Berne (Switzerland)

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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 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 and 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.

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.

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Population: 7.489.400
Languages: German 64%, French 20%, Italian 7% (all official);
Currency: Swiss franc
Currency code: CHF
Local Times:
Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Z�rich

Country Dialling Code: +41
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes are certainly vast and varied.

With snow-capped Alps, forested hills, fairytale castles, Renaissance cathedrals, shimmering lakes, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's easy to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past two centuries.

It's the country that fashioned tourism, so it's no surprise that Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers lakeside chalets, mountain trails and spa resorts. In the sunny southern region of Ticino, near the Italian border, visitors will find palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a host of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 31,000 miles (50,000km) of mountain and forest trails throughout the country.

In November the country's ski resorts begin opening, and visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season and until the snow begins to melt with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, Switzerland's ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Switzerland's cities are pristine and beautifully laid out with famous Swiss precision. Zurich is widely held to be the intellectual and artistic centre of the country, sporting incredible architecture and more than a thousand fountains, with many museums and galleries. Geneva is the principal city for the international community, and is home to hundreds of world organisations. Its setting on the shores of Lake Geneva give it a romantic atmosphere, and the city has an exciting, if rather expensive, nightlife.

Mostly German in Central and Eastern parts. French in the West; some Italian in the South. Raeto-Romansch is spoken in the Southeast by 1%. English is spoken by many.

Climate varies throughout Switzerland. In the Alpine regions the temperatures tend to be low. The lower land of the Northern areas has higher temperatures and warmer summers.

This is a very law abiding nation. Dropping litter can cause offence. Don't give Chrysanthemums or white Asters to a host as they are considered to be funeral flowers. Many cultures overlap in Switzerland.