Holiday Inn 伯尔尼韦斯特赛德假日酒店 LOCAL AREA

Sure, there are Zurich and Geneva, but: Bern is the political center and capital of Switzerland. As much as current affairs are discussed and visionary research and science is done here, it is also rich in culture and history. Located in the beautiful Swiss Alps, connecting the German and French parts of Switzerland, Bern has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and offers breathtaking views - not only from the old Zytglogge clock tower.

One of the most impressive sights in the Old Town is the city's most famous landmark, the medieval Zytglogge clock tower, which stands 12 meters tall and dates back to 1530. The former city gate is now the official timekeeper for the people of Bern. It attracts visitors from all over the world with its mechanical figures, including a parade of bears, a jester, a golden rooster and Chronos, the god of time. The 130 steps inside lead to breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bears, the city's symbol, have been at home in Bern since 1513, in the city itself until 1857, then in the Bear Pit, and since 2009 in the new, centrally located Bern Bear Park. The 5,000 square meter Bern Bear Park is a green, hilly area with caves and a "bear bath" in the River Aare. Both, the former bear pit opposite the Old Town and the area along the river can be visited all year round. During a guided tour you will learn more about bears in general and the Bernese bears in particular.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was living in Bern when, in 1905, he developed his theory of relativity, which turned the conventional view of space and time on its head. The Einstein Museum, which is part of the Historical Museum of Bern, presents the life of the brilliant physicist and his discoveries on 1,000 square meters. Some 550 original objects and replicas, 70 films and numerous animations trace his life through the history of the 20th century and provide great insights of the time.

With around 200 different species of animals, the zoo - located in the Dählhölzli forest and directly on the River Aare - offers highlights for everyone. Dählhölzli Zoo is open 365 days a year and home to seals, bears, leopards, musk oxen, eagle owls, wolves, ground squirrels, monkeys and other species, including many native animals. The "Kinderzoo", the "Eulen Bistro", a large forest playground and various activities make the destination a great attraction for families and animal lovers.