Bern (or Berne) is the capital city of Switzerland and the old city of Bern is one of the few remaining medieval cities in the world.  It is one of the UNESCO world heritage site.

We arrived in Bern by train which was about an hour from Zurich.

Berne Flag, Switzerland

 

Although there were trams and buses, I did not find it necessary to take them as Bern was very easy to explore on foot.

Berne, Switzerland

 

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is one of the most signficant sites in Bern.  It was built in 1530.

Berne Clock Tower, Switzerland Berne Clock Tower, Switzerland

Berne, Switzerland Berne, Switzerland

 

Bear Pit

Did you know that Bern took its name from the German word for “bear”?  When I was there, bears were found in the Bear Pit.  Now, the bears have a bigger area to roam at the Bear Park.

Berne Bear Pit, Switzerland

Berne Bear Pit, Switzerland  Berne Bear Pit, Switzerland

We stayed at the Hotel Continental Bern which was a 10-minute walk from the train station.  I thought I could save on the taxi ride. But alas a 10-minute walk uphill with heavy luggage and kids was not easy.

 

NEXT DAY:  A scenic train ride to Zermatt

 

Our trip to Bern is part of our 10-Day Switzerland and Paris vacation which includes a scenic train ride to Zermatt, Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch and Montreux. For tips on planning this trip, read more here Planning a family vacation to Switzerland and Paris.

 

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