Bern, Switzerland's capital, is located in a bend in the River Aare. The city takes its name from the German word for "bears." Indeed, the bear is the symbol of the city, and the live bears in the city's bear pits are a huge tourist attraction. Indeed, bears have been kept in these pits since 1480. One of the most striking features of the city are its lauben, or arcades, covered walkways dating from the 15th century that shelter visitors as they move from place to place in the center of the city. A traveler in the center of town will also discover a series of brightly colored and cunningly-carved fountains, most of which date from the middle of the 16th century. From the Munster (Cathedral of St. Vincent, begun 1421), one can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the mountains of the Bernes Oberland in the distance. In Medieval times, markets were important to the city, and that tradition has not died out. There are a number of market days in Bern. the most important is the Onion Market, held on the fourth Monday in November, which dates from 1405. On that day, the center of the city is filled with vendors selling products with an onion theme. Bern is also a city of museums. The Kunstmuseum, or Art Museum, has the world's largest collection of the works of the Swiss painter Paul Klee. Albert Einstein was a clerk in the Swiss patent office when he did much of his early work on the special theory of relativity. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the apartment where he lived early in the 20th century. Six of the major museums are located at Helvetiaplatz, across the river from the old town. Especially interesting is the castlelike Bern Historical Museum with its collection of 15th-century tapestries. Historical specimens and archaeological objects are also on display. Nearby is the Natural History Museum, the Communication Museum, and Kunsthalle Bern, which features contemporary art exhibits. |
