Background
Founded in the 12th century on a hill site surrounded by the Aare River, Berne developed over the centuries in line with an exceptionally coherent planning concept. UNESCO notes the 15th-century arcades and 16th-century fountains, and that most of the medieval town was restored in the 18th century while keeping its original character.
Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen founded the city in 1191, and legend says he named it after the first animal he met on the hunt, a bear. A fire in 1405 led to rebuilding in sandstone; the city joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353 and became the federal capital in 1848. Wikivoyage says the Zytglogge has been a guard tower and a prison and since the 15th century a clock tower, whose figures perform a few minutes before every hour.
- 1191Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen founds Bern
- 1218Bern becomes a free imperial city
- 1353Bern joins the Swiss Confederation
- 1405A great fire; the town is rebuilt in sandstone
- 1848Bern becomes the Swiss capital
- 1983Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1ZytgloggeThe clock tower with its astronomical clock and the hourly show of bears, jester and king.
- 2The ArcadesSix kilometres of covered pavements along Kramgasse and the old streets.
- 3Bern MinsterSwitzerland's tallest church tower and the Last Judgement portal.
- 4The FountainsThe Renaissance fountains of the old streets.
- 5BundeshausThe 1902 parliament building, with free guided tours when parliament is not sitting.
- 6EinsteinhausThe flat where Einstein worked out relativity.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Arcades, Minster and the Aare
From the GoGo Bern guide · Open the Bern Guide ›
- 09:30Zytglogge Clock Tower45 minThe astronomical clock and its show.
- 10:30Kramgasse Arcades and Fountains1 hrThe covered street and its fountains.
- 11:30Bern Minster Tower1 hrSwitzerland's tallest church tower.
- 14:00Bear Park45 minThe city's bears by the Aare.
- 16:00Einsteinhaus45 minEinstein's flat on Kramgasse.
- 19:30Cheese Fondue90 minIn a cellar in the old town.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Jun–Sep. Freezing days in Dec–Feb.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
