BERNE

Berne main attractions: Bern is one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in Europe, the medieval core of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. The Old Town stretches from the loop of the river Aare (Untertorbrücke, Mattenenge, Nydeggbrücke) across the "Moränenhügel" westwards to the site of the ancient fortifications (today Kleine Schanze, Hirschengraben, Bubenbergplatz, Bahnhofplatz, Bollwerk) and is rich in sights.  Bern is know also as the city of Fountains, indeed there are well over 100 fountains in Bern, some dating from the 16th century bear testimony to the wealth of the bourgeoisie at that time. The most famous monument of Berne is the Zeitglockenturm, the medieval clock tower built between 1191 and 1256, it was the first western city gate of the town walls, his astronomical calendar was built in 1530. The Käfigturm (Prison Tower) is Bern's second western city gate, it was erected from 1256 to 1344 and since 17th century served as a prison. The Cathedral (Berner Münster) is the most impressive example of Late Gothic architecture of the city, it's Switzerland's largest ecclesiastical building, construction started in 1421 and it took until 1893 for the spire to be completed. The church tower is visitable and from the top you can enjoy magnificent views across the city into the depths of the Bernese Mittelland and of the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland. The Town Hall (Rathaus) was built in the period between 1406 and 1416, today it's the seat of the cantonal government, where the Bernese Cantonal Council convenes five times a year. The Kornhaus (Granary) is one of Bern's best Baroque architecture, originally used to store grain while the cellar provided storage for barrels of wine. The House of Parliament (Bundeshaus), a 19th century building, today the seat of the Swiss government (Federal Council) and the parliament (National Council and Council of States). The Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Spirit Church), dating from the 1720s, is acclaimed as Switzerland's finest example of Protestant church building. The French Church (Französische Kirche), built in the period between 1270 and 1285 is now the city's oldest church. The Kirchenfeldbrucke, of the nineteenth century, is the monumental bridge that crosses the river Aare linking the old neighborhood to Hevetiaplatz, cultural center of the city. 

For nature lovers, there are two attractions not to be missed: the Botanical Gardens (Botanischer Garten), located right in the heart of the city, they cover a 2-hectare area featuring around 6'000 plant species growing outdoors and in seven greenhouses; and the Rose Garden (Rosengarten), in an old cemetery, is today a large park with a wonderful view of the old town and river Aare loop, the park is home to 220 different types of roses, 200 types of irises and moor beds with 28 different types of rhododendrons.

The city is relatively small and can easily explored on foot. Tram and bus lines are well-networked and extensive. A funicular leading to Gurten Mount about 900 meters high, a Park for children.

Museums: Among the most important museums in the city is the Zentrum Paul Klee, the world's most important collection of works by Paul Klee (4000 works, or 40% of his works). The Abegg-Stiftung Riggisberg holds one of the world most important textile collections, and is a centre for the research and conservation of historic textiles. The Kunsthalle Bern (Art Gallery Bern) has works of artists like Klee, Giacometti, Moore, Johns, Lewitt, Nauman and Buren. The Collection of Classical Antiquities (Antikensammlung Bern), 230 Greek and Roman sculptures on display as plaster casts in the Classical collection. The Einstein House (Einstein-Haus) is in the centre of the Old City, it was the Einstein's home between 1903 and 1905. The Einstein Museum is part of the Historical Museum of Bern it has original memorabilia, written records and film documentaries describe Einstein's life. The Historical Museum of Bern (Historisches Museum Bern) with antiquities and an historical collection, ideal key to the history of Bern. The Swiss Museum of Wildlife and Hunting (Schweizer Museum für Wild und Jagd) offers information on the history of game and hunting in Switzerland from the Stone Age to the present day. Museum of Fine Arts (Kunstmuseum Bern), the collection comprises art from the Italian Trecento (Duccio, Fra Angelico), international painting from the 19th and early 20th Centuries with particular focus on Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Pablo Picasso. The Burgerbibliothek of Bern has several old prints, books, codices. Among other museums: the Museum of Communication (Museum für Kommunikation), the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern), the Swiss Rifle Museum (Schweizerisches Schützenmuseum), founded in 1885, contains a large collection of firearms.

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Airports and Flights: Bern-Belp airport offers a number of international connections. There is a direct rail connection to the intercontinental airports of Geneva and Zurich. The city of Bern is close to the intercontinental airport of Zurich (trains every half-hour; journey time 74 minutes and up) and Geneva (trains every hour; journey time 100 minutes).

Berne climate: The climate of Berne is characterized by a pre-Alpine continental climate, with relatively abundant rainfall especially in the summer months. The total average annual rainfall is around 1,028 mm per year, with less rainfall months are between September and April. Minimum temperatures are usually below zero between the months of December and February. 

Berne	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rain (mm)	66	58	70	84	108	121	104	113	84	73	81	67
Min Temp (°C)	-3	-2	1	4	8	12	14	14	11	7	2	-1
Max Temp (°C)	2	4	9	12	18	21	24	24	20	14	7	3