Christmas Markets in Bern

Founded in 1191 by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, Bern takes its name according to legend from a bear the duke hunted in the surrounding forests. The city became a Free Imperial City and grew into a powerful city-state, joining the Swiss Confederacy in 1353. Its strategic location and political influence led to Bern becoming the federal capital of Switzerland in 1848, a role it maintains today. The remarkably preserved medieval center, with its sandstone buildings and covered arcades stretching over six kilometers, reflects centuries of careful urban planning. These arcades have long provided shelter during winter months, creating gathering spaces that fostered community traditions through the generations. The city's blend of political significance and small-town character makes it distinctive, where federal government buildings stand alongside centuries-old fountains and towers, all framed by views of the distant Alps.