Bern's old town is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities and an UNESCO World Heritage Site — six kilometres of arcaded sandstone walkways known as Lauben shelter pedestrians from rain and sun in a covered promenade that has been in continuous use since the 13th century. The Zytglogge astronomical clock, striking since 1530, draws the expected crowds; the Rose Garden above the Nydegg district offers the finest panorama of the ochre rooftops and the Aare river's luminous turquoise bend below. The Zentrum Paul Klee, designed by Renzo Piano, holds the world's largest collection of the Bern-born painter's work in a building of extraordinary sculptural elegance. Albert Einstein lived and developed the theory of relativity here — his apartment on Kramgasse 49 is a small, moving museum.
- Suggested duration: 2–3 days
- Best time to visit: April to October for outdoor exploration; the Christmas market around the Münster is among Switzerland's finest.