May 29, 2015

Switzerland: Bern Old Town Stroll


May 29, 2015 ---- Does anyone know that Bern is the capital of Switzerland?  I didn't know until I was planning the trip to this beautiful country. I always thought that Geneva was the capital, but it turned out I was wrong. Well, our trip to Bern started right after our hike in the Alps. We got on an evening train from Interlaken West and arrived in Bern an hour later. Nathan thought Bern was the most beautiful city in Switzerland, and I couldn't agree more.

Accommodation:  We stayed at Bern Backpackers Hotel for a night while on the way to Lyon, France. The hostel was one of the best hostels we have ever stayed in. It was new, clean, and well-organized. We got two bunk beds in a 6-bed room. The shared toilets and showers were in the hallway. What I liked most about this hostel was the free WiFi, specious and well-equipped kitchen, big dining room, and the location. They also have a laundry room.

Transportation:  There are buses and trams running around the city. Because we stayed in the Old Town the entire time, we didn't need to take any public transportation.

Food and Restaurants:  We cooked ourselves every meal at the hostel's fabulous Kitchen. No experience eating out in the city.

Attractions:  Bern is a very beautiful city. Einstein used to live and work here, and that was when he discovered the Theory of Relativity. Strolling around the Old Town and seeing many fountains, the Zytglogge, and the Cathedral is perfect for a visit. If you want the best view of the city, walk up to the the Rose Garden.

Our Trip Itinerary:  We got a city map from our hostel and followed the "Old Town Walk" route. We also visited Einstein's House and then hoped to go to the History Museum, but we didn't have enough time. However, it was still nice and well worth the time to stroll through the capital of Switzerland.



Bern Old Town Stroll



Bern Train Station






Church of the Holy Ghost







 Käfigturm





Marktgasse





Zytglogge






 Kramgasse








Einstein's House  (Einsteinhaus)









Christkath. Kirchgemeinde Bern






Bern City Hall  (Rathaus )





Gerechtigkeitsgasse






Aare River






Untertorbrücke






The view from Rose Garden  (Rosengarten)









Bear Park  (Bärenpark)





Nydeggbrücke







Nydeggkirche





Nydeggstalden





Junkerngasse






Münsterplattform







The Cathedral of Bern  (Berner Münster)










The view from Kirchenfeldbrücke







The Kunsthalle Bern





The view from The Parliament Building