About Bern
Capital of Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen.
Heart of Switzerland
Bern is situated in the centre of the country on the banks of the River Aare, north of the Alps. The river forms a meander within which the historic centre — the Old Town — is nestled.
The climate is temperate continental. Average July temperature: +18°C; January: −2°C. Annual precipitation: approximately 900 mm.
City Self-Government
Bern is governed by a City Council (Stadtrat) of 80 members and an Executive Council (Gemeinderat) of 5 members.
80 councillors elected every 4 years by proportional representation. Approves the city budget and regulations.
5 members, including the mayor. Manages city administration and implements City Council decisions.
Residents of Bern can initiate referendums and put forward proposals with 3,000 signatures.
The Bear — Symbol of Bern
The city's name derives from the word "Bär" (bear). According to legend, Duke Berthold V named the city after the first animal killed on a hunt — a bear.
Since 2009, Bern has been home to the BärenPark — an open enclosure on the banks of the Aare covering 6,000 m², where brown bears live.
The city coat of arms shows a black bear on a gold background — one of the oldest heraldic symbols in Switzerland.
