Selma Roth Saudi Gazette The capital city of Switzerland occupies a special location on a plateau overlooking the Alps. It is as if the river Aare decided there should be a settlement here as it meanders around the UNESCO-listed town center. But despite its strategic location, it was not until 1848 that Berne became the capital of the new Swiss federal state. Nowadays, tourists flocking to the Alp resorts often forego the charming medieval town. They miss out a lot, because Berne is a thriving place packed with history, art, and contemporary entertainment. Moreover, its location in the center of Switzerland ensures an excellent connection with the rest of the country. And also within the town it is easy to get around. The old town is small enough to be covered by foot, and if you would like to explore a bit more you simply buy a Bernmobil day pass, which gives you access to all forms of public transportation throughout the city. A good alternative is to hire a bike for free at one of the three “Bern Rollt” stations in town. While Berne is a town you need to experience by roaming its medieval streets, walking along the river Aare and contemplating the city, its people, and the surrounding mountains from a cozy restaurant terrace, it also boasts numerous attractions that encompass everything from history to art and from shopping to greenery. Due to its small size, two days will suffice to explore Berne, but if you cannot get enough of its charm, a third day could easily be spent doing one of the numerous excursions in the city's surroundings. Day 1 Treat yourself to some old world charm by staying at the elegant Bellevue Palace, the official guesthouse of the Swiss government located on a terrace above the river Aare right next to the House of Parliament. Built in neoclassic style and currently celebrating its 100-year anniversary, the hotel was completely renovated a decade ago and offers all comforts one would expect from a place like this. On the first morning, go for a jog or brisk walk along the Aare. The Bellevue Palace offers a map with two light, predominantly flat trails of 4 and 5 kilometers. Upon returning, enjoy the jogging bar at the entrance of the hotel, which offers water, apples, and towels. Take a shower and go for breakfast at La Terrasse, the hotel's restaurant that offers a magnificent view of the river and the distant Alps. A stroll along the cobbled streets of Berne's old town and toward the Zytglogge or Clock Tower should be your top priority. The ornate astronomical calendar clock and its moving figures, dating from 1530, are among the oldest and largest in Europe. From April to October, the tower opens its doors daily for tourists to gaze at the clock's highly sophisticated mechanism. While walking in the old town, also have a look at the various colorful fountains. Several carry allegorical figures that served to recall the town's historical events and major heroes. Other major attractions in the old town worth checking out this morning are the late-gothic cathedral known as Das Berneer Münster, and the Einsteinhaus. In this building, Albert Einstein developed his famed theories of relativity. The house is open to the public almost daily. For lunch, head to the Rosengarten, a rose garden home to 220 different types of roses, 200 types of irises, and 28 types of rhododendrons. Located uphill, the park offers a panoramic view over the old town and river. The upscale Garden Restaurant is a popular meeting place for lunch, so make a reservation beforehand to ensure a spot. In the afternoon, take the bus to the Zentrum Paul Klee, an interactive museum for young and old housed in a building that appears to be part of its hilly surroundings. It was designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano. The center displays Paul Klee's most important collection as well as interesting temporary exhibitions. Before returning to the hotel for dinner at La Terrasse, one of Berne's most prestigious dinner venues serving Swiss and international “Cuisine d'aujourd'hui” dishes, do some shopping at the Kramgasse, located at the heart of the 6-km long shopping arcades that ensure a pleasant shopping experience in any type of weather. Here, you will find all you need, from exquisite boutiques to simple second-hand shops and even malls. Buy an elegant dress or suit to wear for dinner, because La Terrasse does not allow a simple T-shirt and jeans. However, the chance that you might be dining right next to the Swiss president and other VIPs would probably make you think twice before entering in duds. In return, you get to enjoy the culinary delights of this 16-point GaultMillau venue that offers its guests an iPad to watch their dinner being prepared in the kitchen. If you still have energy afterwards, sip a cocktail or drink at the legendary Bellevue Bar. Day 2 Start your day off with a workout at the BELLEViE Gym on the hotel's top floor overlooking the Swiss Parliament, the old town and the surrounding mountains, followed by a Finnish sauna session. It will leave you completely revitalized for your second day of exploring Berne. After breakfast, have a look at the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) located right next to the Bellevue Palace. You can even have a tour inside, but make a reservation beforehand. Then cross the old town towards the Bear Park. Bears have been part of Berne for over 500 years. According to legend, the city's founder Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, vowed to name the city after the first animal he would encounter, and this turned out to be a bear. The first official information about a Bear Pit in Berne was published in 1441. The bears have recently been moved to a more spacious park, where they can climb, play, relax and even swim in the river. For lunch, take a 30-minute tram or bus ride to the red Gurten Funicular on the foot of Gurten, Berne's local mountain situated at 864 meters above sea level. Built in 1899, the funicular takes you up this mountain, while giving you – on clear days at least – stunning panoramic views over the city, the Swiss plateau, the Alps, and the Three Lakes Region. There are several restaurants on the mountain, from the informal “Tapis Rouge” self-service restaurant to the classier “Bell Etage” restaurant. As no cars are allowed, Gurten is a haven for playing kids, picnics, and leisurely hikes. Once your lungs are filled with fresh mountain air, return to the city for some retail therapy at The Westside leisure and shopping center. The architectural pearl designed by Daniel Libeskind also hosts a multiplex cinema, restaurant, hotel and conference center, pool complex, spa, and fitness center. If you are more into art and museums, visit the Historisches Museum with its collection of approximately 500,000 objects; or the Museum of Fine Arts, Switzerland's oldest art museum. In the late afternoon, take a dive into the Aare. Drift the river for some kilometers or visit any of the public river pools, such as the Marzili Pool, the largest and most frequented one in the country since 1782. The water comes directly from the mountains and is remarkably clear. After this refreshing experience you will want to go back to the hotel to get ready for dinner, which you can enjoy at any restaurant you fancy. The options are nearly endless in this gastronomic city. Check out www.bern.com for all information regarding your visit, including what to do, where to stay, how to get everywhere and the latest news and offers.
