Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and traces its history to the 12^th century and was the home of the genius Albert Einstein during his formative years of figuring out the universe. My son and I will be exploring Bern on a day trip. Below are some sights we hope to see, including a bear park for the kid.

Zytglogge: (Bern’s Clock Tower):

This clock tower is on the top of my list and was Bern’s first western city gate (1191-1256). This famous astronomical calendar clock was built in 1530. I hope to be a part of the crowds that congregate to watch its revolving figures twirl at four minutes before the hour, after which the chimes begin. Supposedly, the clock tower assisted Albert Einstein in honing in his theory of relativity, which he deducted while working as a patent clerk in Bern.

Hours: You can see the inter-workings of the clock on a tour once a day, April – Oct. Daily at 2:30 pm.

Admission: 15 CHF

Address: Bim Zytglogge 3, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Einsteinhaus (Einstein House):

Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905. The apartment is furnished in the style of Einstein’s time and documents the life of the physicist during his years in Bern. This period included 1905—the year that was his most creative period of scientific discovery. If you want to learn more about Swiss history and about Einstein go to the Bernisches Historisches Museum/Einstein Museum. This is a day trip for me, so I don’t have time to do this.

Hours: Feb. 21 – Dec. 18, Monday – Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

Admission: Adult 6 CHF, Students and Pensionary 4.50 CHF.

Address: Kramgasse 49, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Berner Munster (Bern Cathedral):

Construction started in 1421 and is done in the Late Gothic style. The basilica with its three naves can be found rising above Bern’s old town. The portal depicts the Last Judgment. You can go up 312 steps in the entrance and see the huge bell and look out from the 100-meter cathedral spire.

Hours: Monday- Saturday 10 am – 5 pm; mid-Oct. – April. Winter –Monday- Friday 12 – 4 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 11:30 am – 4 pm.

Admission: Free to enter the cathedral with audioguide – 5 CHF. 5 CHF to go up in the tower.

Address: Münsterplatz 1, 3000 Bern, Switzerland

Bärengraben (Bear Park):

Bern has a close relationship with the bear and according to legend the city owes its name to the animal. The bear appears on flags, fountains, and buildings and you can see bears in the public BearPark. The BearPark is home to Finn, Bjork, and their daughter Ursina. This is a new space for the bears and provides them a landscape where they can climb, fish and play and retreat. An inclined elevator also offers barrier-free access to the park. The elevator is free of charge and provides a quick link between the banks of the Aare River and the upper end of the park.

Hours: Open around the clock

Admission: Free

Address: Grosser Muristalden 6, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

House of Parliament: 

It houses the seat of government for Switzerland. It was completed in 1902. The Parliament building faces Parliament Square, which has 26 fountains representing the cantons.

Hours: Guided tours are available when Parliament is not in session. Visitors can see the domed hall, debating chambers, and the lobby. The free English tours run normally from mid-July through Mid Aug., Monday- Saturday at 2 pm. Saturday only in the off-season and no tours September – Early August. You will need to reserve up to three days ahead at www.parliment.ch.

For seeing the building while the Parliament is in session and more information go to their website.

Admission: Free

Address: Bundesplatz 3, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

City of Fountains:

Bern has over 100 fountains and many can be found in the old part of the city. The strangest one, the Kindlifresserbrunnen, is a fountain at the Kornhausplatz and was constructed in the 16^th Century. It is a fountain of an ogre devouring a small child. There are a number of theories as to why it depicts such a horrible act. One theory is that the statue is the likeness of Krampus, the beast-like creature from the folklore of Alpine countries thought to punish children during the Christmas season who had misbehaved.

More than 140 years ago, public fountains played a key role for Bern’s water supply. They were where people gossiped, washed, and of course drew clean drinking water, which you can still do today. (I might have to bring a water bottle to bring back some for my husband.)

MORE SIGHTS:

Barenplatz– street goes by the Kafigturm (Prison Tower) with a historic clock and the Hollanderturm (Dutch Tower); Kramgass – the main street in Bern; Nydegg Bridge – 1844 bridge; Munsterplattform – terrace behind the cathedral along the river and taking the inclined railway to the top of Mount Gurten for panoramic views.

PLANNING THIS TRAIN TRIP FROM VADUZ

Why did I choose to visit Bern while my husband at a conference in Vaduz, Liechtenstein? It seems that a lot of mountain towns close down their gondolas during the month of April when we’re there, so not a good time to visit these places.

How I will get there? I will drive to Sargans, Switzerland, and take the IC 3 8:28 AM train to Zurich then got off there and get onto the IC1 and take this to Bern arriving at 10:28 AM.

Return: I will take the IC1 4:03 PM train and transfer to the IC 3 and arrive back at the station in Sargans at 6:32 PM.

What to Read (Not Normally Part of the Planning Blog):

“Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain.” It is a road trip with Einstein’s brain in Tupperware bowl in the trunk of a Buick Skylark barreling across America with journalist and author of the book Michael Paterniti. And, this is a bizarre adventure, read the book to find out more. Read my review HERE.

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT TO SEE IN SWITZERLAND CHECK OUT MY DADDY DO LIST ON ZURICH:

Hometown Connections to Zurich