Aare River | river, Switzerland | Britannica.com river, Switzerland Seine River Aare River, also spelled Aar, tributary of the Rhine and the longest stream (183 miles [295 km]) entirely within Switzerland; it drains an area of 6,865 square miles (17,779 square km). The river rises in the Aare Glacier of the Bernese Alps in Bern canton, below the Finsteraarhorn and west of the Grimsel Pass, in the south-central part of Switzerland . As the Aare flows north past Meiringen, the river cuts through the scenic Aare Gorge. After turning west, it expands into the glacial Lake Brienz. The river is canalized at Interlaken above its entry into Lake Thun, at the lower end of which the river flows northwest in a deeply entrenched valley and almost encircles the medieval core of the city of Bern . It turns west to Lake Wohlen and then flows north to Aarberg, where it is diverted west by the Hagneck Canal into Lake Biel . Continuing northeastward, the river parallels the foot of the Jura Mountains .

Below Brugg, the Reuss and Limmat rivers join the Aare before it enters the Rhine River at Koblenz, Switz. The confluence of the Aare and Reuss rivers, Switzerland. Lutz Fischer-Lamprecht Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution!

Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: November 11, 2008 URL: Access Date: January 05, 2017 Share Close-Up: Swimming in Berne's fast-flowing city river - BBC News Media playback is unsupported on your device Close-Up: Swimming in Berne's fast-flowing city river 8 August 2010 Last updated at 00:49 BST Much of Europe has experienced sweltering summer weather over recent weeks. So it's not surprising when people look for a cool and shady spot, and maybe even a refreshing dip. But how easy is that in a busy city in a land-locked country? In the Swiss capital Berne, people have a spectacular solution to the problem, using the fast-flowing river Aare.

And as Imogen Foulkes discovers, it is not an activity that is advisable for everyone; swimmers must be confident and know what they are doing before they take the plunge. Bernhard Fleuti of Berne's life saving association is one of those on stand-by in case things go wrong. It is not advisable to copy the activities shown in this video. A chilly float down the Aare River in Bern, Switzerland | Travel | Dallas News A chilly float down the Aare River in Bern, Switzerland Filed under Travel at Courtney Davis / Special Contributor To The Dallas Morning News Connect with Courtney Davis / Special Contributor To The Dallas Morning News Get Daily Dallas News Headlines Sign Up Get Unlimited Digital Access Your first month is less than a dollar. $0.99 for first 4 weeks Subscribe Now BERN, Switzerland - The mouthwash-green water is churning along at an incredible pace. Eddies and small whirlpools fly past in a surprisingly swift current, given how wide the waterway is. Neither relaxing nor meandering, this is the fast-flowing, unmistakably strong Aare River at Bern.

Warning signs dot the banks in multiple languages, speaking to the danger and risk, but they do little to deter the bathing-suit-clad natives, walking along a paved path beside the river, barefoot and empty-handed. They willingly hurl themselves into the cold mountain water and allow themselves to be whisked away, racing along, their small heads soon dots in the distance before disappearing around a bend. Known for clocks, cheese and political neutrality, the Swiss are rarely described as adrenaline junkies or impetuous, rash individuals. In the warmer months, families, retirees and teenagers alike dive headfirst into a tradition most would find intimidating. "It is comparable to the Ganges for India or surfing for California. It is part of our culture, our way of living. It is part of being from Bern," says Reto Ramstein, 37, a Bern native, who last went in the river a few days ago. In fact, one is hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't been in the river recently. Come lunchtime, even the government workers and bankers that compose a large portion of the capital city (population 130,000) defy stereotypes, shed their office attire and take a dip.

Bern Tourism A horseshoe bend of the Aare River wraps around Bern. Drifting along with the swift current affords dramatic views as the historic town goes passing by. The experience isn't exactly tourist-friendly. There are no signs or suggestions, no tips for going in the water or, even more difficult, getting out. Perhaps this is due to the inherent danger of swimming in a constantly changing environment, uncontrolled and unsupervised. After floating downriver, cement steps appear on the left-hand side with bright red hand railings. These exits, about seven in all, are the responsibility of the swimmer to reach, catch hold of and clamber out. Everyone swims toward them well before it's time to get out, as the fear of missing the last one is quite valid. A few hundred yards past the final set of stairs, the river narrows and starts churning more violently before roaring over a dam, where bodies occasionally have been known to be fished out as a warning to never take the lunchtime swim too lightly. Regularly, locals head to the public park of Marzilibad, a quick walk downhill from behind the Capitol building and historic old-town Bern.

