Bern’s picturesque old town contains six kilometres of covered arcades and eleven historic fountains. Check out the Zeitglockenturm, a clock tower dating from 1530. Revolving figures herald the chiming hour.
The Bear Pits (Barengraben)
The brown bear has been associated with Bern for more than 500 years and it is the mascot and symbol of the city. Cross the Aare River and visit the city’s ancient bear pits or barengraben. Bears have been kept on this site since 1857 although records indicate that as far back as 1441 the city council brought acorns here to feed the bears’ ancestors. Continue the tradition by buying some carrots from the official vendor and feeding the bears.
Museum of Fine Arts
Bern’s Museum of Fine Arts on Hodlerstrasse 8-12 houses the world’s largest collection of work by Paul Klee, a total of more than 2000 works. The museum also features early Renaissance masterpieces as well as works of modern genius by Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso.
Bern Cathedral
Bern’s 15th century Gothic cathedral has the highest spire in Switzerland. Its tower boasts fine views out over the city and the Bernese Alps. Check out the main portal with its ornate tympanum depicting the Last Judgement, the stained-glass windows and the carved choir stalls.
Bern Historical Museum
The Bernisches Historisches Museum on Helvetiaplatz contains Habsburg Church treasures and tapestries captured from the Burgundian troops of Charles the Bold. Check out the original sculptures from the Munster doorway depicting the Last Judgement and Niklaus Manuel’s chilling Dance of Death panels. Other rooms in the museum show how life was lived in the canton of Bern in the last two centuries.
Gurten
For exhilarating views of the city and the surrounding Alps, visit the Gurten hilltop. Take tram No 9 to Gurtenbahn and then hop on the funicular.
Einstein House
Visit the Einstein House on Kramgasse 47 where the physicist developed his special theory of relativity in 1905 while working as a clerk in the patents office.
Shopping
Visit the open-air vegetable, fruit and flower market held every Tuesday and Saturday in Bundesplatz. There is also a craft market held on the first Saturday of the month in front of the cathedral. The Swiss Craft Centre on Kramgasse 61 has beautiful handmade wood-carvings, jewellery and Bernese pottery for sale. Toblerone chocolate is made in Bern, so make sure and sample some while you’re here!
Bern Symphony Orchestra
Bern has an excellent symphony orchestra. Make sure to catch a performance in the large hall of the Casino on Herrengasse 25. Check out the free information booklet, Bernaktuell, for events listings.
The Swiss Alpine Museum
The Swiss Alpine Museum on Helvetiaplatz 4 outlines the history of Alpine mountaineering and cartography as well as boasting an impressive collection of relief maps. The museum does a good job of describing and explaining the Swiss people’s relationship to their spectacular mountainous environment.
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