The region of Berne was settled as early as prehistoric times, and later by Celts, Romans and Germanic tribes. A castle probably stood at Nydegg, on the eastern tip of Bern’s peninsula, from the eleventh century, before Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, chose the strategically ideal spot to found a new city in 1191. By the 14th Century, Bern had developed into a powerful urban republic, and when the last member of Zähringens died, in 1353 the city joined the fast growing Swiss Confederation. In 1831 the city became the capital of the Canton of Berne and in 1848 it additionally became the Swiss capital. There are several theories as to the derivation of the name. It may come from Brenodor, the name of a Celtic settlement built on the site. However, the popular story has that Bern was named after the bear (German: Bär), the first animal to be killed by Duke Berchtold V when he went hunting near his new city.
Bern enjoys a fairly mild climate with an average yearly temperature of 9°C (48°F). July brings warm weather with averages around 23°C (73°F) and greater rainfall, while December, January and February record below freezing temperatures.
As the seat of government, Bern houses the federal ministries and a number of other federal institutions, including the National Bank. It is also the headquarters of the Universal Postal Union, one of the specialised agencies of the United Nations. In addition it is the seat of public services, such as Swiss Post (the state-owned post office) and the Swiss Federal Railways.
Switzerland has a largely decentralised education system. Most decisions on the running of primary and secondary schools are taken at cantonal level. It is also the cantons which provide the bulk of the financing. Each canton has its own head of education, all of whom together make up the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK in German). The Swiss educational system is divided into four stages: preschool, primary, secondary I, secondary II, tertiary and adult education.
Bern is directly connected to the international train system and is the only European capital serviced by all three high-speed trains, the TGV, ICE and Cisalpino. The Autobahn junction Bern is connected to European highway E4. The road connection to the south is warranted by the car-train transfer through Mt. Lotschberg, or the road tunnels of Great St. Bernhard / Gotthard. The airport Bern-Belp offers numerous international connections. It is situated 9 km from the city center and is serviced by scheduled buses (from the train station). Tram and bus lines are well-networked and extensive. There are regular connections from the main railway station in all directions. Besides, Bern introduced a free bike rental service: the only requirements are cash deposits and an ID.
Federal Building (Bundeshaus) is home of the Swiss national government, this building's political significance stands out in an otherwise quiet city. The prominent landmark Clock Tower (Zytglogge Zeitglockentrum) has for centuries kept time for Bern's residents and puts on an elaborate show each hour. Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten), affiliated with the University of Bern, are home to exotic plants from all over the world. Located in the center of the Old Town, Bern Cathedral (15th-century cathedral) sports a towering 328-foot-tall spire that dominates the city skyline.
The International Jazz Festival first took place in 1976, and it has been thrilling jazz fans every year since, it is considered by musicians and music-lovers alike to be Switzerland's preeminent jazz festival.
Throughout the summer months the River Aare presents a tempting bathing opportunity. Both young and old alike dive into the clean currents of the Aare, and allow themselves to be carried downstream. The Marzilibad offers great access to swimming in the Aare and best possible views of the house of parliament.
Berne is very close to the Bernese Oberland that boasts of such known resorts as Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen and Muerren where there is an opportunity for all sorts of winter activities including: skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, curling, ice climbing, sleeding, cross country skiing, snowshoe trekking, snow tubing and zorbing.
