Top 10 things to do in Bern

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1. City of Fountains

Over 100 fountains on Bern’s streets encrypt enthralling stories about events and heroes. Back in 1550’s those fountains demonstrated the wealth of the community. The fountains were built to satisfy the everyday needs for water. Later the community combined the art and the needs, turning the artistic fountains into historical monuments. Most of the fountains are typically found in the middle of the street. The most famous statues are: Zahringerbrunnen (a bear in full armor), Simsonbrunnen (Samson killing a lion), Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (justice fountain), Kindlifresserbrunnen (child Eater fountain) and Läuferbrunnen (the runner fountain).

2. Learn more about Einstein’s Theory of Relativity

From 1903 until 1909 Einstein quietly lived and worked in Bern. In 1905 this city becomes the birthplace of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Einstein Haus, is tracing back different parts of Einstain’s life, with a special dedication to his belongings. In the museum the most notable things are: Einstein’s Nobel Prize certificate, letter of invitations, love letters and displays amplifying the theory of relativity. Second floor on Kramgasse number 49 is where the museum is. The difficulty to find it is one of the fun things while visiting this museum. Little difficulties make the things more enjoyable and put this museum on the list of top things to do in Bern.

3. Discover why the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) is so famous

Every day the medieval clock attracts the visitor’s attention with its 500 years old troupe of mechanical figures. The golden clock rooster crows three times and man puppet turns the hour glass. Dressed bears carrying instruments and weapons open and close the parade. A bear wearing a crown and a knight on a horse appear also in the puppet’s troupe. The tower is as old as the city itself, dating from 1191. The clock mechanism is traced back to be from 1530. The tower also has an astronomical clock, with zodiac and moon phases. In summer, free tours are offered to explore the observation platform and discover what moves the clock.

4. See the town from the highest church tower

Das Berner Münster (The Cathedral of Bern) is the highest church in Switzerland. The 100 meters high tower is accessible by climbing 344 steps. The spectacular sight over the city and the Alps makes the effort of climbing those 344 steps worthwhile. The construction started in 1421 supervised by Matthäus Ensinger. The church towers were completed 472 years later. The biggest bell in Switzerland, ringing daily at noon and 6 pm, belongs to this church. Absolutely magnificent Gothic sculpture collections based on Christian themes are sensation of the church interior. The stained glass windows are considered to be the worthiest Swiss treasure. This is the most beautiful and valuable church in Switzerland.

5. Ever Wonder how the Parliament Work?

Visitors are allowed to enter the Parliament disregarding whether the Parliament is in sessions or not. When the Councils are not in sessions, the visitors can see: the domed hall, the lobby, the chamber of the National Council and the chamber of the State Council. When the Councils are in sessions, the visitors can follow the Council debate from public galleries. The tour guides provide information regarding the Federal Palace history, the work of the Parliament and other important facts. In certain dates the Parliament is closed for visitors.

6. The Old town

The title of the world’s most charming capital city belongs to Bern. In 1983, UNESCO declared the Altstadt of Bern as a World Heritage Site. Moreover, Bern is ranked in top ten cities for the best quality of life. Discover the remarkably designed streets in the Old Town. Learn about the cultural wealth and uniqueness. The world’s longest covered shopping promenade expands on the street in the Altstadt. Take a walk around the streets and explore why this town is one of the most charming. Take a break in any café or restaurants on the river’s bank. Enjoy the history and the present at the same time.

7. Find out why Paul Klee is the Swiss most famous artist

Zentrum Paul Klee is an exceptional surging hill shaped Center that stands out from the surrounding. The admission to the center if free, but some exhibitions, concerts and conferences require a ticket. In 2005, Renzo Piano, the leading Italian architect designed the Center. Over 4, 000 works from the world’s famous artist Paul Klee are displayed in the Center. This relaxing and extraordinary place invites everyone to come and experience a leisure look around.

8. Lean about the Swiss Mountains

Schweizerisches Alpines Museum (Swiss Alpine Museum) brings the mountains closer to people. Devoted to the Swiss Alps it portrays the nature, culture and the mountain tourism. A perfect place to wander and stay puzzled of how the Alps environment changed over time. Discover the science behind the melting glaciers. Encounter with the natural beauty of the Swiss mountains. Get in the shoes of the mountain climbers, and give yourself an opportunity to make new discoveries. Not by accident Toblerone (world’s famous chocolate produced in Bern) has a triangular shape. It is actually inspired from Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.

9. Panoramic View from the Gurten

Top thing to do in Bern is to climb the hill in the most visited park in Bern, the Gurten. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the view of the city on one side and the Alps on the other side. On the top of the park’s hill there is a wooden tower from where even more thrilling panoramic view is possible. Many hiking paths will lead you to the wooden tower. The park is reached by tram 9 from the central station. The city’s most famous event is the Gurtenfestival, an open-air music festival.

10. Walk on the oldest bridge Untertorbrücke

Walk over the Swiss heritage site of national significance, Untertorbrücke (lower gate bridge), to discover the importance of the oldest bridge in Bern. It was built in 1256 and completely destroyed in 1460. The bridge to be blessed and saved from destroying again, a small Mariakapelle (Mary’s Chapel) was built in the bridge column. Take a walk across the 52 meters long bridge. Hear the Aare River passing under. Imagine its national value.