The Old City of Bern, Switzerland

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Lights of the Old City. The Old City of Bern

Welcome to a wintry wonderland in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. We're in Bern's medieval center—the Old City—which looks much as it did when many of these buildings were constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries.

The Old City was founded in 1191 on a long, narrow peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Aare River. Today, visitors and locals alike enjoy strolling down quaint alleyways and cobblestone streets amidst the charming medieval buildings. In winter, many stop here en route to ski in the nearby Bernese Oberland mountains or to visit the Schwarzsee ice palaces.

Those in the know also suggest a climb to the top of the Bernese Minster, the highest church spire in all of Switzerland, seen in our photo. It's 312 steps to the viewing deck, but we hear the panorama of snowy rooftops and the nearby peaks is worth the climb.