A weekend in Berne

Bordered by the River Aar to the east, Berne is easy to explore by foot. As the seat of the Swiss government, the city enthralls the visitor right away with its humane dimension and medieval charm; the Cathedral (the highest in Switzerland!), its numerous fountains, its sandstone facades, its lanes and historic towers, etc. Berne has 6 km of arcaded sidewalks, which form one of the longest covered commercial promenades in Europe. Enjoy the best view from the Botanical Garden situated above the Bear pit, or from the platform of the Cathedral (101 m).

Berne offers a wide range of recreational attractions. A visit to the zoo Dählhölzli, on the banks of the Aar is a must. In summer the calm and remarkably clean water of the Aar becomes the swimmers delight when they let the current carry them downstream for a few hundred meters. And throughout the year the centre West Side alongside the highway A1 to Neuchâtel, shelters the Aquaparc Bemaqua, a real paradise for all fans of water sports.

As for the cultural facilities, don’t miss a visit to the Paul Klee centre in the vicinity of the town; it exhibits the world’s largest collection of the famous Swiss painter with 4000 works of art (i.e. 40% of his complete works). This exceptional museum is particularly active, organizing numerous contemporary exhibitions and all kinds of events throughout the year, with the additional asset that it seems to be equally appealing to both adults and children.