Sightseeing options in Bern are fairly typical of a large European city, with a varied selection covering old buildings, popular landmarks and places of historic significance. The city is compact enough that most of its attractions can be covered on foot or by bicycle. Highlights include the magnificent old cathedral and the numerous pretty fountains that are scattered across the downtown area.

Bear Pits
The city’s name comes from the animal that is its official symbol and has been since it was first founded in the 1100s. Bear pits however, were not introduced until the 1500s but have been a constant feature of the city since that time. Visitors with strong feelings regarding animals in captivity are best steering clear, but for everyone else, buying some food to toss down to them is considered an integral experience of a Bern holiday. The pits are located just over the Nydeggbrucke Bridge.

Bern Cathedral
The building of the largest structure of its kind in Switzerland began around the beginning of the 1400s but it was not completed entirely until 1893 when its magnificent spire was finally added. Displaying typical late Gothic architectural influences, the building is one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Among its most notable features are the splendid stained glass windows and the equally impressive choir stalls. The highlight, however, is the collection of small sculptures entitled The Last Judgement.

Clock Tower (Zytglogge)
Commonly considered the city’s most distinctive landmark, the Zytglogge tower dates to the early 1200s and during its existence has served as a guard tower, prison, clock tower and civic memorial. Its 15th-century astronomical clock and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status have helped make it one of Bern’s most popular tourist attractions and most photographed structures.

Einstein House
A genius and one of history’s greatest scientists, the German-born Albert Einstein spent the period between 1903 and 1905 living in this modest property that now serves as a museum dedicated to the life and works of the great man. Of particular interest to history buffs is that while residing in this house Einstein developed his famous theory of relativity. 
Phone: +41 313 120 091; www.einstein-bern.ch

City Fountains
The fountains of Bern are one of the city’s most defining physical features and can be found in various locations across the main urban area. Head to Krammegasse to see the 16th-century Zahringen Fountain, dedicated to the city’s founder, or to Kornhausplatz to see the slightly gruesome Samson Fountain (aka Kindlifresserbrunnen), which depicts an ogre consuming children. Other fountains of note include the Musketeer Fountain, Moses Fountain and Justice Fountain.

Houses of Parliament
Visitors should head to the Bundesplatz to see Bern’s chief building of state. Dating back to 1902, the structure is split into two chambers, the first being the Standerat, which provides representation for the country’s constituencies and the second being the Nationalrat, which represents the people. The building, which was designed by W H Auer, is open for public tours when state proceedings are not taking place.