Bern Travel Guide, Switzerland

   Berne, Switzerland - Overview  

Berne is a regarded as one of the most charming cities of Switzerland with as historical, political and cultural importance. It is also considered as the best entertainment spot in Switzerland.

Originally built on a hilly peninsula, Berne is also called the floral city of Europe. Most of the population of Berne speaks German and a high-Alemannic dialect Bernese German. Some of the people also speak Mattenenglisch and French. Berne produced a number of notable personalities like the poet Albert Bitzius, Mani Matter, reformer Albrecht von Haller and the German-born physicist Albert Einstein who spent many years of his life in Berne.

The city of Berne was founded by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen in 1191. He named it after a bear he had killed. It became the imperial free city by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. In 1353, Berne became the member of Swiss Confederation. Till the middle of the 14th century, Berne became the largest territory after invading Aargau in 1415 and Vaud in 1536. During the French Revolutionary Wars in 1798, it was occupied by French Troops.

In 1831, Berne became the capital of Canton of Berne and in 1848 it became the Swiss capital. Berne grew outwards the west boundaries and incorporated many areas. During the Thirty Years’ War, two entrenchment big and small Schanze were built to protect the peninsula. This protection was sufficient to protect Berne up to the 19th century.

The city offers panoramic views, which attract a large number of tourists from every part of the world.

The landscape in Berne comes out of glaciers in the old ages. Two great mountains in Berne are Gurten and Bantiger. In the mid of 18th century, two bridges Nydeggbrücke and Kirchenfeldbrücke were built to link Berne with the other cities.

Berne is governed by the Council system. Most of the important issues are handled by general referendums. Politically, Berne has strong foundations. Major political parties are democratic parties of Berne, Social Democratic Party and green party.

Berne is a city of great historical importance. It has been recognized as a world’s cultural and heritage site. It is also a popular travel destination for tourists from all over the world. Some of the most popular tourism spots in Berne are The Garden of Roses, Zytglogge, 15th century Gothic cathedral, Museum of Arts, Town Hall, Einstein House, Historic Museum, Psychiatry Museum, Alpine Museum, Theater am Käfigturm, Tojo Theater, Schlachthaus-theater.

Berne also holds a number of festivals every year. The common festivals are Berner Tanztage, Buskers festival, BeJazz Summer and Winter Festival, Internationales Jazzfestival Bern and Taktlos-Festival.

 Football is the most popular sport of Berne.