Showing 1-23 of 23 results
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Bärengraben
Bern sounds like it has something to do with bears, and indeed it does. Founded in 1191 by Berthold V, a powerful Duke of Zähringen, the city derived its name from his first hunting success in the area - a bear, or Bärn in the local dialect. Today, there are still Bärengraben in the city, where five animals live. They're very cute and undoubtedly well cared for, but animal lovers might not approve. Even the authorities are considering a replacement 'bear park'.
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Bear Pits
Just across the Aare River are the Bear Pits. Though bears have been the entertainment at this site since 1857, it's really depressing to see such majestic beasts doing tricks for treats in such a cramped, concrete environment.
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Bundeshäuser
The 1902 Bundeshäuser, the home of the Swiss Federal Assembly, are built in an impressive Florentine style, and contain statues of the nation's founding fathers, a stained-glass dome adorned with cantonal emblems and a huge, 214-bulb chandelier. When the Parliament is in recess, there are hourly free 45-minute tours in different languages. During parliamentary sessions, you can watch from the public gallery. A passport or other national ID is always needed to gain entry.
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Decorative Fountains
Built around 1545, this series of 11 Bern landmarks all depict characters from history and/or folklore and are concentrated along Marktgasse as it becomes Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse. However, the most famous lies in Kornhausplatz; it's the Kindlifresserbrunnen (Ogre Fountain), which depicts a giant, snacking…on children.
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Einstein Haus
The world's most famous scientist developed his theory of relativity in Bern in 1905, and the small Einstein Haus has been given a facelift recently to celebrate the centenary of that discovery. The humble apartment where Einstein lived with his young family while working as a low-paid clerk in the Bern patent office has been redecorated in the style of the time.
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Gurten Hill
This peak boasts two restaurants, a miniature railway and an adventure playground. You can also enjoy fine views as you hike down the mountain (about one hour), following the clearly marked paths. To get here, take tram No 9 heading to Wabern, alight at Gurtenbahn and change to the funicular. You can also do this whole trip on the city pass.
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Historiches Museum Bern
Blockbuster exhibitions have dominated the Historiches Museum Bern in recent years. The permanent collection includes a marvellous selection of tapestries.
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Houses of Parliament
The 1902 Houses of Parliament, home of the Swiss Federal Assembly, are impressively ornate, with statues of the nation's founding fathers, a stained-glass dome adorned with cantonal emblems and a huge, 214-bulb chandelier. Tours are offered when the parliament is in recess, otherwise you can watch from the public gallery. Bring a passport.
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Kindlifresserbrunnen
This fountain depicts a giant, snacking…on children.
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Kunstmuseum
The permanent collection at the Kunstmuseum includes works by Italian artists such as Fra Angelico, Swiss artists like Ferninand Hodler, and others such as Picasso and Dali. However, it's the interesting temporary exhibits you want to watch out for.
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Münster
The unmistakably Gothic, 15th-century cathedral Münster is worth stepping into. It features imposing, 12m-high, stained-glass windows and an elaborate main portal.
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Münster Plattform
This small patch of parkland drops away suddenly into a steep cliff, and you need the public lift (admission around CHF2 ) in the corner to travel down to Badgasse and the Matte (www.matte.ch in German) area on the river plain below. In good weather, a café on the platform serves coffee, cake and hot chocolate.
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Museum für Kommunikation
Houses items from antique phones and stamps to electronic communication.
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Museum of Fine Art
One of Switzerland's most prized art collections is found in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Art, including works by Italian artist Fra Angelico, Swiss artist Ferninand Hodler, as well as pieces by Picasso and Dalí. Keep an eye out for interesting special exhibits.
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Naturhistorisches Museum
Items here include the taxidermied, moth-eaten remains of Barry, the most famous St Bernard rescue dog.
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Rosengarten
Up the hill from the tourist office and bear pits is the fragrant Rosengarten, where the view over the town is stupendous.
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Schweizerisches Alpines Museum
Outlines the history of Alpine mountaineering and cartography, with the help of impressive relief maps.
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Stade de Suisse
Bern's new 32,000-seat Stade de Suisse, built over the demolished Wankdorf Stadium, will be one of four Swiss venues when Austria and Switzerland co-host football's Euro 2008 championship.
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Zeitglockenturm
The Zeitglockenturm, dividing Marktgasse and Kramgasse, is a colourful clock tower with revolving figures that herald the chiming hour.
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Zentrum Paul Klee
Renzo Piano's remarkable building, the Zentrum Paul Klee is Bern's Guggenheim. Curving up and down like ocean waves, it forms three 'hills' on the outskirts of town. The structure's middle hill houses the main exhibition space, showcasing 4000 rotating works from Paul Klee's prodigious and often-playful career. Interactive computer displays built into the seating mean you can get the low-down on all the Swiss-born artist's major pieces.
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Zytglogge
Called Zeitglockenturm in High German, it was once part of the city's western gate (1191-1256). It's reminiscent of the Astronomical Clock in Prague's old town square in that crowds congregate to watch it chime - and then wonder why. The clock's revolving figures begin twirling at four minutes before the hour, after which the actual chimes begin. Tours enter the tower to see the clock mechanism between May and October (contact the tourist office).
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Showing 1-23 of 23 results
