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In this guest post Carol Schonafinger, director of Holidays to Europe, introduces us to the somewhat forgotten city of Bern, capital of Switzerland.
“Switzerland’s capital, Bern, is often overlooked on a European itinerary, but it is a city with plenty to offer the visitor. Located in the Swiss Mittelland (middle land) region, Bern is within easy reach of many of Switzerland’s more popular destinations but warrants at least of couple of days to discover this historic city which was added to UNESCO’s world heritage list in 1983.
Bern from Gurten
Founded way back in 1191, the city was built to offer protection on three sides with the River Aare providing protection on the fourth. In 1405 most of the city was destroyed by fire. Rebuilding started almost immediately in sandstone and many of these buildings still remain. The clock tower, which still stands today, was the city’s first gate and is one of the most important landmarks in Bern. More than 800 years later, visitors can watch the clockwork figures perform every hour, and admire the intricate clock face which was added in 1530.
East of the clock tower, you find yourself in the Alt Stadt (old town) and wandering the Laubengange, consisting of nearly six kilometres of covered arcades. It is the longest covered shopping promenade in Europe and houses cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, boutiques, galleries and more. It’s easy to while away a few hours window shopping or enjoying a coffee whilst you decide which Swiss watch to buy! As you wander around the Laubengange, you will also come across a fountain or two. In fact, there are over 100 fountains in the old town erected over the centuries to commemorate significant historical events. They make a colourful addition to the cobblestone streets. One of the more bizarre fountains features an ogre enjoying a meal of wriggling children!
A leisurely ten minute walk towards the River Aare and over Nydeggbrucke (Nydegg bridge) takes you to the home of Bern’s symbol, the brown bear. The Barengraben, is home to a number of Pyrenean brown bears. Legend has it that the city’s founder killed a bear on the Aare peninsula whilst the city was being built, and the bear was adopted as the city’s symbol. The bear features on Bern’s Coat of Arms and, rightly, or wrongly, these days, serves as a tourist attraction. For years, the bears have been housed in a large concrete pit, but the new, larger bear park, extending right down to the shores of the Aare, is due to open in October 2009. The new, 6000m2 site, will feature a large grass area, two small forests, three caves and a pool parallel to the Aare which will enable the bears to enjoy the closest thing to a real bear’s life.
The River Aare, Bern, Switzerland
It’s worth taking the time to stop and take in the views as you cross back over the Nydeggbrucke. The Aare winds its way in a U-shape around the city, and from the bridge you can really appreciate the city’s medieval history and architecture. Below you, the rushing blue-green waters of the Aare thunder by. Why not try rafting on the Aare? Guided dinghy tours let you discover the city from the water, and in summer, Aare Marzili Lido serves as a popular summer swimming and meeting place.
Back in the old town, head for the Berner Munster (cathedral) for more great views. Building started in 1421 and today the Munster is the largest sacred building in Switzerland. Climb the 100 metre tower to see the city from above, and take a look at the 12 metre-high stained glass windows. Just around the corner you can visit Einstein’s house where the physicist lived when he developed the theory of relativity. Whilst in the old town, don’t miss the thrice-weekly market. Stalls brimming with flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables and Swiss specialties abound. The first market took place in Bern during the Middle Ages, and today they remain as popular as ever.
Bern, Switzerland
For those looking for some serious retail therapy, Bern has plenty to offer. Bahnhofplatz, a modern shopping centre inside Bern’s main railway station, was completed in time for the city’s hosting of the 2008 European Football Championships, at a cost of 100 million SFR. Just across the street, you’ll find the popular Loeb department store, and endless clothing and shoe shops, sports and book stores, and souvenir shops. The city centre also boasts a casino for those who have a little cash to spare.
Like most European cities, Bern offers an excellent public transport system, and being Swiss, it is clean, efficient and on time. A pleasant half day can be spent at Gurten, a large park set high on a hill overlooking the city. An easy tram ride from the centre of Bern, and then a ten minute funicular ride up the hillside, takes you to the popular park. Situated 864 metres above sea level, Gurten offers not only spectacular views over the city, a café and restaurant, but the park is also a favourite amongst families with an excellent adventure playground and miniature train rides for the children, and plenty of room to run around.
With its central location, Bern makes a great base for day trips. Luzern is only an hour and a half away, and the popular tourist town of Interlaken is the starting point for many magnificent trips into the alps, including the Jungfrau and Schilthorn. Just an hour from Bern, Interlaken is also the meeting point of two of Switzerland’s most spectacular lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. With water sports and lake cruises on offer, and quaint Swiss villages to explore, this is the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip.
Now that you have decided to spend a few days in Bern, where will you stay? Bern offers something for everyone, from camping grounds to hostels, apartments to hotels. Wherever you stay, you’ll be treated to a friendly, compact city, bursting with history but still boasting the necessities of modern day living.
Make sure you add the capital to your Swiss itinerary – you won’t be disappointed.”
