Bern, Switzerland

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, founded in the 12th century, then destroyed by a fire in 1405 and was rebuilt in Renaissance style. The old Town of Bern features over 6 kilometers of covered arcades for shopping, Bear Park and 16th century fountains. It is home of Switzerland's tallest cathedral and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over 100 drinkable water fountains in Bern with eight of the eleven figures created by sculptor Hans Gieng around the 1540s. The Kindlifresserbrunnen (Ogre Fountain) is the most interesting fountain featuring an Ogre with a bag of half naked children eating them which was probably meant to scare little children to behaving.

Bear Park

The home of the Bernese bears is located in Bear Park along the banks of the Aare river. The bears are kept safe and roam around 600 square meters of green hilly terrain with tunnels, caves and water baths.

Bern Arcades

The Renaissance styled covered arcades are great for shielding shoppers from the hot sun or keeping shoppers dry on rainy days. Locals and tourists can cruise at a leisurely pace ducking in and out of unique shops along the medieval style promenades.

ZYTGLOGGE CLOCK TOWER

The Zytglogge clock tower was built in the early 13th century and has served as the city's guard tower, prison and clock tower along with its 15th century astronomical clock.

Zytglogge Clock Tower

Zytglogge Astronomical Clock

FOUNTAINS IN BERN

There are over 100 drinkable water fountains in Bern with eight of the eleven figures created by sculptor Hans Gieng around the 1540s. The Kindlifresserbrunnen (Ogre Fountain) is the most interesting fountain (brunnen) featuring an Ogre with a bag of half naked children eating them which was probably meant to scare little children to behaving.