If you are looking for a more promising spot to surround yourself with spectacular scenery, then Switzerland is definitely the place to be. It is modern Europe at its best and of all its cities; Bern is one of the most charming of places. It's a tiny city with approximately 130,000 inhabitants and it has a lot to offer the traveler.
When you enter Bern, you will notice its breathtaking medieval street plan that is now a haven for arcades, street fountains and doughty towers. One of the best places to visit is the Bern's Clock Towers, and with the help of a guided tour, you will get to witness the moving parts of the complex astronomical calendar clock. You should take a look at the historic Bear Pit which is a reminder of how the city was named. Another highlight is the City of fountains which dates back to the 16th century and still has its original statues still intact. Other attractions include the Rose Garden overlooking the city; it has more than 200 different types of roses, the Munster Cathedral which embodies a late Gothic architecture, and the Albert Einstein museum.
Bern is centrally located so visitors can go on day trips to the Alps, Lake Geneva or Zurich. The city has a wide range of accommodations for the traveler, hotels from one-star, bed and breakfasts and even a youth hostel can be found in abundance. There are extremely affordable quarters and if money is no object, you can experience luxurious high-class hotels Bern has to offer. One of the famous, 4 star and high-profile accommodations is the Savoy. It's the ideal hotel for those who enjoy sight seeing on foot plus all the best places to see are located near to the hotel. The best appeal about this hotel is that children under the age of 12 can get to stay for free and pets are allowed. There is a family oriented hotel named Astoris famed for its welcoming atmosphere, same amenities of the Savoy with restaurants that have a bar within the walls. For the budget minded type there is always the Backpackers Hotel among many other suitable hotels.
Bern's nightlife is a plus; it's surprisingly vibrant with live music (classical and contemporary), dance nights, theatre, opera and film. Don't worry about missing out on the good stuff as there are posters all over town that advertise events as well as newspapers that have complete city nightlife listings. Other more exciting places to visit are the Casinoplatz, the Helvetiaplatz museums, an Ogre fountain that shows a man devouring a struggling baby, and the French Church with its beautiful interior. You can enjoy a guided tour in the Bundeshaus (a Federal Assembly building) which takes you through the various chambers, decorated with coats of arms, statues and paintings. To the hill of Gurten there's a kid's play-area, a lavish castle and countryside laced with hiking trials and during the winter you can sky down the snowy slopes.
If you visit during the month of May, you can experience the Bern Grand Prix, it draws crowds on an international level every year. The world famous Bern Grand Prix is more than just another race, it's a prestigious rush of adrenaline where drivers from all over come to compete. The event is a city wide occasion as excitement can be filled throughout the city as shops and markets promote the Grandprix.
The best time to visit is during the summer as you can enjoy the view of the city from a river raft (for the more adventurer type), bus tours or various boat trips on the river. Visit Bern and reveal the hidden mysteries of this majestic land.
Best Places To Visit Switzerland
Because Switzerland is a just a small country, its attractions are near each other and can be reached quite easily. Mountain resorts, lakes, forests, castles, museums, and ancient and modern architecture make this federal republic an excellent tourist destination. With its low crime rate, it is also very safe for tourists.
1.) The Jungfrau Region
The Jungfrau Region offers spectacular scenery to bewitch the eye. The white peaks of three towering mountains?the Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger?contrast with the green valleys and meadows in this Alpine wonderland. Enjoy the fresh mountain air while visiting this place.
2.) Chateau de Chillon, Montreux
The town of Montreux is located in the heart of the Swiss Riviera on the shores of Lake Geneva. Walk by the lakeside and explore the Chillon Castle, or take a tour of the tower, courtyards, dungeons, and rooms of this eleventh-century castle, the most frequently visited historical building in Switzerland where its numerous rooms house weaponry, frescoes, and furniture. The castle can be reached by walking along the lakefront or taking the train or trolley bus.
3.) Fasnacht Spring Carnival, Basel
Be sure to visit Basel, Switzerland's second largest city for the Fasnacht Spring carnival. Its world-famous three-day carnival features participants in colorful costumes and masks parading in the streets. The carnival starts on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, and cafes and bars are open all night as confetti, sweets, and flowers are thrown to the crowd.
4.) Swiss National Park, Zernez
The Swiss Natural Park is 169 square kilometers of mountains and woodland. It is home to a variety of wildlife such as large red deer, chamois, ibexes, and marmots. Walk around its trails and admire its breathtaking views.
5.) Geneva
Hugging the shores of lovely Lake Geneva, this city is the third biggest in the country. You can find the world's tallest fountain, enchanting museums, and fine restaurants here. For those with a turn towards alternative arts, Geneva is a place not to be missed.
6.) The Matterhorn, Zermatt
The most famous peak in the Alps, the Matterhorn in Zermatt stands 4,478 meters high. Mountaineers flock to this town to conquer this technically difficult peak, and Zermatt also offers skiing and beautiful views. There are also non-skiing activities, best restaurants and lots of energetic nightlife for visitors to enjoy.
7.) St. Moritz
A famous playground of the wealthy, St. Moritz is a winter resort which offers skiing and a variety of summer and winter sports as well as mud and mineral baths and mud therapies. Savor caviar and truffles in some of the resorts? fine restaurants or spa treatment at the Health Spa Centre. This town is also known for its active and expensive nightlife.
8.) Mt. Pilatus
Near the lakeside city of Lucerne stands Mt. Pilatus, a 2,120-meter-tall mountain. Tourists can take a cable car to reach its top and enjoy the thrilling view. It is also a great venue for walking with numerous trails, and the visitors here can witness the spectacular scenery of the Swiss Alps.
9.) St. Gallen
An Irish monk founded St. Gallen in 612 AD. What was once a medieval center has now grown into the seventh largest city in Switzerland, and this old town has a lot of picturesque buildings, with carved balconies, colorful murals, and relief statues. The large twin-towered cathedral has remarkable ceiling frescoes and stucco designs.
10.) The Rhine Falls
Situated near the town of Schaffhausen, Europe's largest waterfalls, is a magnificent natural wonder. Near the falls is the medieval castle, Schoss Laufen, which houses a restaurant, a youth hostel, and shops. On Swiss National Day, August 1, the Rhine Falls is host to fantastic display of fireworks which attracts thousands of tourists.
Both Limotek.co.uk & Jonathan Williams are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
