Zytglogge and Bear Pit –
peaceful Bern

The people of Bern are known for the famous Swiss poise and calmness. They live peacefully, creatively and relaxed and clearly the pace of life has an effect on the flow of time. But maybe it’s also the effect of the green, crystal clear floods of the Aare, which entwines the old town in a mighty river loop. However, the pace of the city has long been set by the Zytglogge (clock tower), whose bell rings out every full hour, set off by a clockwork-operated hammer. Just like the clock belongs to Switzerland, bears belong to Bern and are exhibited in the Bear Pit. Another remarkable thing is that the old town is a Wold Heritage Site, which impresses particularly with its beautiful arcades, the numerous sculpted fountains, the Gothic Bern Minster and, of course, the Federal Palace. The Swiss capital is small but nice. However, the culture on offer and the magnificent old town make the city on the Aare one of the most beautiful cities in the country and certainly one of the most charming.