Bern Sights

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. Bern zoo

    Take tram No 19 to Tierpark to get here.

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  5. 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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