Bern

About

Founded by the Duke of Zähringer in 1191, Bern was made a free imperial city by the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II following the duke’s death. While the city flourished, a major blaze in 1405 destroyed many of the original wooden buildings. These were gradually replaced by half-timbered houses the characteristic sandstone buildings that still grace the Old Town today. Within the UNESCO Heritage Site, visitors can wander the 6 kilometers of arcades, shopping, or just soaking in the local architecture. Among the many fountains and historic towers is unique, visitors can find an elevated Rose Garden, which sits above the Bear Park, home to the city’s heraldic beast. Bern’s 15th-century Gothic cathedral is the tallest in Switzerland and for those undeterred by heights, a viewing platform in its 101-meter tower offers the best views of the old town.