Bern lies in the Swiss plateau on both sides of the Aare, which winds in a striking loop around the old town at an elevation of 542 metres. The Gurten in the south and the Bantiger in the east shape the landscape, while the Könizberg forest in the southwest reaches 674 metres as the highest point within the city limits. The Aare cuts through the area in a deeply incised valley and forms the northern boundary with surrounding municipalities.
Founded in 1191 as a Zähringer city, Bern developed from the 13th century into an important Free Imperial City. In 1353 it joined the Swiss Confederation and by the 16th century had grown into one of the largest city-states north of the Alps. Since 1983 the Bernese old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserved in parts in its original state with its characteristic arcades.
Bern is not only Switzerland’s political centre but also stands out for its historic old town, marked by sandstone buildings and arcades. The city combines administration, culture and nature, for example with the Bremgarten forest in the northwest or the Wankdorf Stadium in the east. As one of the most expensive cities in the world, it blends urban flair with a varied landscape of river, forests and plateaus.
