Bern, baby, Burn

Berne was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V von Zähringen and was part of the Holy Roman Empire. It was made a free imperial city by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1218 after Berthold died without an heir.

In 1353 Berne joined the Swiss confederation. After several successful conquers, Berne became the largest independent city state north of the alps. It was occupied by French troops in 1798 during the French Revolutionary Wars, and was stripped of a large part of its territory. The city became the Swiss capital in 1848.

J went with the other Australian exchange kids on a day trip to Bern on the train.

Some cute pics.

She is quite exhausted.

on the train and view of the country side from Geneva to Bern

J's version below and one from the computer above

"Welttelegrafen-Denkmal"

 Lunch stop at a cosy cafe in Bern

 Bern cathedral

Clock Tower (Zytglogge Zeitglockentrum)

This clock tower served as Bern's west gate from 1191-1250.  The tower was once used to imprison prostitutes; the astronomical clock was added in 1527-30 and has been giving a show at four minutes before the hour ever since.  The mechanical figures include bears and a crowing rooster.  Visitors can take a guided tour inside to view the clock mechanism.

 Outside Parliament house. The newly elected female President walked past them.

 From the museum in Bern

Once the apartment of Albert Einstein, it was here where the great scientist developed the theory of relativity in the first decade of the 20th century.

The world renowned physical lived in this house, which is now a modest museum commemorating his childhood.

It is difficult to find specific information on the web on Bern.