About the City History Districts News Events Transport Living in Bern Gallery Contact Registration
Municipal Elections — 15 September 2025New Ostermundigen Tram Line Now OpenBern Carnival — 28 February – 4 MarchAare Water Temperature: 18°CMunicipal Elections — 15 September 2025New Ostermundigen Tram Line Now OpenBern Carnival — 28 February – 4 MarchAare Water Temperature: 18°C
Official City Portal

WelcometoBern

Capital of Switzerland. City of bears, arcades and the River Aare. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

133K
City residents
6km
Old Town arcades
1191
Year founded
40+
Museums & galleries
«Bern is a city you need to understand before you fall in love with it»

Medieval arcades, 16th-century fountains, the Zytglogge clock tower, the Bear Park on the banks of the Aare — Bern is simultaneously historic and modern, quiet and alive.

The Swiss Federal Council sits here, alongside leading universities and international organisations. Bern is a place where history and the present exist side by side.

More about the city
Portal sections

What are you looking for?

Bern at Night
UNESCO Heritage

Old Town since 1983

Bern is one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe. Six kilometres of covered arcades, 11 historic fountains and the Gothic Münster Cathedral.

City History Gallery

Gurten Festival
2025

17–20 July on Mount Gurten. Over 100 performers, 30,000 guests daily.

All Events →
News

Latest news

12
Mar 2025
Infrastructure
Opening of New Tram Line Extension to Ostermundigen

The City Council announced the official opening of the expanded tram route No. 9, connecting the centre with the eastern districts.

08
Mar 2025
Culture
Bern Historical Museum Unveils New Permanent Exhibition

After two years of renovation, the updated exhibition opened, covering Bern's history from its founding to the present day.

03
Mar 2025
Urban Environment
Bern's Cycling Infrastructure Ranked Best in the Country

According to the Federal Office of Transport rankings, Bern placed first among cities with a population over 100,000.

All News