Altstadt: The Heartbeat of Bern

• HelloGrüezi
  [grewt-see]
• GoodbyeUf Widerluege
  [oof vee-der-lee-ge]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNei
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bi-te]
• Thank youMerci vilmal
  [mehr-see feel-mal]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie goht's dir?
  [vee gotz deer]
• Fine. And you?Guat. Und dir?
  [gwat oond deer]
• Do you speak English?Redsch du Englesch?
  [redsh doo eng-lesh]
• I don't understandI verstoh nid
  [ee verst-ho neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChönnti bitte d'Menu ha?
  [churn-tee bi-te d'meh-noo ha]
• I don't eat meatI äss keis Fleisch
  [ee ess kice flysh]
• Cheers!Proscht!
  [prosht]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChönnti bitte zahle?
  [churn-tee bi-te tsah-leh]

• Help!Hülf!
  [hoelf]
• Go away!Gang weg!
  [gahng vehg]
• Call the Police!Ruef d'Polizei!
  [roo-ehf deh-poh-lee-tsey]
• Call a doctor!Ruef en Dokter!
  [roo-ehf en dohk-ter]
• I'm lostI ha mi verlore
  [ee hah mee fer-loh-reh]
• I'm illI bi chrangk
  [ee bee krank]

• I'd like to buy...I möcht ... chaufe
  [ee muhkt ... kow-fuh]
• I'm just lookingI lueg nur
  [ee loog noor]
• How much is it?Was koschtet das?
  [vahs kohshtet dahs]
• That's too expensiveDas isch z' teuer
  [dahs ish tsoh toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Chönd Sie de Priis redeziere?
  [churnt zee deh prees reh-deh-tsee-reh]

• What time is it?Wieviu isch's?
  [vee-foy isschs]
• It's one o'clockEis isch's
  [ice isschs]
• Half past (10)Halbi zehni
  [hal-bee tseh-nee]
• MorningMorge
  [mohr-geh]
• AfternoonNamitag
  [nah-mee-tahg]
• EveningAbig
  [ah-big]
• YesterdayGestere
  [gehs-teh-reh]
• TodayHüt
  [hoot]
• TomorrowMorn
  [morn]
• 1Eis
  [ice]
• 2Zwei
  [tsey]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vieri
  [feer-ee]
• 5Füfi
  [foo-fee]
• 6Sächsi
  [zehk-see]
• 7Sächsi
  [zehk-see]
• 8Achti
  [ahk-tee]
• 9Nüni
  [noo-nee]
• 10Zähni
  [tseh-nee]

• Where's a/the...?Wo isch a/d...?
  [voh issch ah/deh]
• What's the address?Was isch d'Adresse?
  [vahs issch dah-drehseh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Chönd Sie mir's zeige (uf em Plan)?
  [churnt zee meers tsie-geh (oof em plahn)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wänn gaht de nächschti (Bus)?
  [vann gaht deh nekh-shtee (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)E Billett (nach ....)
  [eh bill-et (nahkh ....)]

Bern was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen. The Altstadt, or Old Town, developed rapidly due to its strategic location along the Aare River, which facilitated trade and commerce. The layout of the Altstadt reflects a typical medieval city, with narrow streets, well-preserved buildings, and a distinct architectural style that showcases its historical significance.

In 1983, Bern's Altstadt was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical importance. The recognition emphasized the preservation of its medieval architecture, including the iconic Zytglogge clock tower and the Federal Palace, which symbolize the city's rich history and its role as Switzerland's capital.

Since the establishment of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, Bern has served as a political hub. The Altstadt houses the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), completed in 1902, which is the seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly and Federal Council. This building is a crucial site for Swiss governance and reflects the evolution of democracy in the country.

The 19th century was a period of cultural flourishing for Bern. The Altstadt became a center for arts and education, with institutions such as the Bern Historical Museum and the University of Bern being established. This era also saw the construction of several public buildings and the enhancement of public spaces, contributing to the city's cultural landscape.

In recent decades, Bern has focused on preserving the character of the Altstadt while accommodating modern needs. Initiatives aimed at maintaining its historical integrity include restrictions on new construction and renovations. The city has also enhanced pedestrian areas, making it more accessible and promoting tourism while respecting its heritage.

Altstadt is conveniently located in the heart of Bern, and can be easily accessed via various modes of transportation. From Bern's main train station (Bern Hauptbahnhof), you can walk to Altstadt in about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, tram lines 9 and 10 provide direct access to the area. If you are coming from other neighborhoods, local buses also connect to Altstadt, making it accessible from all parts of the city.

Altstadt is a compact area that is best explored on foot, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its historical architecture and cobblestone streets. Public transportation options include trams and buses, which are frequent and reliable. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle; Bern is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure. Bicycle rental stations are available throughout the city.

Altstadt is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, it is advisable to stay alert, especially in crowded areas where pickpocketing may occur. Specific areas to be cautious about include the vicinity of major tourist attractions during peak hours. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in Switzerland. The nearest hospital is Inselspital, located a short distance from Altstadt. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies can be found throughout the neighborhood for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or religious sites. Don't wear revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; take care to cover your head when entering specific religious locations. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Grüezi' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Altstadt like a local, visit the weekly markets for fresh produce and local specialties. Engage with shopkeepers and locals, as they often have great stories to share. Don't miss the opportunity to explore hidden courtyards and lesser-known alleys for a more authentic experience. Additionally, enjoy a coffee at one of the many cozy cafés, where you can soak in the ambiance and people-watch.