Bern, The city of Bears 🐻

#westerneurope Bern – the capital city of Switzerland – is a charming blend of medieval elegance and modern Swiss efficiency. Nestled along the meandering Aare River, Bern is known for its well-preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, cobblestone streets, sandstone arcades, and iconic Zytglogge clock tower, where visitors gather daily to watch the animated figures come to life. Highlights of Bern: 🕰️Zytglogge (Clock Tower): A 13th-century landmark with an astronomical clock and moving figurines. 🏰Federal Palace (Bundeshaus): Seat of the Swiss Parliament, open to public tours. 🧸Bear Park: Home to the city’s symbol, the brown bear – a nod to Bern’s name origin. ⛪Bern Cathedral (Münster): Switzerland’s tallest church tower, offering panoramic views. 🏞️Aare River: Perfect for scenic walks or a daring summer swim – a true Bernese tradition. 🎨Einstein Museum & House: Bern is where Albert Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity. 🏡Rosengarten (Rose Garden): Offers breathtaking views of the Old Town and seasonal floral displays. 🏢Atmosphere: Bern is relaxed yet refined. The 6 km of arcades – among the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe – make for all-weather strolling, and the city's pace is more laid-back than Zurich or Geneva. It combines political importance with a deep sense of heritage, culture, and natural beauty. ✨Fun Fact: Though Bern is the de facto capital (called the federal city), Switzerland officially has no capital in its constitution. #switzerland #bern