After travelling the last 3 days treating the eyes with Alpine views, my last stop was Switzerland’s capital, Bern.
Nestled along the serene Aare River, the enchanting city of Bern in Switzerland beckons travellers with its captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, fascinating museums, and numerous landmarks that transport visitors to a bygone era. In this blog post, I take you to some of the most captivating attractions of Bern, including the Old Town, Einstein House, Cathedral, and the picturesque alleys.
My room was just 150m from the UNESCO World Heritage old town. For those looking for a room-be it solo or a group, I would suggest you look up Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke. The rooms are neat and have a big common room with a kitchen and games.
Old Town: A Journey through Time
Stepping into Bern’s Old Town is like entering a time capsule that preserves the medieval essence of the city. The impeccably maintained cobblestone streets, lined with sandstone buildings adorned with colourful flags, create a charming ambience. As you meander through the narrow alleys, you’ll stumble upon hidden arcades, bustling market squares, and ornate fountains that travel back to a bygone era.
I started early in the morning to avoid the crowd and explore the empty streets of Old Town. The highlight of the Old Town is the Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower that dates back to the 13th century. The intricate clock mechanism still mesmerizes visitors with its hourly show featuring a parade of figurines. The old town fills up fast with tourist guides as this is mostly the first stop in the list of every tour guide.
The cobbled streets are lined up with fountains known as Bernese fountains. The medieval works of art were once important meeting points for locals and still form an essential part of Bern’s image. Apart from the intricate designs and history behind these fountains, the cool water flowing from their spouts is drinkable and free for everyone.
Einstein House: A Glimpse into the Genius’ Life
As you continue walking down the street, you come across one of Bern’s most famous former residents, the renowned physicist Albert Einstein. The Einstein House, located at Kramgasse 49, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the genius scientist during his time in Bern. It was in this modest apartment that Einstein developed his theory of relativity, forever changing the world of physics.
Converted into a museum, the Einstein House showcases exhibits detailing Einstein’s life, achievements, and significant contributions to science. The rooms have been faithfully restored to their early 20th-century appearance, allowing visitors to imagine the intellectual atmosphere that permeated the space where one of the greatest minds in history resided.
Bear Pit
Walking over the river Aare and a few minutes from the Old Town, we reach Bern’s most preserved site -The Bear Pit. Bear is of a greater significance in Swiss Heritage as it forms the symbol for Bern and its surrounding Canton and is also present in their coat of arms. You can see the bears from May after their hibernation period is finished.
Cathedral of Bern: An Architectural Marvel
As you walk down the alleys adjacent to the Old Town, the path leads to one of the city’s skylines, the Bern Cathedral, also known as the Berner Münster, is an architectural masterpiece that stands as a symbol of the city. Construction of this imposing Gothic cathedral began in the 15th century and took over four centuries to complete. Its impressive spire reaches a height of 100 meters (328 feet), offering breathtaking views over the city.
A large door stands on the right side of the church’s entrance, also known as the Münster portal. It contains 234 finely crafted sandstone figures of the cathedral portal that represent the Last Judgment and are world-famous. Due to air pollution, the original figurines had to be replaced with copies. Original figurines are exhibited at the Bern Historical Museum.
Inside the cathedral, visitors can marvel at the beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork, and the awe-inspiring astronomical clock.
The Alleys: A Photographic Journey
Wandering through Bern’s enchanting alleys is a photographer’s dream. The arcades, or Lauben as they are locally known, provide sheltered walkways filled with charming boutiques, cafes, and shops. These covered passages are adorned with colourful facades, adorned with flowers and ornate signs.
Two notable alleys are the Kramgasse and the Gerechtigkeitsgasse. The former, where the Einstein House is located, is one of the oldest streets in Bern and is lined with beautiful buildings, some of which date back to the 16th century. The latter, Gerechtigkeitsgasse, is famous for its iconic Clock Tower and is one of the most picturesque streets in the city. Both alleys offer a delightful journey through history and a chance to soak in the city’s unique ambience. Walking through the streets leads you to Switzerland’s Parliament Building.
Adjacent to the Münster is a huge garden overlooking the river Aare. Locals spend their weekend time in the garden with their relatives after the day at Church. I was lucky to catch a group of people playing Petanque, a variation of boules where players from each team throw a ball made of metal to hit the centre small ball called Jack. I wanted to take some pictures with my 1960s Carl Zeiss lens and they were happy to. I hope more youngsters pick up the game.
Visiting Bern, Switzerland is like stepping back in time, where history comes alive amidst stunning architecture and captivating attractions. The Old Town, with its medieval charm, the Einstein House, providing insights into the life of a scientific genius, the awe-inspiring Bern Cathedral, and the picturesque alleys, all contribute to the city’s allure.
Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil and charming destination, Bern has something to offer
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey to Bern is an experience that transcends the ordinary and immerses travellers in a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This picturesque Swiss capital, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant urban life, has the power to enchant visitors from all walks of life.
As we’ve explored in this blog post, Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town transports us back in time, offering a glimpse into its rich past while still embracing modernity. The Zytglogge clock tower stands as a symbolic reminder of the city’s heritage, while Bear Park symbolizes its commitment to wildlife conservation and coexistence.
Useful Links
Official website of Bern Welcome – Bern Welcome
Bern | Schweiz Tourismus (myswitzerland.com)
Einsteinhaus Bern | (einstein-bern.ch)