While one can picnic, play pingpong or swim in any of the four large pools, many simply rent a locker for about $5 (deposit of $20 required) to store their belongings. Entering the water is simple. A number of stone stairs lead down from the path, but most swimmers choose to walk 10 minutes to a footbridge or head an additional 10 minutes farther to Eichholz campsite, about a mile from the Marzilibad pools. In Eichholz park, people are barbecuing, playing Frisbee and lying in the sun. You'll also find Swiss surfers making the best of their landlocked status using a water-skiing rope tied around a tree, allowing them to cruise bank to bank on a surfboard. It's a nice spot to build the necessary courage to enter the Aare. Bern Tourism Swimmers float along, the Capitol providing a backdrop. With a small pebbled beach, Eichholz is also an ideal access point, as it makes wading into the water less impulsive and more of a deliberately crazy decision. "You have to go at least twice," is the mantra repeated by Amanda Herman, 21, of Chicago.

"The next time it isn't nearly as cold." Her father, Rolf Herman, originally from Bern, visits his hometown annually. He also has sage but terrifying advice: "If you get caught in a whirlpool, don't fight it. Go all the way down to the river bottom and then push with your legs, up and out, to the side." The first time in the water, it is hard to focus on anything except the fear of drowning, especially as the water temperature of 62 degrees takes your breath away. Most river riders are relieved to discover the speed is not nearly as frightening as it looks and that staying afloat is less demanding than it appears. Simple breaststrokes feel like flying instead of floating. It's obvious that to get to any specific spot in the river takes a certain amount of dogged focus and continued effort. Most swimmers head away from the water's edge, which can have small rips and hard-to-avoid tree branches. The middle of the river is also the best place to appreciate Bern's spectacular surroundings from a special vantage point. The second time down the Aare River provides a glimpse of what the Bernese seem to be addicted to.

Spinning and swirling along the clean, brisk river, with the Baroque Capitol building rising above a horizon of tree foliage, there's a sense of appreciation for the whimsical and unexpected in this small, charming city. Perhaps this is the real reason there are no signs or promotions; this experience is so special, it feels like a secret waiting to be uncovered individually, one plunge at a time. Courtney Davis is a freelance writer in Belgium. BEERS AND BEARS IN BERN BERN, Switzerland - This city has an affinity for bears that verges on the obsessive. From fountain figures, murals and statues to the city emblem, electric boxes and even sewer grates, bears adorn nearly every aspect of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the early 1500s, the natives began the tradition of keeping captive bears in their town moat, a symbol of man's victory over animals as well as a testament to the strong warriors who resided in Bern. As the need for space in town increased, this Bäregraben, or Bear Pit, was moved across the River Aare in 1857 to a small, round concrete enclosure. Mama bear Björk and one of her cubs explore the BearPark.

During the 20th century, the animal-rights movement came into existence, and with it, pressure from the international community to improve the bears' cramped home. In a concerted effort to treat its eponymous mammal better, Bern began discussing the situation in 2001, commenced building in 2006 and proudly opened the newly christened $24 million BearPark in October 2009. Located in the same area, on the far loop of the river overlooking the old town, the park still has some of the best real estate in Bern, reached by a picturesque white stone bridge. The resident European brown bears Björk and Finn are kept separated by a long fence, as Björk had two cubs last winter, also on view. A grassy, 19,600-square-foot hill replaces the concrete floor of the old bear pit, with trees, fallen logs and even a small swimming area to ensure the animals are engaged, healthy and happy. Tourists who used to get a thrill at being in close proximity to the bears now view them through four cameras in the animals' caves and from a walkway that encircles the BearPark, providing ample opportunity for photography and bear-watching.

