, the capital of the Swiss Confederation, is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Thanks to Switzerland’s neutrality, the historic centre has remained largely unchanged and untouched by war since it was first laid out in the 12th century. Its four miles of arcades make it one of the largest covered shopping promenades in the world, and in 1983 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
The town was founded in 1191 by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen. Seeking a suitable place for a new city, he relied on his chief huntsman’s advice and rode out to inspect a wooded site overlooking the River Aare. There he declared the city would be named after the first animal killed during that day’s hunt. When the hunt yielded a bear — Bär in German — the future Swiss capital gained both a name and a lasting symbol.
Bern prospered and became one of the most important settlements in the Alps. In 1441, in honour of that founding bear, the city established a bear-pit and allocated funds to maintain live bears. Although Napoleon seized the bears (and $1,000,000 in Bernese gold) in 1798 to finance his Egyptian campaign — the gold later sank offshore — the bears were eventually replaced and remain beloved city symbols. One local woman even left her entire estate to their care.
Bern is not only the seat of the federal government but also a major university town. Albert Einstein formulated his theory of relativity here while working at the Patent Office. More recently, Bernese scientists developed equipment used by American astronauts to measure solar winds on the moon. Amid its medieval beauty, the city has remained a centre of innovation.
The city is also a gateway to some of Switzerland’s most dramatic scenery. The Bernese Oberland, only a short drive away, offers superb skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. Interlaken, Wengen, Grindelwald, Mürren, the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau are all nearby.
The Visit
The Bear Pits
Located across the Aare by the Nydegg Bridge, the pits house Bern’s famous bears. Two enclosures accommodate the animals, who sit up and beg for carrots. An automatic carrot-vending machine and a souvenir stall offer the expected treats and stuffed bears.
The Nydegg Bridge
Crossing the Aare on this bridge provides a splendid view of the steep riverbanks and the old town perched above. The spires, towers, and tiled roofs of the Altstadt create one of Switzerland’s loveliest urban panoramas.
Gerechtigkeitsgasse and Kramgasse
These two historic streets, lined with arcades, 16th-century fountains, flags and flower boxes, lead into the heart of the city. Highlights include:
- Justice Fountain — featuring blindfolded Lady Justice with sword and scales
- Samson Fountain — depicting Samson forcing open the jaws of a lion
- Bear Fountain — a fierce bear in full armour carrying Bern’s banner
The Cathedral of St Vincent
Construction began in 1421 on this late Gothic cathedral designed to hold the entire 15th-century population — roughly 4,000 people. The façade features a dramatic carved depiction of Judgment Day, memorable for the gruesome fate of the damned. Inside, the design is simple and elegant. On the balustrade you’ll find the inscription “Machs Na!” (“Try and copy it!”), a boast from the architect. A terrace to the right of the church offers fine views of the Aare valley.
Moses Fountain
Opposite the cathedral, this bright and colourful fountain shows Moses holding the golden tablets of the Ten Commandments.
Zytgloggeturm (Clock Tower)
Originally a city gate built in 1191, the tower gained its astronomical clock and mechanical puppets in 1530. Each hour, when the clock strikes, a whimsical performance begins. Stand at the corner of Kramgasse and Hotelgasse five minutes beforehand to see dancing bears, the King of Fools, and the jester who rings the hour.
Kindlifresser (Eater of Small Children)
Just beyond the clock tower on Kornhausplatz stands this unsettling fountain showing an ogre devouring children. A local legend claims the creature lived by the riverbank, and parents warned that disobedient children who wandered too close to the fast-flowing Aare might be eaten — or swept away by the current.
This area forms the core of Bern’s shopping district, often home to markets, cafés, and lively street life.