Did you know that Berne is both the capital of its namesake canton as well as being the capital city of Switzerland? The city is built on the River Aare and is renowned for its well preserved buildings from the Middle Ages. Nowadays, Berne is known as an administrative, university and cultural centre which also has plenty to offer tourists.

Did you know that the Münster Cathedral in Berne boasts the highest church spire in Switzerland? The gothic construction has 344 steps that takes visitors more than 100 metres over the city and offers splendid views of the Alps. Building work began in 1421 although the spire, which has always been home to two maintenance workers over the centuries, was not completed until 1893. It is no surprise that the city's old town was given UNESCO world heritage status in 1983.

Did you know why a bear appears on the Berne city emblem? The city was founded on the River Aare in 1191 by Duke Berthold V of Zahringen, and legend has it that he chose the name after killing a bear. The animal has since become the symbol of the city and since 1857 the Bear Pit has been an attraction for visitors. It was renovated in the mid-90s and is home to three Pyrenees bears Urs, Pedro and Tana.

Did you know that Albert Einstein lived in Berne for seven years? The 20th century's greatest physicist arrived in the city in 1902 and took on the position of technical expert at the Confederate Patent Office of Switzerland. After his marriage to Mileya Maric on 6 January 1903 there followed, in the autumn that year, the move to an apartment in Kramgasse 49. It can still be viewed today under the name of the Einstein House. It was here where he gave the world E=mc2 and his theory of relativity was the basis of the five most important papers he wrote in Berne.

Did you know that Berne was the birthplace of the Toblerone? Switzerland is renowned worldwide for its chocolate production but the distinctive triangular Toblerone is the most famous of all. Jean Tobler opened his first store on Mittelstrasse in the Längassquartier in 1908, combining his name with the Italian phrase 'torrone' used for the mixture of honey, almonds and nougat.

Did you know that the 1954 FIFA World Cup final was played at the Wankdorf stadium in Berne? It became known around the world as the 'Miracle of Berne' after the huge underdogs West Germany fought back from a two-goal deficit to beat the mighty Magyars of Hungary 3-2.