Most of the capitals of Europe are large and rich historical and cultural cities, and even if you stay for a week, you can only visit and taste a small part of the essence.
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is an exception, perhaps because Switzerland itself is a small country, and its capital naturally inherits this elegance. Bern lacks the solemnity of a capital and is more approachable and relaxed, and although it hides a great deal of wealth and treasure, it is as low-key and quiet as the average European town.
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Bern was built in the 12th century and was built to its present size in the 18th century. Many European cities have been devastated by war, and Switzerland is a permanently neutral country, so Bern was lucky to escape the ravages of war and maintain its medieval appearance, and the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The first thing you should do in Bern is climb the Rosengarten, a rose garden on a hill outside the city, which offers a great panoramic view of Bern from above. The River Aare is like a turquoise ribbon that encloses Bern as an island, with cascading orange roofs scattered across the narrow and curving streets. The rose garden itself is a beautiful garden, with nearly 20,000 roses in full bloom in early summer, and cherry blossoms and irises in other seasons, perfect for picnics and walks.
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Descending from the rose garden is the easternmost part of the Old Town, where the famous bear garden Bärengraben is located. In German, Bern means "bear". Legend has it that the founders of Bern decided to name the city after the first animal they had hunted, and they found a bear. Today, the bear is Berne's mascot and can be found in flags, sculptures, snacks and souvenir shops. In the dedicated bear enclosure, the big and small bears live carefree lives, and in the summer you can see them playing and swimming in the river.
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Cross the Nydeggbrücke Bridge on the edge of the Bear Garden and you will enter the old town of Bern. As far as the eye can see, the houses on both sides of the grey stone pavement are covered with colorful flags fluttering in the wind, the street corners are decorated with red geraniums, and the colorful sculpture pools spray cool spring water. It is said that there are more than 100 springs in the city of Bern, which is why it is also known as the "City of Springs". Visitors can take a handful of water from the spring and enjoy a touch of coolness in the bright sun.
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Bern's wealth codes are hidden in these street fountains. Most of them were built in the 16th century to highlight the city's opulence and commemorate local heroes, and 11 remain today. Each fountain is carved vividly, and the sculptures have their own story and symbolism, and it is a very interesting experience to follow the map and follow the map. The most impressive are the slightly terrifying child-eating fountain Khindlifresserbrunnen and the majestic Channingen fountain Zähringerbrunnen.
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Bern's Old Town Gallery is the longest shopping street in Europe at 6 kilometres long and still looks like it was 800 years ago in the Middle Ages. The promenade protects people from the scorching sun and rain, and allows you to leisurely shuttle through various cafes, chocolate and dessert shops, jewelry galleries and designer shops. The promenade is also home to street performers, adding to the lively atmosphere of the old city.
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Walking along the main street, you will soon come to the Berner Münster Cathedral, one of the most majestic buildings in the city. The Staircase Cathedral is the most important cathedral in Bern, and this Gothic building was built in 1421 and took almost a century to complete. In the 19th century, a 100-metre spire was added, making it the tallest church in Switzerland. The famous relief of the Last Judgment on the façade of the church is wonderful, with 234 sculptures with exaggerated and bold expressions. Climb up the spiral staircase at the entrance of the church to the observation deck in the middle of the church, where you can see Bern.
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Go back to the main road and continue on your way, and if you don't pay attention, you'll miss Einstein's former home, Einsteinhaus. This ordinary house is the house where Einstein lived in 1903-1905, and it was here that he wrote his famous theory of relativity. Walking up the stairs into the room where the great man lived, there was a desk in the center of the room with Einstein's diplomas and transcripts, everything was so unpretentious. The scientist himself recalled: "My scientific career in Bern was very rewarding...... My time in Bern was wonderful. ”
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From the two windows of Einstein's house facing the street, you can see Bern's landmark clock tower, the Zeitglockenturm. One of the oldest bell towers in Europe was originally part of the West Gate of the Old Town in the 13th century, and a large bell was later built on it. Completed in 1530, the clock tower has an intricate face, with an outer ring indicating the time, red wheels indicating the month, and a black inner ring indicating the constellations. At the top of the bell is a religious fresco, and at the hour, the golden rooster flapps its wings, the timekeeper waves his hands, and the wheel turns to appear knights and bears in different costumes in turn - such a fine and precise medieval craftsmanship is breathtaking, no wonder visitors stop and admire it all the time.
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Walk through the gates under the clock tower and a few steps to the Federation Square Bundesplatz. This is the heart of Bern and is the link between the old town and the new town. The Bundeshaus, the seat of the Swiss government and parliament, is conspicuous by its ornate green roof, and the interior of the building is made of Swiss materials in a Renaissance style. This is the heart of the Swiss Confederation, guarding the liberal democracy that the Swiss hold dear, and booking a guided tour will give you an inside look at the workings of this small country.
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The Federal Reichstag Square is probably the most majestic and capital-bearing place in Bern, but in spring and summer, it becomes the seat of a street market, and the serious and tense atmosphere is diluted by the fireworks of the world. From Tuesday to Saturday, the flower market, flea market, and vegetable and food market are bustling and fun. At Christmas, Christmas markets are held in the city's squares, where Bern is dressed up in fairytale lights and lights.
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Before you leave Bern, take a trip to Gurten just outside the city. Although this hill is not worth mentioning compared to the famous mountains of the Alps, it is a popular leisure spot for the citizens of Bern. In the summer, there are several light hiking trails in the mountains, and in the winter, you can play in the snow. At sunset, you can see Bern on the lawn at the top of the hill, and Bern slid into the twilight like a jewel against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and gradually fell asleep in the gentle light of the stars, freezing the last frame of Bern that you will never forget.
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Bern, one of Europe's smallest capitals, is not less beautiful and more impressive. This small city is so timeless and peaceful, just like this peaceful and low-key country, but it is a collection of the most beautiful things to be protected.
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