Bern: The Heartbeat of Switzerland

• HelloGueten Tag
  [güe-ten tahg]
• GoodbyeUf Widerluege
  [oof vee-der-lee-geh]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNei
  [ni]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bi-teh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie goht's?
  [vee gohts]
• Fine. And you?Guet. Und dir?
  [güet. oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprichsch Englisch?
  [shpree-sh eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstah nöd
  [eech fer-shtah nud]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChasch mer bitte d'Menükarte zeige?
  [khash mehr bi-teh deh-men-oo-kar-teh zy-geh]
• I don't eat meatIch ässe kei Fleisch
  [eech eh-seh kigh flysh]
• Cheers!Zum Wohl!
  [tzoom voohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChasch mer bitte zahle?
  [khash mehr bi-teh tsah-luh]

• Help!Hilf!
  [hilf]
• Go away!Gang wäg!
  [gahng vehg]
• Call the Police!Ruf d'Polizei!
  [roof deh-poh-lee-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Ruf en Arzt!
  [roof en ahr-tsht]
• I'm lostIch han mi verlore
  [eech hahn mee fehr-loreh]
• I'm illIch bin chrank
  [eech been khrahnk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möcht ... koufe
  [eech muh-kt ... kow-fuh]
• I'm just lookingIch luege nur
  [eech loo-geh noor]
• How much is it?Wieviel koscht es?
  [vee-vee-el kohsht es]
• That's too expensiveDas isch z' teuer
  [dahs ish tsoh toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Chasch du de Priis reduziere?
  [khash doo deh prees reh-doo-tsee-uh-ruh]

• What time is it?Wieviel Uhr isch es?
  [vee-vee-el oor ish es]
• It's one o'clockEs isch eis Uhr
  [es ish eyes oor]
• Half past (10)Halbi (zähni)
  [halb-ee tsay-nee]
• MorningMorge
  [mohr-geh]
• AfternoonNamittag
  [nah-mee-tahg]
• EveningAbig
  [ah-beeg]
• YesterdayGestere
  [geh-shteh-ruh]
• TodayHüt
  [hoote]
• TomorrowMorn
  [mohrn]
• 1Eis
  [eyes]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvy]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vieri
  [vee-ree]
• 5Füfi
  [foo-fee]
• 6Sächsi
  [sahk-see]
• 7Sibi
  [see-bee]
• 8Achti
  [ahk-tee]
• 9Nüni
  [noo-nee]
• 10Zähni
  [tsay-nee]

• Where's a/the...?Wo isch ...?
  [voh ish]
• What's the address?Was isch d'Adresse?
  [vahs ish dah-dreh-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Chasch mir (ufem Plan) zeige?
  [khash meer oof-uhm plahn zy-geh]
• When's the next (bus)?Wänn fahrt de nächschte (Bus)?
  [vann fahrt deh naykshteh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)E Billett (nach ...)
  [eh bee-leht nahkh]

Bern was founded in 1191 by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen. According to legend, the Duke vowed to name the city after the first animal he encountered during a hunt, which turned out to be a bear. This is why a bear features prominently on the city’s coat of arms and has become an enduring symbol of Bern.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, Bern expanded rapidly and became a significant player in the region. The city joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353, solidifying its importance and ensuring its prosperity. This period saw the construction of many of Bern's iconic buildings, including the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and the Münster (Cathedral).

In the early 16th century, Bern played a pivotal role in the Swiss Reformation. In 1528, the city officially adopted Protestantism under the influence of reformers like Huldrych Zwingli and Berchtold Haller. This religious shift had profound impacts on the cultural and social landscape of Bern, leading to the secularization of many church properties.

In 1848, Bern was chosen as the federal city (Bundesstadt) of the newly established Swiss Confederation. This decision solidified Bern's role as the political heart of Switzerland. The Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) was constructed, and it remains the seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly and Federal Council to this day.

Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905, a period often referred to as his 'Miracle Years.' During his time in Bern, Einstein worked at the Swiss Patent Office and developed his groundbreaking theories of special relativity and the photoelectric effect. The house where he lived, now the Einstein Museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of history’s greatest minds.

Bern's Old City (Altstadt) is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The arcaded streets, historic fountains, and the Käfigturm (Prison Tower) are just a few examples of the city's rich architectural heritage. This designation underscores Bern's commitment to preserving its historical and cultural legacy.

Today, Bern is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its historical roots with modern innovation. It is home to numerous cultural institutions such as the Bern Historical Museum, the Zentrum Paul Klee, and the Bern Theatre. The city continues to honor its traditions while embracing contemporary advancements, making it a dynamic and exciting place to visit.

Bern is easily accessible from major cities across Europe and beyond. The Bern Airport (BRN) is the closest airport, mainly serving regional flights. For international travelers, Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA) are the primary gateways, with efficient train connections to Bern. From Zurich, the train journey to Bern takes about 1 hour, and from Geneva, it's around 2 hours. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) provides frequent and reliable services to Bern from other Swiss cities.

Bern offers an efficient public transportation network, including trams, buses, and trains, managed by Bernmobil. A Bern Ticket, provided by many hotels, allows free travel on public transport within the city. For more flexibility, consider renting a bike or using the city's e-scooter services. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. The Old Town is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case of card payment issues. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Currency exchange services are available at banks and dedicated exchange bureaus.

Bern is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. However, like any other tourist destination, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like the train station and tourist hotspots. Stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists.

In case of an emergency, dial 117 for police, 144 for medical emergencies, and 118 for fire services. English-speaking operators are available. Bern's hospitals and clinics provide high-quality medical care. Pharmacies are well-stocked and can offer advice and over-the-counter medications. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially in restaurants and cultural venues. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops and beachwear in the city center. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and speaking quietly. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake. A polite 'Grüezi' (hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and make reservations at popular restaurants. Don't tip excessively; a service charge is usually included.

To experience Bern like a local, visit the weekly markets at Bundesplatz and Münstergasse for fresh produce and local specialties. Take a stroll along the Aare River, and don’t miss a swim in the river during summer. Explore the hidden alleys and arcades in the Old Town, and enjoy a coffee at one of the traditional cafés. Attend a local event or festival to immerse yourself in Bernese culture.