Is Bern German or French?
Bern is also the capital of the canton of Bern, the second-most populous of Switzerland’s cantons. The official language is German, but the main spoken language is the local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect, Bernese German.
Is Bern German speaking?
Bern is a bilingual canton. German and French are both official languages under the Swiss constitution. There are a number of bilingual towns and villages but in most places the official language is either German or French.
Is it worth visiting Bern?
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is indeed worth a visit. Be sure you don’t go on Sunday as many things are closed. Bern to me is one of Europe’s most overlooked cities – a gorgeous city both with neat old buildings and a gorge with a roaring river.
What makes Bern special?
Bern is probably the only city in Switzerland that is named after an animal. (It also completely embraces it, from the coat of arms to bear shaped pastries.) Legend has it that Duke Berchtold V. von Zähringen named the city after the first animal that he had come across while hunting in the area.
Why is Bern The capital of Switzerland?
History of Bern as Capital It became an independent state and in 1353, entered the Swiss Confederation, which it would come to lead. By the 18th century, Bern governed 52 territories, and had considerable power. This power was at the root of Bern being made the Federal City within the new Swiss federal state in 1848.
Why is Bern not the capital?
Bern offered a central location, the support of the French-speaking cantons and the necessary real estate – for free. But why do we say de facto? Well, because Switzerland indeed has no official capital. The devil is in the details: Bern is not mentioned anywhere in writing as the official capital of Switzerland.
Is Bern beautiful?
That imagery alone is what draws people to Switzerland’s picturesque capital, but it’s much more than just a photographer’s dream. Home to bear pits, medieval buildings and a centuries-old clock tower, Bern is not only one of the world’s most beautiful cities—it’s also one of the best preserved.
Which is better to visit Lucerne or Bern?
I agree Berne is one of Europe’smost under appreciated cities but Lucerne is even more gorgeous and a swell setting and better day trips, with the boats on Lake Lucerne at the top of the list. Engelberg, one of Swiss top Alpine resorts is a short train ride away from Lucerne.