So why Has Berne been chosen as Switzerland's federal capital? rather than Geneva or Zurich? Precisely, this choice was justified in order to avoid a concentration of power in a single metropolis. Some will say that the city of 140,000 inhabitants is a little provincial for a capital city. But no matter. Berne is a good reflection of Switzerland's demographic size...
The balance between the two main languages - German and French - is relatively well respected. Admittedly, German is spoken in Berne. But the French language border is very close, just 35 km away. And so is the capital's accessibility. The city enjoys an exceptional central position, wherever you come from in Switzerland..
The Berne Convention Bureau praises its proximity to the country's two major international airports – Geneva and Zurich – less than 100 minutes by train. The SBB rail link between the two airports runs systematically through... Bern! On average a one-hour train journey from the Swiss capital to Basel, Lausanne or Zurich. And Geneva in just under two hours.
The human dimension
The city therefore offers exemplary congress infrastructure and diverse. In addition to the Bernexpo exhibition centre and the Kursaal (Casino) Berninfrastructures such as the Zentrum Paul Klee, Stade de Suisse and Gurten Park are attractive alternatives. They can accommodate events of up to 1,400 participants.
In most cases, the city is very compact, making it easy to get around on foot - at worst by public transport from the hotels. In fact, transport is free when you stay in a hotel. A way of promoting the environment and the sustainability of an event.
But beyond the infrastructure, what makes Berne an attractive conference destination is its superb location. the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. As there are virtually no cars in the area, the historic facades and arches of the houses are usually filled with the sound of rustling fountains, the cries of children and the wanderings of visitors.
The imposing Gothic collegiate church with its spire over 100 metres high - a splendour of medieval architecture - has shaped the old town of Bern. The surrounding streets are lined with facades that are a veritable treasure trove of architectural history. Renaissance houses are matched by palaces with Baroque or Classical facades. In the squares of the old town, fountains adorned with statues and flowers add a touch of colour. An indescribable, timeless charm emanates from this old town, punctuated by the chimes of its clock tower.
Bernese hedonism
Because in Bern, people really take the time to live. On the square in front of the parliament building, half-naked children splash about in a fountain in summer. The political symbolism of the imposing building doesn't change a thing! As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, the Bernese can be seen busy in their gardens. Unless they're lounging along the banks of the Aare.
Berne feels very hedonistic. It is one of Switzerland's cities with the largest number of terraced restaurants., sustainable restaurants and brasseries. It's a well-kept secret: Bern is Switzerland's beer capital. There are no fewer than 176 breweries and microbreweries. A provincial capital? Yes, and proud of it!
