Time Zone |
Europe/Zurich |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+2 |
Time Zone |
Europe/Stockholm |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+2 |
Bern, the capital of the Swiss Confederation, is located in the west of the country on the banks of the Aare River and is the capital of the canton of Bern. As the political center of Switzerland, the federal government agencies and foreign embassies are located here. The city is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Founded in 1191, the city's name derives from the German word "Bär" (bear), which is often depicted in the city's symbols and fountains. The Old Town, with its 6 kilometers of arcade streets, Renaissance fountains and famous clock tower (Zytglogge), attracts many visitors. Albert Einstein lived here and developed his theory of relativity, and his former home is now open as a museum.
Economically, Bern is dominated by the service, precision instrument and pharmaceutical industries, and is an important conference and tourist destination. The city's beautiful setting, surrounded by hills and rivers, offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Bern combines historical heritage, cultural charm and modern functionality, reflecting the high quality of life and efficient governance of Switzerland.
Malmö, Sweden's third largest city, is located in the southernmost province of Skåne and is connected to Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, by the Öre Bridge across the Öre Strait. Once a medieval trading town, this historic port city is now a mix of industrial innovation and cultural vitality, with numerous design studios, art galleries and examples of green architecture. The university town of Malmö has a strong atmosphere and attracts international students every year, while the renovation of the West Harbor area highlights its sustainable development. As the epitome of Scandinavian multiculturalism, it is a gateway to southern Sweden, with its modern cityscape, medieval cobblestone streets and old castles.