At the base of the park, wide steps lead into the fast-flowing river. Located directly above the BearPark is a bustling cafe and brewery, Altes Tramdepot, open every day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Here, you can order one of four homemade beers brewed on site (the wheat beer, Weizer, is a must), served alongside large portions of classic, if not bland, Swiss fare. But the true reason for coming here, aside from beers and bears, is for a marvelous sunset view of the river, which wraps around the peninsula of old-town Bern. Contact: Bärebgraben, Nydeggbrücke and Grosser Muristalden; Altes Tramdepot, Gr. Muristalden 6; WHEN YOU GO Entry point Marzilibad information, including hours and location: Note: Be confident of your swimming skills before you join the Swiss in the river. Where to stay Hotel Allegro, Kornhausstrasse 3; Four-star classic but contemporary hotel overlooks the Alps and Aare River, not far from town.

Situated in a quiet area, it's a quick walk or even faster tram ride to the center of old town. Where to eat •Schwellenmatteli Restaurants, Dalmaziquai 11; This lounge, bar and restaurant sits literally on top of the Aare River. A short, pleasant riverside walk from the BearPark, it's the place to be seen at night. During the day, the view is even better, with the restaurant terrace providing an unhindered view of the rushing water. The water's roar isn't just relaxing; it makes you thirsty, so the extensive drinks menu is just the solution. •Fugu, Gerechtigkeitsgasse 16; If you're seeking a change from Swiss dishes, the end of old town will lead you to Fugu, which serves modern Asian cuisine. The tuna salad plate has both seared yellow tuna with Japanese shabu dressing and a divine tuna tartare, well worth the $36 price.

More to do Zentrum Paul Klee, Monument im Fruchtland 3; An art museum featuring more than 4,000 works by the 20th-century Swiss artist Paul Klee is a quick bus ride (No. 12) from Bern. Including a large children's museum, this destination ensures that both children and adults enjoy the visit, while the building itself is a work of art, designed by the world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. Resources Urban Swimming in Bern, Switzerland - YouTube Urban Swimming in Bern, Switzerland Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Aug 13, 2009 You might know Switzerland for its snow-capped mountains, but on a hot summer's day people take to the rivers and lakes to cool down. Take the plunge in the lovely River Aare, and float through Bern.

(Raffaella Rossello, swissinfo.ch, 12.08.2009) Category Berne travel guide - Wikitravel 16 Get out Berne [1] (German: Bern), the capital of Switzerland , is a small to medium sized city with a population of about 130,000 in the city proper and roughly 350,000 in the agglomeration area. It sits on a peninsula formed by the meandering turns of the river Aare. The remarkable design coherence of the Berne's old town has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List . It features 4 miles of arcaded walkways along streets decked out with fountains and clock-towers. Bern was one of the eight host cities in the 2008 European Football Championships . Understand[ edit ] Views of the old-town. Berne was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V von Zähringen and was part of the Holy Roman Empire. It was made a free imperial city by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1218 after Berthold died without an heir.

In 1353, Berne joined the Swiss confederation. After several successful conquests, Berne became the largest independent city state north of the Alps. It was occupied by French troops in 1798 during the French Revolutionary Wars, and was stripped of a large part of its territory. The city became the Swiss capital in 1848. High technology for the 13th century. The 'Zytglogge' clock tower is found in the center of the old-town. Talk[ edit ] The main language spoken in Berne is Bernese-German, a local Swiss-German dialect, although most people also speak Standard German. The dialect is mostly spoken, but also used in text messages etc. In official publications and announcements, Standard German is used. English seems to be supplanting French as the favorite second language of the Bernese, even though the canton of Berne is a bilingual German and French speaking canton. However, many people you encounter as a tourist will be able to speak both so it's certainly worth a try. Get in[ edit ] Berne is in the center of Switzerland and is very well connected with the rest of the country.

By plane[ edit ] Berne's small international airport Bern-Belp (BRN) [2] with direct flights from Cologne Munich , Barcelona , Paris , London via LCY (city airport) as well as several seasonal destinations in Europe lies just a few kilometers south of the city. A taxi ride into the city costs approx. CHF 45.- Bus 160 and 334 go from the airport to Belp in 8 minutes, from where S-Bahn suburban trains (lines S3, S31, S4 and S44) connect to Berne in 13 (S4, S44) to 21 (S3, S31) minutes. The ticket for the whole journey (bus + train) costs CHF 6.40 Berne is connected to Zurich Airport (ZRH) in 75 minutes by IC train routes St. Gallen - Winterthur - Zürich Hbf - Berne - Genève Aéroport or Romanshorn - Winterthur - Zürich Hbf - Berne - Brig. From Geneva Airport (GVA) there are direct IC trains to Bern which take approx. 2 hours.

