Bern history

Bern, the de facto capital of Switzerland, boasts a rich history rooted in the Middle Ages. Its foundation and development are closely linked to its strategic location and the political ambitions of its creators.

Foundation and First Mentions
The city was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen. A strategically advantageous location was chosen for construction — a steep hill surrounded on three sides by the Aare River, providing natural protection. There is a popular legend that the city was named after the first animal the Duke killed while hunting — a bear ("Bär" in German). This animal still adorns the coat of arms of Bern today. In 1218, after the Zähringen line died out, Bern was granted the status of a Free Imperial City, which laid the foundation for its independent development.

Key Factors of Establishment
The geographical position not only protected the city but also contributed to its growth as a trading centre. A crucial political step was joining the Swiss Confederation in 1353, which strengthened its influence in the region. Thanks to successful policies and military strength, Bern gradually expanded its territories, becoming the largest city-state north of the Alps by the 16th century.

Early Cultural and Economic Features
The economy of early Bern was built on craft production and trade. Guilds of weavers, blacksmiths, tanners, and other craftsmen flourished in the city. A significant fire in 1405 almost completely destroyed the wooden structures, after which the city began to be rebuilt in stone, forming its recognizable appearance today. The construction of major landmarks, such as the famous Bern Minster, begun in the 15th century, testified to the city's wealth and cultural significance.

Key Milestones in the History of Bern

• 1191 — Duke Berthold V of Zähringen founds the city on a hill in the bend of the Aare River, creating a strategically protected settlement.
• 1218 — Following the extinction of the Zähringen line, Bern receives the status of a Free Imperial City, laying the groundwork for its independent development.
• 1353 — Bern joins the Swiss Confederation, becoming the eighth canton and significantly strengthening its political influence in the region.
• 1405 — A devastating fire destroys most of the city's wooden buildings, prompting a massive reconstruction using sandstone, which formed its modern appearance.
• 1421 — Construction begins on the famous Bern Minster (Münster), which today stands as one of the city's symbols and the tallest cathedral in Switzerland.
• 1528 — The Reformation takes place in Bern, and the city officially adopts Protestantism, which had a profound impact on its cultural and social life.
• 1798 — Napoleon's troops invade Switzerland, leading to the fall of the old aristocratic regime in Bern.
• 1848 — Bern is elected the "Federal City," effectively becoming the capital of the newly formed federal state of Switzerland.
• 1903–1905 — Albert Einstein lives and works in Bern, where he develops his Special Theory of Relativity.
• 1983 — The Old City of Bern is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its unique medieval architecture, preserved to this day.

Cultural and Social Milestones of Bern

Beyond key political events, the history of Bern has been shaped by unique cultural, social, and infrastructural transformations. These have endowed the city with its unmistakable character, which can still be felt today.

• Formation of the "Lauben" — Covered Arcades. After the fire of 1405, the city did not merely rebuild but implemented a new urban planning concept. The mandatory construction of stone arcades on the ground floors of buildings created the famous 6-kilometre galleries (Lauben). This decision not only protected pedestrians from the weather but also formed a unique public space that became a centre for trade, social life, and an integral part of the Bernese identity.
• Becoming a Centre of Diplomacy and Neutrality. Since the 19th century, and especially after receiving the status of "Federal City," Bern has transformed into an important platform for international diplomacy. Headquarters of organizations such as the Universal Postal Union are located here. The city has repeatedly hosted international conferences and negotiations, reinforcing Switzerland's role as a neutral mediator on the world stage.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure. The construction of the first railway station in the mid-19th century and the erection of high bridges across the Aare River, such as the Kirchenfeldbrücke and Kornhausbrücke, radically changed the life of the city. This allowed Bern to overcome geographical isolation, stimulated economic growth, and boosted the development of new districts outside the historic centre.
• Revival and Flourishing of Festival Traditions. While some festivals, like the famous Onion Market Zibelemärit, have a centuries-old history, the 20th century became a time for the revival and creation of new cultural events. For instance, the Bern Carnival (Fasnacht) was revived in 1982, quickly becoming the third largest in the country. New festivals also appeared, such as the Jazz Festival and Buskers Bern, turning the city into a magnet for connoisseurs of music and street art.
• Ecological Transformation and Leisure Culture on the Aare. In recent decades, Bern has actively developed the concept of a "green city." An important milestone was the improvement of water quality in the Aare River to such an extent that swimming in it became a favourite summer pastime for residents and a symbol of a high quality of life. This modern tradition reflects the city's commitment to sustainable development and harmony with nature.

