Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thanks to its 6 kilometres of arcades - the locals refer to them as 'Lauben' - boasts on of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe.

The medieval air of this city with its many fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets and historic towers is unique. The elevated [Rose Garden](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/rose-garden/) above the [Bear Park](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/bern-bear-park/) and the platform of the 101-metre-high [cathedral](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/bern-cathedral/) tower offer the best views of the [old town](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/old-city-of-bern/) round which the River [Aare](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/destinations/aare/) flows. The former entrenchments and bastions drop down steeply to the river. The boutiques, bars and cabaret stages of the old town, some of which are located in vaulted cellars, and the small street cafes attract locals as well as a lot of tourists. Although Bern has a very good public transport network it is best to explore the city centre on foot.  
  
The [Zentrum Paul Klee](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/zentrum-paul-klee/) situated on the outskirts of the city houses the most comprehensive collection of works by the artist Paul Klee. The [Albert Einstein House](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/einstein-house/) bears testimony to the physics genius' stay in Bern at the start of the 20th century and may ideally be combined with a visit to the Einstein Museum. With the [History Museum](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/bernisches-historisches-museum-einstein-museum/), [Art Museum](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/kunstmuseum-bern/), [Swiss Alpine Museum](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/swiss-alpine-museum/) and [Communication Museum](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/the-museum-of-communication/) Bern offers a very varied range of exhibitions.  
  
Bern is the seat of Switzerland's government. The [Houses of Parliament](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/bundeshaus/) (Bundeshaus) rise above the city just a stone's throw away from the railway station. The doors to the Houses of Parliament are open to visitors most of the time, and if you're lucky you might even bump into a member of parliament in the streets of the city.  
  
In summer the River Aare provides an opportunity for the ultimate [bathing experience](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/cities-culture/stories-2018/swimming-in-the-aare-with-the-mayor-of-bern/); very good, experienced swimmers allow themselves to drift along in the clean Aare while enjoying a view of the Houses of Parliament. The Botanical Gardens are also located along the river, as is the [Dählhölzli](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/daehlhoelzli-animal-park/) Zoo and the old Matte district. Bern and bears, the cities heraldic beast, are inseparable. A visit to the Bear Park, habitat of a family of bears, is a must-do.  
  
In the squares of the city centre colourful weekly markets present their wares. The [Onion Market](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/events/taditional-events-summer/zibelemaerit-in-bern-be/) (Zibelemärit) which takes place on the fourth Monday in November is particularly worth visiting: visitors to the traditional market dedicated to onions start pouring into the city in the early hours.  
  
Set in the heart of Switzerland, Bern is the gateway to the Alps. The capital city may easily be reached by car or by air via the Bern-Belp Airport and bus links to the city centre. Visitors who prefer to travel by train may take advantage of the dense rail network with its direct connections to the major European cities. Bern’s central location makes it the perfect base for overnight accommodation and for excursions throughout Switzerland.

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Bern

The "Bernisches Historisches Museum" (The Berne Historical Museum) is one of Switzerland's most important cultural and historical museums and hosts a general historical collection containing approximately 500,000 objects as well as the Einstein Museum.

In its permanent exhibition, the "Bernisches Historisches Museum" shows highlights from the fields of history, prehistory, early history and ethnography through a diverse, multi-media approach. The objects on display range from the Stone Age to the present, from cultures of all continents.  
  
The integrated Einstein Museum presents a powerful presentation of the life and work of Albert Einstein and places it in the context of world history. Animated films and experiments illustrate the pioneering theories of this genius. An AudioGuide in nine languages as well as an induction headset and a VideoGuide for deaf and hearing-impaired persons makes the Einstein Museum accessible to a wide audience.  
  
The temporary exhibition hall's 1,200m2 of space are used to present innovative, changing shows that deal with historical, archaeological or ethnographic subjects on a revolving basis.

Bernisches Historisches Museum – Einstein Museum - Bern