What is the Capital of Switzerland? Bern

Capital City of Switzerland: Bern

City Overview

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is located in the western part of the country, in the canton of Bern. Despite being the capital, it is not the largest city in Switzerland — that distinction belongs to Zurich. However, Bern plays a crucial role in the country’s political and administrative functions. It is a vibrant city with a rich historical background, picturesque old town, and stunning views of the surrounding Swiss Alps.

Founded in 1191, Bern has grown from a medieval settlement into a modern city, but it has retained much of its historic charm, particularly in the Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower. The Aare River flows through Bern, adding to the scenic beauty of the city. Despite being the political heart of Switzerland, Bern offers a tranquil environment compared to some of the bustling Swiss cities.

The city serves as the administrative capital of Switzerland and houses the Federal Assembly, the Federal Council, and the Federal Court. As the capital, Bern has hosted numerous international organizations and diplomatic missions, including being the seat of the Swiss Federal Government. Additionally, Bern is known for its educational institutions, cultural events, and a number of museums.

Key Facts:

• Area: 51.6 square kilometers (19.9 square miles)
• Population: Approximately 130,000 (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1; during daylight saving time, Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2.
• Highest Mountain: The Finsteraarhorn, located in the Bernese Alps, is the highest peak in the region at 4,274 meters (14,022 feet).
• Longest River: The Aare River, which flows through Bern and is the longest river entirely within Switzerland, at a length of 295 kilometers (183 miles).

Major Landmarks in Bern

1. Zytglogge (Clock Tower) One of the most iconic landmarks of Bern, the Zytglogge is a medieval clock tower that dates back to the 13th century. It is famous for its astronomical clock and the mechanical figurines that come to life at the hour, attracting both locals and tourists. The tower’s unique design and historical significance make it a must-see for visitors.
2. The Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) The Federal Palace is the seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. Built between 1857 and 1902, this grand building sits on the Bundesplatz (Federal Square) and is an important symbol of Swiss democracy. Visitors can take guided tours to explore its chambers, including the National Council Chamber and the Council of States Chamber.
3. Bern Cathedral (Berner Münster) The Bern Cathedral is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, standing at 100 meters (328 feet) tall. Its stunning Gothic architecture and panoramic views from the top make it a popular attraction. The cathedral took more than 300 years to complete and is home to a beautiful collection of medieval artwork.
4. Rosengarten (Rose Garden) The Rosengarten is a peaceful park that offers spectacular views of Bern’s old town and the Aare River. It is home to more than 200 varieties of roses and serves as an ideal place for relaxation and photography.
5. Bern Historical Museum The Bern Historical Museum is the second-largest historical museum in Switzerland and provides insight into the country’s culture, history, and art. Exhibits include a large collection of artifacts, from prehistoric items to Swiss cultural heritage pieces. The museum also houses the Einstein Museum, dedicated to the famous physicist who lived in Bern in the early 20th century.
6. Gurten The Gurten is a mountain overlooking Bern, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Alps. Visitors can take a funicular ride to the summit, where there are hiking trails, a park, and a restaurant, making it a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists.

Climate Overview

Bern experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The summers are mild to warm, while the winters are cold with occasional snowfall. Rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, though it is heaviest in the summer months. The city enjoys a relatively high number of sunny days, especially in the summer.

Monthly Average Climate Data (Bern):

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	2°C	50 mm	7
February	4°C	40 mm	9
March	7°C	60 mm	10
April	10°C	70 mm	12
May	14°C	80 mm	14
June	18°C	90 mm	16
July	21°C	100 mm	18
August	20°C	90 mm	17
September	16°C	70 mm	14
October	9°C	60 mm	11
November	5°C	60 mm	8
December	2°C	50 mm	6

Other Cities as Capital in Switzerland’s History

While Bern has been the capital of Switzerland since 1848, other cities have had political significance throughout Swiss history.

1. Aargau (1798–1803)

During the time of the Napoleonic Republic of Helvetia, Aargau was briefly the capital. However, this was a short-lived period, and after the collapse of the French-imposed regime, Switzerland reverted to its federal system and selected Bern as the capital.

2. Zurich (13th–18th centuries)

Although Zurich was never the official capital of Switzerland, it was an important center for politics, trade, and finance during the medieval and early modern periods. It was the leading city in the Swiss Confederation for many centuries before Bern became the political center.

Country Facts

Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Known for its neutrality, high standard of living, and beautiful landscapes, Switzerland is famous for its mountains, particularly the Alps and the Jura Mountains. The country is also renowned for its banking system, watches, and chocolate.

Key Country Facts:

• Population: Approximately 8.7 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 41,290 km²
• Largest City: Zurich
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Official Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
• ISO Country Codes: CH (Alpha-2), CHE (Alpha-3)
• Government: Federal Republic
• Independence: Switzerland has a history of political and military neutrality and has not been involved in a foreign conflict since 1815.

Switzerland is considered one of the most developed countries globally, with high GDP per capita, an advanced healthcare system, and a strong education system. The country is also home to several international organizations, including the United Nations Office and the Red Cross.