Bern (disambiguation) facts for kids

Bern is a beautiful and historic city located in Switzerland. It is not only the capital of the canton of Bern but also the official capital of Switzerland. Bern is famous for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is built around a bend in the Aare River, giving it a unique and picturesque setting.

Welcome to Bern!

Bern is a vibrant city where old traditions meet modern life. It's a place where you can explore ancient clock towers, see real bears, and learn about how Switzerland is governed. The city has a population of about 134,000 people, making it one of Switzerland's larger cities, but it still feels friendly and easy to explore.

Where is Bern?

Bern is located in the western part of Switzerland, in the canton of Bern. The city sits on a narrow hill surrounded on three sides by the Aare River. This natural protection helped the city grow safely in ancient times. From many spots in Bern, you can even see the snow-capped Alps in the distance, adding to its stunning views.

A Peek into Bern's Past

Bern has a long and interesting history that dates back many centuries.

How Bern Began

The city of Bern was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen. Legend says that the duke named the city after the first animal he hunted in the area, which was a bear. This is why the bear became the symbol of Bern and can be seen on its coat of arms and in various places around the city. Bern quickly grew into an important trading town because of its good location.

Becoming the Capital

Over the centuries, Bern became a powerful city-state. In 1848, when modern Switzerland was formed, Bern was chosen as the federal city, meaning it became the seat of the Swiss government. This was a big moment for Bern, as it meant the country's parliament and government offices would be located there.

Bern's Famous Landmarks

Bern is full of amazing places to visit, especially in its Old Town.

The Zytglogge Clock Tower

One of Bern's most famous landmarks is the Zytglogge, an ancient clock tower with a fascinating astronomical clock. Every hour, a show of mechanical figures performs before the clock strikes. It's like a mini-theater performance that draws crowds of people. The clock has been ticking for centuries and is a symbol of Bern's rich history.

The Bundeshaus (Parliament Building)

The Bundeshaus is the Swiss Parliament building, where the country's laws are made. It's an impressive building with a large dome. You can often visit the building and even watch parliamentary sessions. In front of the Bundeshaus is a large square where children often play in the water jets that shoot up from the ground.

The Bear Park

As the symbol of the city, bears have a special place in Bern. The BärenPark (Bear Park) is a large, natural habitat on the banks of the Aare River where a family of bears lives. You can watch them play, swim, and explore from different viewing platforms. It's a wonderful place to see these magnificent animals up close.

The Old Town and Its Fountains

Bern's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its well-preserved medieval architecture. The streets are lined with covered arcades, which are great for shopping or walking, even on a rainy day. You'll also find many beautiful, colorful fountains with statues, each telling a different story from Bern's past.

What Happens in Bern?

As the capital, Bern is where many important decisions for Switzerland are made. The Swiss Parliament meets in the Bundeshaus, and many federal offices are located in the city. This means Bern is a center for politics and administration in Switzerland.

Bern is also a hub for education and culture. It has a university and many museums and theaters. Tourism is very important for the city, with visitors coming from all over the world to see its unique charm.

Fun Facts About Bern

• The famous scientist Albert Einstein developed his theory of relativity while working in Bern. You can even visit his former apartment, which is now a museum.
• Bern has the longest covered shopping promenade in Europe, thanks to its many arcades.
• The city's name, Bern, sounds a lot like the German word for bear, "Bär."

Images for kids

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