By train[ edit ] Bern is conveniently located in the vast network of Swiss Federal Railway between Geneva , Basel and Zurich and is served twice per hour by express (InterCity) trains from each of these cities as well as Zürich and Geneva airports. Hourly express trains take you into all directions, including Interlaken , Brig , and Lucerne . For more information: Swiss Federal Railway, ☎ +41 (0)900 300 300 (CHF 1.19/min), [3] . Provides a useful online travel planner which includes information about local bus and tram services as well as rail services and can plan your journey from door to door. edit Swiss Travel System, [4] . is a great source of information for finding the best ticket as a tourist. It is a must to visit, as regular, full fare tickets are expensive. This site tells you what is the best option for your needs. edit By car[ edit ] Berne is easily reachable with the national motorway network from all directions and has several exits from motorways A1, A12 and A6.

Get around[ edit ] The church Münster seen from Kirchenfeldbruecke Berne has an excellent public transportation system, with frequent local city services provided by trams, trolleybuses and buses, together with an S-Bahn rail system for longer journeys into the surrounding suburbs. By foot[ edit ] The city center of Berne is easily accessible by foot. You can get around the main shopping area and restaurants simply by walking. But if you are going to go outside of the city center in areas like Guisanplatz, it's better to go by tram unless you want to be walking for 45 minutes. By tram and bus[ edit ] Bernmobil, ☎ +41 (0)31 321 88 88, [5] . The operator of the local tram and bus services, providing timetables and other information on its web site or by telephone. edit Bern Ticket, [6] . If you stay overnight in a Hotel in the city of Berne, you receive a free Bern Ticket for your whole stay, which lets you travel for free on public transport in zones 100/101.

edit By rail[ edit ] Berne's S-Bahn rail system will take you to many places in the suburbs and even to other nearby cities like Biel, Thun, Fribourg or Solothurn. S-Bahn Bern, ☎ +41 (0)31 327 27 27, [7] . Web site in German only. edit By car[ edit ] As in most Swiss cities, free parking space is rare and the paying ones in the city center are quite expensive. As the center is quite small and all of the major attractions are within a mile walking distance it's a good choice to park in a "park and ride" and take public transport to the center of town. Paying Car Parks in Bern, ☎ 0800 727 536, [8] . (Web site in German only.) edit By bike[ edit ] You can get a free bike for four hours at "Bern rollt" [9] . All you need is a passport or an ID and 20 CHF for deposit, and you can explore Berne by bike. After four hours, you'll have to pay 1 CHF for each additional hour.

There are three places where you can get bikes (see map [10] ): Milchgässli/Hauptbahnhof (main station), open all year. Hirschengraben and Zeughausgasse, open from May to October. By taxi[ edit ] There are taxi stands next to the main station and a few more taxi stands in the inner city. Some major taxi companies are: Nova-Taxi, ☎ +41 (0)31 331 33 13, [11] . (Web site in German only.) edit Bären-Taxi, ☎ +41 (0)31 371 11 11, [12] . (Web site in German only.) edit BETAX, ☎ 0800 90 30 90, [13] . Transport for the disabled, people in a wheelchair etc. (Web site in German only.) edit The Federal Palace of Switzerland Zentrum Paul Klee Berne is full of history and museums.

It also has quite a bit of public art, all of which is marked on a walking map which is available from the tourist office in the train station for free. Berne Historical Museum, Helvetiaplatz 5, ☎ +41 (0)31 350 77 11, [14] . Monday closed. Switzerland's second largest historic museum, combining under one roof one of the country's most important ethnographic collections together with the Bernese historical collections from prehistory to the present day. It includes the Einstein Museum. CHF 13 for permanent exhibition, CHF 18 for Einstein Museum. edit Bundeshaus (Federal Palace of Switzerland), Bundesplatz 3, [15] . The Swiss House of Parliaments is a representative building dominating the Square. Constructed by the end of 19th century. Free guided tour when the Parliament is not in session. During session only access to the spectators ranks. Free. edit Einsteinhaus, Kramgasse 49, ☎ +41 (0)31 312 00 91 ( webmaster@einstein-bern.ch ), [16] .

