Bern Old Town
Ideal: Ideal for history, architecture, and calm city walks.
The arcaded galleries running along the streets total 6 kilometres; they are considered Europe's longest covered shopping walk protected from rain. The astronomical clock in the Zytglogge tower dates from 1530 and the figures begin moving four minutes before each hour. Einstein lived at Kramgasse 49, a few steps from this tower, while writing his 1905 special relativity paper — the flat is a museum today. The city sits on a peninsula in a bend of the Aare; in summer locals enter the river and float with the current back to the centre.
Quick facts
- Area
- 91.9 hectares
- Heritage status
- class A Swiss cultural property of national significance
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Where does the name Bern come from?
Legend says the duke who founded the city decided to name it after the first animal he hunted there — a bear (Bär). The bear is still the city's emblem.
Where was the theory of relativity born?
Einstein lived at Kramgasse 49 from 1903 to 1905 and wrote his "miracle year" papers there while working at the patent office. The flat is now a small museum.
Why are the old town's arcades so long?
The covered arcades run for more than 6 km in total, forming one of Europe's longest sheltered shopping routes — you can cross almost the whole centre in the rain without getting wet.
Why go?
- To see the UNESCO-listed historic city centre
- To experience arcaded streets, clock tower, and stone-built atmosphere
- For city walks with Aare River views
Travel tip
Rather than rushing, stroll the arcaded streets and pause in small squares — it is more enjoyable.
