Travel Eye on Berne (Switzerland)

Write a review or view peoples experiences in Berne.	Hotels in Berne	Flights	Car Hire/Rental

Want to contribute to the writings of this travel guide? If so, Click here

Overview:

Berne (German spelling: Bern) is the capital of Switzerland and of the canton or state named Berne. The city lies on the Aare River in west-central Switzerland.  The 1996 population of greater Berne was almost 300,000.  The old section in the centre of the city is very picturesque, with buildings that are hundreds of years old.  One of the city's special features is its arcades, arched structures over the sidewalks which provide shelter for shoppers and pedestrians.  Berne is also known for its beautiful fountains and the astronomical clock tower or Zytgloggeturm dating from 1530.  Each time the hour strikes, mechanical figures including dancing bears and a knight in armor revolve and "perform."  Swiss watches and a number of other precision tools are produced in the region, and the canton is a centre of dairy farming and chocolate production.  One of the major employers in the city is, of course, the Swiss government.  Berne became the capital of Switzerland in 1848.  In this charming European centre, the old and the new complement each other throughout the city and in the daily life of its inhabitants.

Locality:

Berne is located in central W Switzerland, 6 mls SW of Mulhouse airport, 78 mls SW of Zurich, 62 mls S of Basle, 93 mls NE of Geneva. It is situated 1780 feet above sea level, nearly in the heart of Switzerland. Faces S to Bernese Alps. Much of the old town lies above the Aare river, which winds along the city's E side. Excellent motorways connect the city with Zurich, Basle, Geneva and Lucerne.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Berne offers plenty to see and visit for young and old alike, especially tourists interested in culture and history. Entertainment besides historic buildings, art galleries and fine museums, tends to revolve around an elegant casino plus concerts, plays, races, trade fairs, festivals, an annual jazz festival and more. The famous onion market, held once a year, is unique to Berne. Local excursions consist of: Berne city sightseeing (half day), Lake Thun/Interlaken (half day), Grindelwald (full day), Jungfrau (full day), Schilthorn-Piz Gloria (full day), Schwarzsee (half day).