Bern (pop. 134,794), spelled Berne in French, is the capital of both Switzerland and the Swiss canton (state) of Bern. The city lies along the Aare River in west-central Switzerland.
The city.
Bern is one of Europe’s most charming cities. Its carefully maintained central section has many buildings that are hundreds of years old. Some of the buildings have arcades, or Lauben. These arched structures over the sidewalks provide shelter for pedestrians and shoppers. Picturesque fountains, some of which date from the 1500’s, stand in the streets and squares of central Bern. The Zytgloggeturm, a clock tower built in 1530, is a well-known landmark. Mechanical wooden figures, including dancing bears and a knight in armor, perform each time the clock strikes the hour.
Other historic structures in central Bern include a Gothic cathedral, begun in 1421; and the city hall, built during the 1400’s. The Swiss parliament buildings stand to the west. A pit in which bears are kept is to the east. Bears are symbols of the city. The name Bern comes from Baren, the German word for bears.
Modern sections of Bern lie beyond the central section on a peninsula in the Aare River. These areas include residential districts, several museums, and a university.
The Bernese Oberland, a part of the canton of Bern, lies south of the city. This area is world famous for its magnificent scenery, notably the towering mountains of the Alps system and beautiful valleys and lakes.
Economy.
The Swiss government is a major employer in Bern. Many people work in light industry, especially in the manufacture of precision tools. Swiss watches are produced in a number of villages throughout the canton of Bern. The canton is also a center of dairy farming and chocolate making. Emmentaler, or Swiss, cheese originated in the canton. Tourism is an important source of income in the city and the canton.
History.
Bern was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V of Zahringen. It quickly became prosperous and gained control over much of the surrounding territory. In 1353, Bern united with other Swiss areas in a political alliance called the Swiss Confederation.
The city gained more territory, and by the mid-1500’s it controlled about a third of what is now Switzerland. French troops invaded Switzerland in 1798 and occupied the country for 16 years. During that period, some areas controlled by Bern were freed and became separate cantons in the Swiss Confederation. Bern became the capital of Switzerland in 1848.
