Holiday in Bern

What makes Bern special as a destination?

Bern, the federal city of Switzerland, is an underrated gem among European capitals. The completely preserved medieval old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and impresses with six kilometers of arcades — the longest covered shopping arcades in Europe. Under the sandstone arcades, boutiques, antique shops, and coffee houses line up, while the Zytglogge tower with its astronomical clock has been striking the hours since 1530. The Aare encircles the old town in a distinctive loop and invites swimming in the river during summer — a unique experience in the heart of a capital city. The turquoise-green water carries swimmers from the Marzilibad through the city, past the Federal Palace with its imposing dome. The Rose Garden above the Bear Park offers the most beautiful panoramic view over the old town with its red roofs and the cathedral, whose 100-meter high tower is the tallest church tower in Switzerland. The Zentrum Paul Klee, a masterpiece by Renzo Piano, houses the world's largest collection of the artist who grew up in Bern. The Bern Historical Museum with the Einstein exhibition reminds us that Albert Einstein developed his theory of relativity in Bern — his apartment at Kramgasse 49 is now a museum. The Bear Park on the banks of the Aare honors Bern's heraldic animal in a naturalistic setting. With the Gurten, Bern's local mountain, a popular recreational area is just a short funicular ride away. Bern combines global politics, cultural treasures, and quality of life with a coziness that larger capitals lack.