Bern is the Swiss capital. The bear graces its city flags and make a befitting symbol for this historic, German speaking canton. As is the case for most of Switzerland, Bern can be quite expensive to visit.
Never fear: there are ways for the budget conscious traveler to work around the costs. Below are five free things that could make for an excellent and inexpensive day trip to Bern:
1. Zentrum Paul Klee
Paul Klee was born and raised in Bern. The Bernese hail him as their “local son who made good” and he is perhaps Switzerland’s most famous artist. Paul Klee lacked formal training but tirelessly drew from life and the things around them; many of his early works included famous sites that can still be seen in the city today. The two exhibitions at the Zentrum Paul Klee are rather pricey – 14 francs for a student ticket and 16 francs for adults. The center itself however is free and well worth a visit. Designed by the Italian Architect Renzo Piano, it has a unique oscillating shape that blends in with the hills and stands apart from the ordinary rectangular building along the highway. Picturesque fields as a backdrop along the pathway to the museum and you can even stop at Yoko Ono’s Peace Tree where visitor’s can write on a piece of paper and tie their wishes and hopes to it. Inside the center is a Paul Klee gift shop where you can peruse through the postcards and books of his paintings and some creative exhibitions fill the main entranceway. The center stays open past the exhibition closing time, so feel free to linger and have a leisurely look around.
2. Einstein Haus
The English translation of this attraction is simple: Einstein’s House. Einstein lived and worked in Bern for seven years. During that time he at the Patent Office and his sons were born. More importantly, Bern is where Einstein wrote his theory of relativity. His flat on the second floor of Kramgasse No. 49 has been turned into a museum and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum costs 6 Francs for individuals and 4.50 for students, children and senior citizens. If you don’t care to venture inside, part of the fun of the museum and finding it. Hidden amongst modern store fronts selling gourmet chocolates, bedding and fashionable clothes, the museum is so inconspicuous that it can easily be missed. This adds to the authenticity of the feel and you can imagine Einstein quietly living and working amongst his neighbors, unsuspectingly creating one of the world’s most important theories. Just for fun, Einstein’s shirt and tie are framed under glass in the store front and replicas are available for sale inside.
3. The Aare River
The Aar River is longest river within the Swiss borders. It’s a beautiful cobalt blue, with powerful rushing waves. The best way to enjoy it is to walk over it across the bridge and then walk down along the forested park path. Some people row boats, others enjoy a nice coffee, but many take pleasure in just sitting by and hearing the rush of the water. The currents are very strong, so swimming is not advised, but the river makes for a great rest stop on the way back into town.
4. The Munster
Originally the Cathedral of St. Vincent, the Munster is a 15th century historic symbol of the Protestant city. It has the tallest spire in Switzerland. Entrance into the cathedral is free, and it is more than worth a look. Inside there is a fabulous rendition of the last judgment over the entrance portal made with over 200 small figures, the macabre yet beautiful Dance of Death stained glass window pane, and rows of pews for worship. Outside of the church, Münsterplatz plays host to the largest Christmas Bazaar in Bern. The best way to see the Munster is to stumble upon it after wandering through the old medieval streets, taking note of the unique underground shops with cellar doors at street level, looking up at the Zytglogge –a large clock tower with moving puppets and noting all the statues and fountains along the way. There is an anachronistic feel to all of Bern a stroll along the stone paved streets is the best way to experience the feel of the city.
5. The Bärengraben
The bear is the symbol of Bern, as legend has it, a bear was the first animal killed by the founder of the city, Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen. Although the animal met a gruesome end in the story, the Bernese seem to honor its sacrifice. The Bärengraben, or Bear Pits in English, is one of the city’s main tourist attraction. Located next to the Nydeggbrücke bridge, the pits are open from 08.00-17.30 in the summer, 09.00-16.00 in the winter. Admission is free and both black and white bears live in the same dwelling. There are currently plans to expand the pit and make it into a park, Stadt Bern BärenPark.
Photo of Paul Klee Center originally posted by rebeccaypedro
Topic: Top five Monday |
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Tags: budget, Switzerland
About the author
Tiffany is a 24 year old UN intern. Her hobbies include swimming, yoga, traveling and watching far too much TV. She likes having her picture taken with various exotic animals.
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