Bern
Western Europe, Switzerland
Switzerland
People from Bern are called:
Male/General:
Bernese
Pronunciation:
/bərˈniːz/
Etymology & Origin
Etymology uncertain. Folk legend attributes it to a bear (German 'Bär') killed by the city's founder. More likely from Celtic 'berna' meaning 'cleft' or from the Italian city Verona, known as 'Bern' in Middle High German.
About Bern
- De facto capital and federal city of Switzerland.
- Founded around 1191 by Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site for its medieval Old Town.
- Seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly and Federal Council.
- Major political and administrative center known for its medieval architecture.
Nearby Places
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Quick Facts
- Population:
- 133,883 (2024 est.)
- Country:
- Switzerland
- Region:
- Western Europe