Switzerland's magical capital city
When visiting Switzerland, you won’t want to miss out on spending time in the capital Bern. With a population of around just 437,000 people, it’s not the biggest city in the country. But, as you would expect, it does pack a punch when it comes to culture.
For instance, the city’s UNESCO-listed old town, Bern Altstadt, dates from the 12th century and is brimming with well-preserved medieval architecture. It’s here that you’ll find Bern’s Gothic cathedral and Zytglogge, the famous clock tower. This area of the city is also known for its cobbled streets, quirky fountains and historic arcades.
Plus, the city is home to a number of museums and art galleries. While some are filled with collections that cover centuries of history and creativity, others display more contemporary works. For instance, you could see pieces by the renowned Swiss-German artist Paul Klee.
These are some of the best places you can go to soak up Swiss culture in Bern:
- Bern Historical Museum (“Bernisches Historisches Museum”)
- Museum of Communication
- Zentrum Paul Klee (“Paul Klee Centre”)
- Kunstmuseum Bern (“Museum of Fine Arts”)
- Alpine Museum
- Natural History Museum Bern
- Kunsthalle Bern (“Contemporary Art Gallery”)
- Einstein House (“Einsteinhaus”)
Beyond these top places for culture, when you’re in Bern you might also like to take a dip in one of the river Aare’s bathing spots. You could also visit the renovated, spacious bear park and learn about the city’s connection to this animal. Or why not simply stroll among beautiful blooms in the city’s peaceful Rose Garden?
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