During your visit to Bern, Switzerland, you will be able to see the many things that this city has to offer. The city is situated along the Aare River, and the origins of the city date back to the 12th century. You will be able to see many medieval architecture preserved in the Altstadt.
Old town
Located on a hill overlooking the Aare River, the Old Town of Bern is a world-renowned example of medieval architecture. It is one of twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Switzerland.
The quaint, medieval streets of the Old City are lined with arcades. These arcades run for miles and are crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops. They are the most impressive part of the Old City.
One of the oldest and most popular fountains in Bern is the Giant's Fountain. This fountain features a bronze statue of a large bear with a pot of water.
The Cathedral is the largest ecclesiastical building in Switzerland. It was constructed in the early 15th century. It has an internal height of 33 meters. The mosaic in the center represents the Federal coat of arms.
The Bern clock tower is another famous landmark. It features two faces and paintings on the inside archway under the tower. It also has a great view from the top.
The best way to see the Old Town of Bern is to take a guided tour. The guides are well-informed about the history of the city and can provide a number of interesting facts about the monuments. The guided tour will also include a look at the arcades and fountains.
Other highlights of the Old City are the museums, theaters, and year-round events. The old town of Bern is also home to the first Lindt chocolate factory in Switzerland.
In addition to the major sights, the Old City is home to many small churches and shops. It is possible to stroll around the city and enjoy its natural beauty. It is easy to access the Old City by public transport.
Botanical Garden
Located right beside the Aare River, the Botanical Garden in Bern is an oasis of green in the middle of the city. It is a popular destination for local residents and tourists alike. The main aim of the Garden is to attract serenity seekers.
The Garden also offers a wide range of native and foreign flora. It is home to hundreds of alpine plants. It includes an Alpine garden, a farmers' garden, and an arboretum.
Aside from the flora, the Garden also features a Palm House and a rock garden. The latter is especially devoted to vegetation from hot and semi-arid regions.
The University of Bern also has extensive botanical gardens. These include an alpinummit, which contains a large collection of Swiss alpine plants. There are also greenhouses for tropical and subtropical plants. There are even greenhouses for aquatic crops and woodland plants. The University of Bern's gardens are a must-see for nature lovers.
The Natural History Museum in Bern has around four million objects on display. In addition, there are about 200 dioramas. It was founded in 1832. There are displays from the Stone Age to the present day. The dioramas are impressive and educational. There is also an exhibit of meteorites.
Another popular tourist attraction is the bear park. Bears have been kept in Bern since the early sixteenth century. The latest bear enclosure is at Barenpark. The park is open to visitors free of charge.
If you visit the Botanical Garden in Bern, be sure to check out the various greenhouses. The six greenhouses in the garden provide a variety of climatic zones. There are greenhouses for plants from tropical, tropic, subtropical, and desert regions.
Fountains
Whether they are in Bern's historic center, the new town or the suburbs, the city's fountains are a wonderful reminder of its history. They are also an excellent meeting point for tourists and locals alike.
There are dozens of fountains in Bern, each one with its own unique history. Depending on the location, some are found in busy streets, while others are in more serene locations. However, the majority of them are located in the old town.
Several Bern fountains feature elaborate sculptures. Some are fun to admire, while others are more humorous. The most popular fountains are Kindlifresserbrunnen and Pfeifferbrunnen. They are located in the town's old center.
The Kindlifresserbrunnen fountain is a ghoulish figure of an ogre with a baby on its head. It is a rather large piece of work. The ogre is dressed in red and green, but it is not the only ogre in the city. The best part of this fountain is the glass floor that overlooks the old sewerage system.
The Zytglogge (Clock Tower) is another great historical sight in the Old Town. The hands slowly turn beneath the clock, and the dials are enormous. They represent the northern hemisphere and the phase of the moon.
The Riffly shooter fountain is another Renaissance-inspired example. It is based on an engraving by Albrecht durer. It is the oldest of the three. It is said to be the most famous of the four. It was made by Fribourg artist Hans Gieng.
The Meret-Oppenheim fountain is a runner up for the most interesting Bern fountain. It features a double helical line of water, symbolizing the tension between urbanity and nature. It was designed by Bernese artist Meret Oppenheim, who died in 1985.
Albert Einstein's house
Visiting Albert Einstein's house in Bern is a chance to learn about the famous scientist's life. It was the place where Einstein worked on his theory of relativity. His theory changed the way we understand the universe. There is a small exhibit on the third floor of the museum that features his biography. There are also books, postcards, and other publications available for sale.
The Albert Einstein House is located in the Old City of Bern. The flat was built in 1903 and it was occupied by Einstein and his wife, Mileva Maric, for two years. They had a baby named Hans Albert.
A plaque was unveiled in the presence of H. R. Ott, the President of the Albert Einstein Society, in 2007. The house was formally recognized by the European Physical Society and the American Physical Society as a Historic Site.
The Einstein House apartment has been preserved in the state that it was in when Albert Einstein lived there. It is furnished with period furnishings. It also features simple domestic vistas.
The family room has a writing bureau and a cabinet that houses coffee pots and tea service. Overlooking the room are fascinating old photos. It also has a table and chairs. There is an audio guide in nine languages.
During his time in Bern, Einstein developed many groundbreaking ideas. He wrote five important papers, including his Special Theory of Relativity. He also published a book about his life in Bern.
Einstein's years in Bern were some of the happiest of his life. He published 32 scientific papers in Switzerland. His annus mirabilis (1905) was his most productive period. In this period, he discovered that a beam of light is able to travel through space and time. It was this discovery that led to his Theory of Relativity.
Shopping
Whether you're looking for luxury goods or fashion and accessories, you'll find plenty of shops in Bern. The city is also home to a variety of shopping malls, which are ideal for an exciting shopping tour.
The Old Town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a large collection of historical buildings, many of which were restored in the 18th century.
There are several shopping streets in the historic center of Bern. The two main ones are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse. In addition to a variety of stores, they offer cafes and restaurants.
The Westside shopping complex is another new and exciting attraction in Bern. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. The building is a combination of an upscale hotel, swimming pool, theater, and shopping center. The shopping area is home to more than 53 shops and 13 restaurants.
The art of shopping in Bern has a long history. This area has a number of covered arcades, which were constructed during Medieval times. These arcades are 6 kilometers long and allow you to shop in all weather conditions.
There is an outdoor market that operates most of the year. This market is the largest of its kind in Switzerland. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and fresh produce.
The best part of shopping in Bern is the variety. You'll find boutiques, second-hand shops, and even some antique stores. Some of the most popular items to buy include jewelry, leather, and handicrafts. You'll also find the latest in trendy casual wear.
The Bern Christmas markets are another fun activity to do while in the city. The Christmas market is a good place to buy unique gift pieces, as well as to pick up a few souvenirs.
