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Bern is the capital of Switzerland, but don’t be fooled. It is a small town with a population of 130,000, which was chosen as the capital as a compromise between communities in the country. And that is part of its charm. Located on an peninsula, surrounded by the river Aare, its narrow streets and old look can really impress.

Switzerland is a federal state since 1848. Back in that time Bern was a small town near the Aare with 5000 citizens. Its election as capital satisfies the German and French communities in the new federal country. To the 1920s Bern (or Berne in french) constantly grows and develops.

The city’s early history is linked with the celtic tribe of the helvetii, which Caesar mentions in “De Bello Galico”. A celtic oppidum (fortified village) stood north to the modern city 2000 years ago. The city of Bern is founded by Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen, ruler of Upper Burgundy. After his death the Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich II made Bern free city. During the years the city survived french occupation and several fires, but its famous Old Town survived to this day.

The Old Town is surely what makes Bern so special and the local citizens know that and mention it as often as they can. In 1983 the Old Town was included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The symbol of the city is the Zytglogge – the medieval clock tower in the central square. The Münster of Bern – 15th century gothic cathedral is another famous sight. The attraction of the place is its ambience; traffic is kept out of the Old Town and you could spend days just wandering the streets and alleys, café-hopping and – if it’s warm – joining the locals for a plunge into the river.

There are things to see outside of the Old Town – like the Bärengraben or the Bear Pit or the city’s Parliament House. Don’t miss and the Bern Theater.

Getting to the city is easy. The best way is via flight to the Bern-Belp Airport.