10AM to 5PM (4PM Saturdays) March to October, 1PM to 5PM (Noon to 4PM Sat) March and February. Einsteinhaus is closed on Sundays in March and February. It's completely closed in January. Albert Einstein rented this small flat with his wife during his years working at the Swiss patent office. Their first child, Hans Albert, and the special and general theories of relativity were born here, where Einstein's writing desk overlooked the busy street and its lovely clock-tower. There are numerous photos and original documents from Einstein's life, work, and speeches. CHF 6/4.5 Adults/Students.. edit Invasion of Berne -- successful!, [17] . As you explore, you may notice these small alien graffiti mosaics. GAME NOT OVER was declared by the anonymous Parisian artist "Invader" in 1998. Since then, space invaders have been reappearing on the walls, bridges and roofs of cities across the world, most famously on the Hollywood sign and in several locations in the Louvre. Two additional Swiss cities have been invaded: Geneva and Lausanne .

Those with 10 EUR, a longer visit, and a weird sense of humor might consider ordering a map and doing the space invader tour. edit Kunstmuseum (Museum of fine Arts), Hodlerstrasse 12, ☎ +41 (0)31 328 09 44, [18] . Closed on Mondays. The Museum of Fine Arts Berne is known for its collection of works of painters such as Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Hodler and Meret Oppenheim. It is the oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection and houses works covering eight centuries. edit Swiss Alpine Museum, Helvetiaplatz 4, ☎ +41 (0)31 350 04 40, [19] . A museum showing the full variety of the Swiss mountains. edit Tierpark Dählhölzli (Zoo), Tierparkweg 1, ☎ +41 (0)31 357 15 15, [20] . Summer: 8AM - 6:30PM, Winter: 9AM - 5PM.

Berne's zoo is located along the Aare river, with many outdoor enclosures that actually integrate the river. edit Zentrum Paul Klee, Monument im Fruchtland 3 (Bus No. 12 to the end of the line), ☎ +41 (0)31 359 01 01, [21] . 10-17 except closed Mon.. The Paul Klee centre which is in a modern wave-shaped building presents the world's most important collection of works by Paul Klee (rotating exhibition drawn from 4000 works, or 40% of his oeuvre). If you plan on visiting, then the CHF20 "Berne card" validated for that day (show it at the ticket counter to receive a complimentary pass) is totally worth its price - you'll spend about that for bus round trip and the ticket alone. CHF 20.- (in 2013). edit Zytglogge, [22] . The Clock Tower near the center of the old town, built around the turn of the 13th century, is a great thing to see.

On the hour, every hour throughout the day, there is a stunning display of early animatronic technology. The locals are proud to tell you it's "the longest running act in show business". A few minutes before the hour, it begins with a little song and some drumming by a jester on top. On the hour, bears and an old bearded king get into the act. It's great for kids to see. The clock tells time too, as well as the month, day, sign of the zodiac and phase of the moon. There are guided tours inside the tower that will let you have a look at the clockwork while the show is displayed outside. It can be booked at the tourist office and is definitely worth it if you love mechanics. Free. edit Do[ edit ][ add listing ] The View from Gurten Hill Bear Park, [23] . Open all day. Berne is inseparably linked with bears. According to legend the city’s founder, Duke Berchtold V von Zähringen, named the city after the first animal to be caught here. The saga lives on in the form of the real-live bears in the Bear Park and the heraldic bear in the Bernese coat of arms.

Members of the RSPCA have found the former bear pits quite depressing. The good news is that the site was recently (2009) enlarged into a park. The bears have now even the possibility to go for a swim in the river, and there is a cave for hibernation. The Bear Park can be easily reached by bus number 12 from the railway station in Berne in direction Zentrum Paul Klee and getting off at "Bärengraben" bus stop. Free. edit Gurten, [24] . The Gurten is a lovely hill just outside the city. It features a park and great view over the city on one side and a nice panorama of the Bernese alps on the other. The park is visited heavily by locals to play ball, to barbecue or to just lie in the sun. Tourists are not an unusual sight, though this little attraction is missed by most of the many that visit the city. Hiking paths lead in all directions and you will almost certainly stumble across some cows when walking around. A wooden look-out tower allows an even better panorama than that you would already have. If you get hungry or thirsty, a good budget restaurant service and self-service provides you with all you need.

