Old Town of Bern

The Old Town of Bern was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 as an example of a city that has preserved its mediaeval street layout while simultaneously becoming a modern capital. The city was founded in the 12th century on a hill encircled by the River Aare. After a great fire in 1405, the wooden houses were gradually replaced by stone buildings and timber-framed houses, and the streets are lined with 15th-century arcades — around six kilometres of covered walkways with shops in total. The Old Town has more than 100 historic fountains, eleven of which bear figures dating from the 16th century; eight of those figures were crafted by the sculptor Hans Gieng. The water in all the city's fountains is safe to drink, so you can refill your bottle as you go. The best approach is to walk from Zytglogge down Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse towards the Nydeggbrücke and the Bear Park.