Bern – a unique conference location

Bern’s most prominent feature is its Old Town, which attracts tourists from all over the world, and is an exceptionally coherent example of medieval town planning. Despite the constant changes it has undergone over the course of its history, the original structure remains intact. Bern is an outstanding example of how a medieval urban structure can be adapted to meet the requirements and functions of a modern capital and rightfully earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The Old Town of Bern is characterised by its compact rows of houses, an impressive skyline, arcades, cellars, tours and fountains, not to mention its many government and administrative buildings.

Bern might not be the biggest city in Switzerland, nor is it the country’s economical hotspot, but it is the capital and seat of the federal government. While the city itself has a population of just 120’000, the population, including its municipalities is of 350’000.

Bern was founded in 1191 by the Zähringen family as a strategic stronghold due to its exceptional location protected on three sides by the river Aare. In those days the river served as a natural defence against invaders. Today, though, the Aare with its jade green water serves as a refreshing recreational spot for the city's residents, and Aare-swimming is very popular during the summer months.

There is no doubt that Bern provides a quality of life other capitals can only dream of. One more reason for this is the city’s unique location at the foot of the Alps. These surroundings provide countless possibilities for excursions and hikes in one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.

For further information see:  www.berninfo.com/en