Families with children should not miss the cool playground. The Gurten can be easily reached with tram number 9 from the railway station in Berne in direction Wabern. Exit the tram at station Gurtenbahn and walk a few steps up the hill. Then take the Gurtenbahn [25] , a panorama train that will bring you on top in just 5 minutes, round-trip tickets are CHF 9 for adults or CHF 4.50 for children (BernCard is valid), departure usually every 20 minutes depending on daytime. A club called up-town features various cultural events on weekends and once a year in summer national, European and a few international music stars (among others Alanis Morisette, Skin, Moloko and Jimmy Cliff in 2003) visit it for the Gurtenfestival, an open-air music festival [26] . Gurten is a must see for everybody visiting the city for longer than a day. Free. edit Rosengarten, [27] . Little park with a splendid view over the old town. Situated close to the bear pits (follow the path that goes up the hill opposite the bear-pit-roundabout.

Quite popular (and populated) during lunchtime. The Rosengarten can be easily reached by bus number 10 from the railway station in Berne in direction of Ostermundigen Rüti. edit SC Bern. The SCB is Berne's ice-hockey team. The stadium is the second largest in Europe and is regularly sold out, producing an impressive atmosphere in the arena. It is also mentionable that the SC Bern boasts the highest average attendance outside the NHL. To get there, just take Tram Nr. 9 towards Guisanplatz and get off at the terminal stop. edit Swimming in the river Aare. On hot summer days, let yourself drift for some kilometers in the river Aare. Good (and safe) stretches are between the Kornhausbridge and the public pool of the Lorraine (old fashioned swimming pool just next to the river) and between the Eichholz and the public pool of the Marzili. Other stretches such as swimming the bend around the old town (starting at the "Englische Anlagen" to the Lorraine) or the "Bremgartenschlaufe" are only to be done by good swimmers accompanied by experienced locals.

BTW: Entrance to public pools is free of charge. This makes it a good idea to choose a swim that ends at a public pool so you can have a shower afterwards. edit Tramdepot, [28] . Just next to the bear pits you'll find the tram depot, the old final station of Berne's first tramway. The building now houses the town's most popular brewpub, and the tourist office, with free shows on the city's history at regular intervals. edit Bern Pub Crawl (For free), (We will move to a different bar each hour), [29] . Pub crawl for all, mostly every first Friday of the month! Check website for additional info. The bar scene in Bern is interesting and vivid, so what a better way to enjoy more than one bar on a single day, while meeting new friends in these social and fun environments? Prepare to meet some interesting locals and international crowds. Don’t worry about having a lame Friday & feeling slouchy. edit Events[ edit ] Gurtenfestival, [30] . In July the Gurten hill is host for an open air festival with many national and international music acts.

During these four days you will find a party crowd of up to 25'000 people on the hill day and night. 1 day pass CHF 75, 2 days 115, 3 days 155, 4 days 195. edit shnit International Shortfilmfestival, [31] . Since 2003 the annual festival celebrates every October in Bern the art of short films. shnit is one of the largest short film festivals in the world, playing in 10 different cities simultaneously - attracting in Bern 25.000 attendances. edit International Jazzfestival Bern, [32] . A jazz festival with international reputation is held in Berne every year since 1976. edit Buskers Bern, [33] . Since a few years the annual street musician festival is taking place in the picturesque old town streets. You don't need to buy a ticket but are encouraged to buy a festival pin or give donations to the musicians which come from all around the world. edit Learn[ edit ] Berne is home to the prestigious University of Berne [34] which currently enrolls approximately 13,000 students.

