The city of Bern or Berne is the de facto capital of Switzerland, and, with a population of 131,000 (2009), the fourth most populous city in Switzerland. Bern is also the capital of the Canton of Bern, the second most populous of Switzerland's cantons. The official language of Bern is German, but the main spoken language is the Alemannic dialect called Bernese German. Archaeological evidence indicates a settlement on the site of today's city dating back to the 12th century.

The structure of Bern's city center is largely medieval and has been recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural World Heritage Site. Amongst the city's other famous landmarks are the Zytglogge (an elaborate medieval clock tower with moving puppets), the Münster (a 15th century Gothic cathedral, the Münster), and a 15th century town hall. Thanks to 6 kilometers of arcades, the old town boasts one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. Bern is also ranked among the world’s top ten cities for the best quality of life.