More about Bern, Switzerland
Swiss parliament,
Bern
the historic skyline of
Bern
dramatic Irish
countryside
Car Hire Geneva, Bern
Once home to Albert Einstein,
the Swiss capital Bern is one of the prettiest cities in Europe.
The origins of Bern go back to the 12th century and much of its
medieval architecture still remains today.
In 1983 the historic centre of Bern has been featured was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is easy to see why. The old town offers an almost fairytale experience as the architecture and streets have essentially remained unchanged since medieval times.
In addition to being declared as a World Heritage site the beautiful city landscapes have been praised upon by many famous visitors. These include Horace Walpole who called the city, ‘the most Faire city’.
Other comments include, ‘There is a beautiful order, a solidity, a gravity in this city, which strikes one at first sight and never loses effect’, spoken by Dorothy the sister of the infamous William Wordsworth.
In 1983 the historic centre of Bern has been featured was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is easy to see why. The old town offers an almost fairytale experience as the architecture and streets have essentially remained unchanged since medieval times.
In addition to being declared as a World Heritage site the beautiful city landscapes have been praised upon by many famous visitors. These include Horace Walpole who called the city, ‘the most Faire city’.
Other comments include, ‘There is a beautiful order, a solidity, a gravity in this city, which strikes one at first sight and never loses effect’, spoken by Dorothy the sister of the infamous William Wordsworth.
Bern lies in the Swiss Plateau
just west of the centre of Switzerland and slightly north of the
Bernese Alps.
The landscape around Bern was originally formed by glaciers in the most recent ice age and has become a popular starting point for many excursions.
Popular excursions include visits to the lake and nearby mountains peaks such as Bernese Oberland, which is only minutes from the centre.
The landscape around Bern was originally formed by glaciers in the most recent ice age and has become a popular starting point for many excursions.
Popular excursions include visits to the lake and nearby mountains peaks such as Bernese Oberland, which is only minutes from the centre.
The city was built in three different parts
over a range of centuries and the streets were actually formed in
the shape of a cross. At the time the city was built the focus of
the people was on the church and the government explaining the
significance of the cross and its holy origin.
The city is filled with cobbled streets and ornate covered arches and as a result has developed into one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. This is a classic example of how the modern blends with the old in this city. Another example of this harmonious mix is evident in Bern’s university.
Amongst the must see sights of Bern is the clock tower or Zytlogge. The tower dates back to 1210 and is one of the largest working clocks in the world. Whilst the impact of modern times is visible in the form of moving puppets, the clock has an immense history.
The tower was once used as a women’s only prison for those women that were caught having affairs with priests. The placement of the prison in the clock tower was very deliberate. Being placed right in the heart of the town it acted as a warning to would be offenders.
For the outdoor enthusiasts Bern has a lot to offer, including paragliding, boating, hot air ballooning, swimming, climbing and many more. The city also offers great outdoor family activities including ice skating, horse back riding and giant chess for those that wish to take things slower.
The city is filled with cobbled streets and ornate covered arches and as a result has developed into one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. This is a classic example of how the modern blends with the old in this city. Another example of this harmonious mix is evident in Bern’s university.
Amongst the must see sights of Bern is the clock tower or Zytlogge. The tower dates back to 1210 and is one of the largest working clocks in the world. Whilst the impact of modern times is visible in the form of moving puppets, the clock has an immense history.
The tower was once used as a women’s only prison for those women that were caught having affairs with priests. The placement of the prison in the clock tower was very deliberate. Being placed right in the heart of the town it acted as a warning to would be offenders.
For the outdoor enthusiasts Bern has a lot to offer, including paragliding, boating, hot air ballooning, swimming, climbing and many more. The city also offers great outdoor family activities including ice skating, horse back riding and giant chess for those that wish to take things slower.
the alps are just
nearby
