Bern & Region
The Canton of Bern belongs to the most famous tourist destinations in Switzerland. Here you find nature and culture at world-class. The unsurpassed beauty of the mountains around the well-known mountain peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In the summer as in the winter, thousands of people from all over the world are attracted to the splendid natural beauty of the Berner Oberland.
Another main attraction is Bern, the capital of Canton Bern and Switzerland. The old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. With its architectonic treasures such as the arcades, sandstone facades, historic fountains and narrow streets as well as the Bears Park along the river, Bern is a city one has to experience.
However there is so much more to discover in the Canton of Bern.
Bern City
Old Town scenery, it isn't hard to let go and have fun. The Old Town of Bern has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. Since its foundation in 1191, the Swiss capital has sat majestically in the Aare loop. The regular layout of the streets has remained unchanged. This historical city is dominated by well-preserved sandstone facades and unique rooftops. Eleven beautiful fountains with statues (16th C.) and the Gothic cathedral complete the impressive picture. Six kilometre long arcades line the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site and give you a special kind of shopping experience. Bern thus has one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. Every Tuesday and Saturdays there are colourful markets with fresh vegetables, flowers, and meat products at Bundesplatz and Münsterplatz. With the construction of two impressive large buildings, Bern locals also show their interest in contemporary architecture. The Zentrum Paul Klee (2005), which was created by Italian architect Renzo Piano, is considered an architectural masterpiece that embeds itself in an impressive manner in the surrounding nature. Another highlight is the leisure and shopping centre Westside (2008), which entices visitors with its unique architecture. American architect Daniel Libeskind has created an extraordinary world of experience, where wellness, events, and shopping are harmoniously merged under one roof.
HIGHLIGHTS
Bären Park, Clock Tower (Zytglogge), Bern Cathedral, the Old Town with its arcades, Paul Klee Centre
EVENTS
International Jazz Festival, Berner Fasnacht, the Onion Market, Busters
EMMENTAL
You'll find everything here from the legendary Emmental cheese to ham, to a Gault&Millau menu, an almost unparalleled range on offer and often made from regional products.
National museums like the Franz Gertsch Museum, the Zither Museum or the Museum of Folk Culture in the Grain House have their place here in the Emmental region just as much as regional exhibitions in the Chüechlihus or Culture Mill. Castles, wooden bridges, the cheese dairy which is open to the general public, themed paths, Alpine horn makers, idyllic farms are an embodiment of the region as of course is Jeremias Gotthelf, the great philosopher and poet. In one of those castels staying is possible an a pleisure. Discover the only castle hotel of the Swiss hospitality collection, the Schloss Hünigen at Konolfingen.