Bern, Switzerland

The ancient capital of Switzerland, its also known as 'Berne' by Switzerland's French-speaking citizens. The whole city was renovated after it was ruined by fire in 1405. It has many fine examples of early-15th-century architecture - so U.N. declared it a 'World Heritage Site'. The Old town is identified by its thick-walled stone houses brightened by the boxes of geraniums on the balconies overlooking the Aare River.

Bern's 11th-century arcaded streets provides wonderful opportunities for tourists for sightseeing and shopping. Mountains around Bern provides a beautiful backdrop - the northwest is dominated by the Jura and the Alps and their foothills provides a wonderful backdrop to the south. The city centre with its beautiful medieval architecture is located on the Aare River between the the striking copper spire of the Nydegg church (Nydeggkirche) and the 13th-century clocktower (Zeitglockenturm). Vegetable and flower markets are held everyday during the summers. A celebrated onion market is also held here on the fourth Monday of November.