Bern is the capital of Switzerland. The medieval old town of Bern with its many fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets and historic towers is a beautiful unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elevated Rose Garden above the Bear Park and the platform of the 101-metre-high cathedral tower offer the best views of the old town round which the River Aare flows. The former entrenchments and bastions drop down steeply to the river. The boutiques, bars and cabaret stages of the old town, some of