What to see in Bern, the capital of Switzerland

Considered as one of the cities of the world with the best quality of life, Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is one of the great medieval and cosmopolitan jewels of Europe. Crossed by the river Aare, the city also known for watches and chocolate proves to go further, a fact confirmed by the potential of the following places in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, that you must visit.

Casco Antiguo (Old Quarter)

Surrounded for much of its length by the blue belt that forms the River Aare, the Old Town or Old City of Bern is the oldest highlight from the capital of Switzerland. After accessing one of the stone bridges that connect it with the rest of the city, the old part of Bern is possibly one of the best examples of medieval town planning from all over Europe Thanks to the aesthetics preserved since 1191, the year in which it was founded by Berchtold V and that, despite the great fire that ravaged the city in the XNUMXth century, it was completely rebuilt shortly after. An area of ​​statues, culture and facades worthy of any Game of Thrones setting in which we can enjoy the following tourist attractions:

Clock Tower

Also known as Zytgloggeturm, the greatest pride of the Old Town of Bern It was built in the XNUMXth century and was part, together with the rest of the wall, of the fortification of the city. Also used as a watchtower and a women's prison at the time, this building with an unpronounceable original name owes part of its charm to its aesthetics and an astronomical clock around which typical figurines begin to waddle when it marks the hour.

Bern cathedral

"The Collegiate Church", as the Swiss also call it, is another of the great prides of the city. Its construction began in 1421 in honor of the patron Saint Vincent of Zaragoza, although when reaching the level of 60 meters in height, the construction was stopped in order to check the foundations. After several renovations, the cathedral was finally completed, showing the 100 meter tower that flutters above the rooftops of the Old City. In the Gothic style, the Bern Cathedral hides in its interior precious vaults that will delight lovers of sacred art.

Parliament

Completed in 1901 after an investment of 7 million francs, the Parliament is the seat of the government of Switzerland and is a sober building that contains two different areas: the National Council Chamber and the State Council, whose interior features domes with motifs that reflect the different Cantons of Switzerland and majestic stairways, although Parliament Square is another of the great recommended thanks to an exquisite atmosphere in which fountains, cafes and flowered balconies intermingle with the locals and visitors.

Albert Einstein House

At number 49 of Kramgasse street, the main one that crosses the Old City, you will find the Albert Einstein House Museum in which the famous physicist lived from 1902 to 1909. The house, which maintains the original furniture and decoration, houses an exhibition with notes and objects from the discoverer of the law of relativity, which has become another of the classics to visit during your route. by Bern.

The Old City of Bern is in itself a delight for the senses thanks to the calls retching, or medieval arches that decorate each of the corners of a city defined by its fountains, the fairytale statues that decorate the streets and yes, even bears. And it is that in the well-known Bear Pit, which dates back to the nineteenth century, these gentle animals play, eat and swim in the river completely blending in with the environment. One more proof of the spontaneous nature of a unique Swiss capital.

Gird

Outside the hills that make up the Old City of Bern unfolds a huge park whose few visits by tourists make it an even more special place. Filled with walking paths, trees, and long stretches of grass to perch on for a picnic, Gurten is a favorite of the Swiss, so peek out and get some of the best views of the city (especially at sunset) can become a very pleasant plan at the end of the day.

Rosengarten

In Switzerland they love to take care of their gardens, and Rosengarten is a good example of this. With unbeatable views of the Old City, this garden houses up to 223 different roses, a very charming restaurant and lakes full of water lilies that invite you to relax on an urban day among new aromas, sweets and bottles of wine.

Paul Klee Center

Considered as one of the great german surrealist artistsPaul Klee was a long-standing Swiss painter whose main works are displayed at the Paul Klee Center on the outskirts of the city. An ideal building to walk around and contemplate the color that floods the work of the artist who died in 1940 and for which his travels through the Maghreb symbolized great inspiration. The best finishing touch to your visit to the unique capital of Switzerland.