In addition, the city has the University of Applied Science also known as Berner Fachhochschule. There are also many vocational schools and an office of the Goethe Institut. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Marktgasse lies right in the centre of the 6km long shopping arcades As with most other cities in Switzerland , store opening and closing hours in Berne are strictly regulated. All stores, including grocers, close by 7PM or 7.30pm from Monday to Friday, except on Thursdays when they remain open until 9.30PM. Aldi supermarkets are an exception, closing at 8PM during the week. On Saturdays everything must close by 5PM. On Sundays, all stores are closed, except for those in the main railway station, which are open 7 days a week until about 10PM, and which include Migros and Coop supermarkets. Rathausgasse and the streets parallel to it have any number of cute shops with an amazing range of handicraft and luxury goods. This is not the normal range of swiss souvenir stuff, but really interesting things.

There are a couple of worthy examples below, but the real pleasure is in spending a few hours (or days) exploring the arcades and vitrines. Yamatuti, Aarbergergasse 16-18, ☎ +41 (0)31 318 26 56. Open M,Tu,W,F 10AM-6:30PM, Th 10AM-9PM, and Sa 10AM-5PM. Unique toys and kitsch collectibles pack the walls of this cramped space. edit Krompholz Music, Spitalgasse 28 (Just around the corner from the main train station), ☎ +41 (0)31 311 3489 ( info@krompholz.ch ), [35] . Open Mon to Sat 10AM to 5PM. The thing that makes this shop special is its huge collection of sheet music and English language music instruction materials. Pretty good CD section with lots of Swiss artists, both pop and folk.

edit There are several used book stores that carry cheap books in German, English and French: Bücherbergwerk Monbijou, Monbijoustrasse 16 (on the street through which tram line 9 descends from Hirschengraben near the main station, in the basement of the building marked ''SWICA''), ☎ +41 (0)31 381 71 25. Open Tu-F 10AM-5PM and Sa 11AM-3PM. The used books store of the Swiss Workers' Aid Society. edit Bücher-Brockenhaus Bern, Rathausgasse 34 (in the old city between the Zytglogge and the Rathaus), ☎ +41 (0)31 311 44 59, [36] . Open Di-Fr 2PM-6.30PM, Sa 9AM-12PM, 2PM-4PM. edit Berne Capital of Switzerland Travel and Tourism Guide Hotels Travel Information and Tourism Guide Berne is the capital of Switzerland, a diverse and beautiful city!

Berne is a medieval city founded in 1191, on and around the River Aare. Berne has quite a few attractions and historic sites, as well as an active cultural life. It is here that Albert Einstein worked, the Toblerone chocolate bar is made, and Emmental cheese, known as Swiss Cheese, reached out to the world. With its stately sandstone buildings, historical towers and 11 magnificent fountains, Berne is one the most impressive examples of medieval town architecture in Europe. Over the centuries, the townscape has been preserved virtually intact, and in 1983 the UNESCO inscribed Berne as a World Heritage Site. The noble dome of the House of Parliament presides above the city, just a few steps from the main station, and also from the Aare River, the Prison Tower and all the other places of interest in Berne. On most days, the doors of the House of Parliament are open to the public with visitors permitted to watch the live proceedings of the parliament. Umbrellas made from stone... One house after the other - shop after shop. Entire rows of houses merge into one integrated whole, all connected by long covered promenades - the arcades.

Rain or shine, it is a pure delight to leisurely stroll along one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe. The city of Bern was built with local sandstone in Gothic style with gables, bay windows, and more arcades than any of the city in Europe. Berne claims Switzerland's highest Gothic cathedral, the Münster-Cathedral, and the Heiliggeist-Kirche, a prime example of 18th century Protestant church architecture. Throughout the city are towers, arcades, and lots of old fountains. The Münster-Terrasse, a square in front of the Cathedral, has been a famous meeting place over the centuries. The fantastic Clock Tower has puppets that pop out before the hour and perform a little skit. The Center Paul Klee exhibits the largest collection in the world of one of the greatest 20th century artists. The Swiss Alpine Museum displays a history of the Swiss Alps. Bern's shimmering green river is named Aare. It twists and turns alongside the old town and offers countless restful havens. Only a few minutes' walk from the station will take you to tree-lined embankments surrounded by nature. The Aare attracts people of all ages.

Especially in summer when the river's refreshing clean water invites you to jump in and cool off in the middle of town. Swimming then becomes the favorite pastime of the Bernese. Make a reservation or to check availability at the hotel. Hotels in

Question: Which European capital stands on the river Aar?
Answer: Berne