Bern is the Swiss capital and it is also a state in Switzerland, it is one of the biggest states in Switzerland. You'll find the capital in Bern where the Swiss parliament gathers. There are two chambers- the same as in the USA, actually the swiss Constitution is shaped after the American.

Bern is situated in the center of Switzerland - close to the Alps. it was founded in the12th century. In the old historic part of the city you can still find houses that were built in the Middle Ages. A famous feature of Bern is the "Baerengraben", a place where they keep bears. The bear is also in the animal of the the most famous hockey club of Switzerland. The stadium of the "Bern Bears" has room for 16'000 spcectators and it often full. The World Championship in hockey is starting at the end of this month and some of the games will be played in Bern.

Here are some interesting places in bern.
• Theses are some interesting museums.
  1. The National History Museum
  2. The Wichterheer Museum of Timepieces and mechanical Music, which most of the exhibits are in running order, most of the clocks are running, and the mechanical music (music boxes, organs etc.)produce sound if activated.
• There are also some nice festivals and foundations.
  1. Gurtenfestival «96 - three days of music and magic, from July 19-21 in Berne, Switzerland.
  2. Swiss National Science Foundation.

This is Urs, our 'Switzerland Connection'