Discover the Swiss capital of Bern with new eyes and immerse yourself in a world of hidden treasures and exciting stories. In this blog post, we reveal ten amazing secrets of the city that even die-hard Bernese people don’t know yet.
Did you know that…
… Bern is the city of bears and you can see real bears in the Bear Park? … the longest arcade in Europe can be found in Bern? … Albert Einstein lived and studied in Bern? … the world-famous Toblerone was invented in Bern?
Be inspired by our fun facts and explore Bern on your own! Find hidden corners, solve puzzles and discover the magic of this unique city.
Fun facts about Bern that you didn’t know yet!
1. Bern ‘s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bern’s Old Town with its medieval alleyways, arcades and the Zytglogge has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983
2 Bern is the city of bears
Bear statues can be found all over the city, from the Bear Park to the Bear Fountain. Legend has it that Berthold V of Zähringen founded the city on the spot where he killed his first bear.
3. the longest arcade in Europe is located in Bern
Bern’s arcades stretch over six kilometres and offer space for countless shops, restaurants and cafés.
4. the highest church tower in Switzerland is in Bern
The Zytglogge, the city’s landmark, is the tallest church tower in Switzerland at 100 metres.
5 Bern is the city of time
The Zytglogge is not only a landmark, but also one of the oldest functioning tower clocks in Europe.
6 Einstein lived and studied in Bern
Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1895 to 1900 and studied physics at the University of Bern.
7. the Toblerone was invented in Bern
The famous chocolate with the Matterhorn on the wrapper was invented in Bern in 1908.
8 Bern is the federal capital of Switzerland
Bern has been the seat of the Swiss government and parliament since 1848.
9 Bern is the second greenest capital city in Europe
After Ljubljana in Slovenia, Bern has the second-highest proportion of green space of all European capitals.
10. the Zibelemärit takes place in Bern every year
Over 50 tonnes of onions and garlic are sold at the Zibelemärit, the largest onion market in Europe, on the fourth Monday in November.
About Bern
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a charming city with a rich history and culture. The city lies in the heart of Switzerland on the banks of the River Aare and is surrounded by rolling hills. Bern is known for its well-preserved Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for its numerous bears, which live in the Bear Park.
The most important sights in Bern include
- The Old Town: with its medieval alleyways, arcades and the Zytglogge, Bern’s Old Town is a real gem.
- The Zy tglogge: The city’s landmark is a medieval clock tower with a carillon.
- The Bear Park: Bern is traditionally home to bears. The animals can be observed in the bear park.
- The Federal Parliament: Switzerland’s parliament is located in Bern.
- The Einstein House: Albert Einstein lived and studied in Bern. His former home is now a museum.
- Museums: Bern has numerous museums, including the Kunstmuseum Bern, the Historisches Museum Bern and the Museum für Kommunikation.
- Theatres and galleries: Bern is home to numerous theatres and galleries that offer a varied programme.
Bern is a lively city with a wide range of leisure and entertainment options. There are numerous restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs in the city. Bern is also a popular place for shopping. There are numerous shops in the old town and in the shopping centres that offer everything your heart desires.
Bern is a city that has a lot to offer. The city is ideal for a city trip or a longer stay.
Bonus tip: Discover Bern with Foxtrail
Foxtrail is a unique and interactive scavenger hunt that offers visitors an innovative way to discover Bern and its sights. In this adventure, participants are guided through the city in teams, solving puzzles and deciphering clues to find the next location on their way. This experience is designed to not only encourage physical movement through the city, but also to challenge teamwork and logical thinking.
How does the Foxtrail in Bern work?
Starting point: Each Foxtrail begins at a designated starting point, where teams receive their documents and initial instructions. This marks the start of their adventure through Bern.
Solve puzzles: Participants have to solve various puzzles that lead them to hidden messages, unusual places and impressive sights in Bern. The puzzles are designed to encourage participants to take a closer look at their surroundings and engage with the city’s history and culture.
Team experience: Although Foxtrail can be experienced with family, friends or as a team-building activity with colleagues, the focus is on the shared experience. The tasks require communication and co-operation, which makes the whole thing a social experience.
Product not found Product not found Product not foundTaking part in a Foxtrail in Bern gives visitors the opportunity to explore the city in a fun way. They not only discover the well-known sights, but also hidden corners and special places that are off the beaten track. At the same time, they learn interesting facts about Bern and its history, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Foxtrail thus offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture and fun, ideal for anyone who wants to discover Bern in a unique and interactive way.
