Bern

Bern
Name	Bern
Languages	German
Mayor	Alec von Graffenried
Mayor party	Green Party
Parliament	Grand Council
Executive	Gemeinderat
Area	51.62
Elevation	542
Population	134,794
Population date	2022
Website	www.bern.ch

Bern. The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern is a federal city and the seat of the Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. Located on the Swiss plateau in the canton of Bern, the city is known for its well-preserved medieval Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Aare river forms a loop around the historic center, which is home to federal institutions, cultural landmarks, and the famous Zytglogge clock tower.

History

Founded as a military post in 1191 by Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen, the city's name is traditionally linked to a bear, which appears on its coat of arms and is kept at the Bärengraben. After the extinction of the Zähringen dynasty, Bern became a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire in 1218. It expanded its power through the Burgundian Wars and became a leading city-state, joining the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1353. The city was a major center of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland under reformer Berchtold Haller. Following the French invasion in 1798, it became the capital of the Helvetic Republic and later, in 1848, was chosen as the federal capital of the modern Swiss federal state. Key historical events include the Bern Disputation of 1528 and the founding of the University of Bern in 1834.

Geography

Bern is situated on the Swiss Plateau, approximately west of central Switzerland, with the Alps visible to the south. The city's topography is defined by the Aare river, which encircles the Old City on a high peninsula. Notable geographical features include the Gurten hill to the south and the Bremgartenwald forest to the west. The municipality borders several other communes, including Köniz, Ostermundigen, and Ittigen. The climate is classified as temperate oceanic, influenced by the Foehn and Bise winds.

Government and politics

As the federal capital, Bern hosts the Federal Palace, seat of the Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. The city's municipal government is led by the Gemeinderat (executive council) and the Grand Council (legislature). The current mayor is Alec von Graffenried of the Green Party. Bern is also the capital of the Canton of Bern, housing the Cantonal Parliament and the Executive Council. The city is a hub for international organizations, including the Universal Postal Union and the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Economy

Bern's economy is dominated by the public sector, given its status as the federal capital, with major employers being the federal administration and the cantonal administration. Other significant sectors include cleantech, information technology, and medical technology. Major companies headquartered in the region include the Swiss National Bank, Die Mobiliar, and Bernmobil. The city is also an important center for education and research, anchored by the University of Bern and the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The Bernese Alps region supports tourism, while the Bern Expo grounds host major fairs and events.

Culture and sights

Bern's Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval arcades, Renaissance fountains, and landmarks like the Zytglogge and the Bern Minster. Major cultural institutions include the Kunstmuseum Bern, the Zentrum Paul Klee, and the Bern Historical Museum. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, hosting events such as the Gurtenfestival and the Bern International Jazz Festival. Traditional markets are held in the Bundesplatz, and the Bärengraben (Bear Park) remains a key tourist attraction. Culinary specialties include Berner Platte and Toblerone chocolate.

Transport

Bern is a major transport hub with the Bern railway station serving as a central node for the Swiss Federal Railways network, with high-speed connections to Zürich, Geneva, and Milan. The city's public transport system, operated by Bernmobil, includes an extensive network of trams and buses. The A1 and A12 motorways provide road links across Switzerland. For air travel, the city is served by the Bern Airport in Belp, with international connections primarily through Zürich Airport and Geneva Airport. The Marzilibahn funicular and the Gurtenbahn cable railway are notable local transit systems.

Category:Capitals in Europe Category:Cities in Switzerland Category:Municipalities of the canton of Bern Category:World Heritage Sites in Switzerland