University of Bern, Bern

University of Bern, Bern

The University of Bern, established in 1834, is a public research university located in Bern. Governed and funded by the Canton of Bern, it is the third-largest university in Switzerland with approximately 19,000 students. The university offers a comprehensive array of courses and programs across eight faculties and around 150 institutes.

The University of Bern provides top-notch education and research opportunities in various fields as a well-rounded institution. It offers a wide array of study programs covering both sciences and humanities, along with other subjects. Some of its notable areas of expertise are climate science, space exploration, medicine, and sustainable development. The university warmly welcomes international exchange students who seek to pursue their studies overseas.

The University of Bern is situated in the Länggasse area, known for its historical architecture, vibrant dining scene, and proximity to Bern's main train station. This location offers excellent access to both the Swiss Alps and other European destinations. Bern itself is praised for its quality of life, safety, efficient public transport, bike-friendly streets, and recreational opportunities along the Aare River.

The university has a rich history of notable alumni, including Albert Einstein, who developed the theory of relativity while affiliated with the university. It also made a significant mark in academia by appointing Anna Tumarkin as Europe’s first female professor with doctoral supervisory rights in 1906. Other distinguished alumni include John le Carré, a bestselling spy novelist, and Kurt Wüthrich, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bern. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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University of Bern on Map

Sight Name: University of Bern
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland

Create Your Own Walk in Bern

Create Your Own Walk in Bern

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bern is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bern Introduction Walking Tour

Bern Introduction Walking Tour

The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as the "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces its origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he would kill on the hunt. That animal happened to be a bear, hence the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Bern's Historical Churches

Bern's Historical Churches

They say architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. While the outside appearances of historical churches in Bern beckon seekers of beauty and tranquility, the ethereal atmosphere within embraces the visitor with a sense of timeless serenity.

Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour

Fountains and Statues Walking Tour

With over 100 public fountains in the Old Town alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During medieval times, local life revolved around fountains as they provided water for residents and served as locations for news exchange and social gatherings.

Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Swiss Sweets and Pastries

Swiss Sweets and Pastries

Among other things that make Switzerland popular around the world, chocolate is definitely the one. Still, chocolate isn't the only Swiss-made sweet deserving attention, as there are plenty of baked products, such as Magenbrot, Vermicelles, and Biberli, to mention but a few, that are well worth...