The architectural appearance of Bern is a unique combination of medieval layout and the consistent layering of styles from different eras. Thanks to a strict approach to preserving historical heritage, the city's urban development was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, allowing it to maintain its unique character and receive UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983.

Middle Ages and Gothic: The City's Foundation

Bern's urban structure was established at its founding in 1191. However, the modern look of the Old City was largely defined by the great fire of 1405, after which wooden structures were replaced by buildings made of local sandstone. It was then that Bern's key feature emerged — the famous covered arcades "Lauben," stretching for six kilometres. The dominant feature of this period is the Bern Minster (Münster), construction of which began in 1421. It is a striking example of Late Gothic architecture, impressing with its grandeur and detailed portal depicting scenes of the Last Judgment. Another symbol of the era is the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), originally a defensive tower, which later received its famous astronomical clock.

Renaissance and Baroque: Elegant Additions

The Renaissance and Baroque eras did not change the Gothic structure of the city but added elegance to it. During this period, numerous public fountains with allegorical figures appeared in Bern, adorning the streets to this day. Baroque architecture manifested in the reconstruction of certain buildings and the addition of lavish decor. For example, the Zytglogge tower was partially redesigned in the Late Baroque style in the 18th century. A prime example of this style is also the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche), built in 1729.

Classicism and the 19th Century: Capital Status

After Bern became the Federal City in 1848, its architectural appearance began to reflect its new capital status. This period is characterized by the construction of monumental public buildings. The key structure became the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), built between 1894 and 1902 in the Neo-Renaissance style with Baroque elements. The construction of high bridges across the Aare River, such as the Kirchenfeldbrücke, allowed the city to expand beyond the historic peninsula.

Modernism and Contemporary Times: New Accents

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Bern demonstrates a careful attitude towards integrating modern architecture. New iconic objects are most often erected outside the historic centre, creating an interesting dialogue between the old and the new. An outstanding example of modern architecture is the Zentrum Paul Klee, opened in 2005. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, this wave-like building made of glass and steel represents a "landscape sculpture" harmoniously integrated into the natural surroundings.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Bern

The history of Bern is marked by the activities of many outstanding individuals who were born, lived, or worked in this city, leaving a significant mark on world science, art, and culture.

• Berthold V of Zähringen (c. 1160–1218) — Founder of the city. In 1191, the Duke founded Bern on a strategically advantageous hill in the bend of the Aare River, laying the foundations for the future development of one of the key Swiss territories.
• Albrecht von Haller (1708–1777) — A prominent scientist and poet of the Enlightenment. Born in Bern, he was an anatomist, physiologist, and botanist whose scientific works had a huge influence on the development of medicine. He is also considered one of the founders of modern Swiss literature.
• Jeremias Gotthelf (Albert Bitzius) (1797–1854) — Writer and pastor. He studied in Bern and realistically described the life and customs of the peasants of the Canton of Bern in his works. His novels, such as "The Black Spider," have become classics of Swiss literature.
• Ferdinand Hodler (1853–1918) — One of the most significant Swiss painters. A native of Bern, he became a leading representative of Symbolism and Art Nouveau. His monumental canvases, such as "Night" and "Day," are held in major museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts Bern.
• Emil Theodor Kocher (1841–1917) — Surgeon and Nobel Prize laureate. Working at the University of Bern, he made revolutionary contributions to the study and surgery of the thyroid gland, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1909.
• Albert Einstein (1879–1955) — Theoretical physicist and creator of the Theory of Relativity. Living in Bern from 1903 to 1905 and working at the patent office, he published his revolutionary papers that changed world science. This period of his life is referred to as the "Annus Mirabilis" (Year of Miracles).
• Paul Klee (1879–1940) — Avant-garde artist. One of the greatest masters of European avant-garde, Klee was born near Bern and spent the last years of his life here. Today, the city hosts a cultural centre dedicated to him — the Zentrum Paul Klee, designed by Renzo Piano.