The Magic of Bern, the Capital of Switzerland

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is the fourth most populated city in Switzerland. Situated somewhat west of the center of Switzerland the landscape around Bern was formed by glaciers.

Founded in 1191, Bern boasts many attractions and historic sites. It was from Bern that Albert Einstein worked, the world was introduced to Emmental Cheese and where the Toblerone chocolate bar is made.

Bern is a great example of a medieval town and over the centuries the townscape has been preserved virtually intact. This city offers over 100 fountains with 11 of them featuring their original statues. Which has helped it to get the 'nick name' the city of fountains.

The city is home to 2 historic towers. The first being The Clock Tower (zeitglockenturm) which was Bern's first Western city gate (1191-1256).

The second tower is The Prison Tower (kafigtrum) which was erected during the years of 1256 to 1344. This tower was uses as a prison from 1641 until 1643 and today is the seat of the Confederation's Political Forum.

There are many museums in Bern including the Swiss Alpine Museum, where you can discover all about the Alpine world and its diversity and the Landshut Castle which is the Swiss museum of wildlife and hunting.

Bern also offers a number of theatres such as the Bern Puppet theatre, the Katakombli Cellar Theatre and the Narrenpack Theatre.

Note for the diary

The 4^th Monday every November is the Onion market (zibelemart).

This is a traditional folk festival and farmers bring to town more than 50 tons of onions and garlic which are artistically woven into plaits. All the restaurants offer cheese, cheesecake, onion cakes and onion soup and the youngsters scatter confetti in the streets.

Bern is certainly the place to be in December where you can enjoy the magic of its Christmas Markets. With houses dating back to the 15^th & 17^th centuries the markets have a unique and magical background.

There are two Christmas markets the Munsterplatz which is mostly arts and crafts and the Waisenhausplatz where you will find the more traditional market fare.

At the markets there are plenty of stalls offering snacks and to keep you warm, Gluhwein.

To make a trip to the Christmas markets really special end the day with a visit to either the 350 year old Klotzlikeller or the kornhasukeller restaurants. These restaurants are legendary in Bern.

If visiting Bern it is recommended that you purchase a Berncard which gives you free unlimited travel on public transport, free admission to the permanent exhibits at 27 museums, libraries, archives, gardens and the Bernshow at the Bear Pits plus a 25% discount on all official city tours.

The Berncard can be purchased at the tourist centers at the railway stations, the Bear Pits, the Libro Shop, all Bern Museums and the hotels in Bern.

Source:

www.magicswitzerland.com