Tanya loves Bern forever

Europe » Switzerland » North-West » Berne
February 20th 2011

Published: March 3rd 2011

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Tan M

Streets of Bern

I arrived in Bern and instantly fell in love with the city it is so beautiful! I left the train station by a side exit (I’m still not sure how I managed this) and realised as I stood on the street that it was not looking anything like the map in my guide book. I must have had a look of confusion on my face because before I knew it a lady was by my side asking if she could help me. Not one to waste an opportunity, I accepted her offer of help and she was instantly excited to be helping me by showing me on the map where I was, what tram I could take if I didn’t feel like walking the short distance to my hostel and then to ensure that I was okay proceeded to walk me down the street to make sure I headed in the right direction – how fantastic is that?? After thanking her I walked away still amazed at the kindness of a stranger.

I walked to the hostel, which was about 10mins from the station (15mins the first time takes into consideration the small little detour I made my mistake) and

Overlooking the River Aare

located in the old part of town. Leaving my bags I left the hostel to begin exploring Bern which has a great tram system that navigates the town. Bern has lovely undercover arcades that are hundreds of years old and many shops reside in bunkers underground - very trendy! Bern feels like a very lively, friendly city and I had such a great first impression that I immediately decided that two nights would not be enough and extended my stay for another night.

Day two I got up early and headed through Old Town to the Baregraben - the bear pit- to see the four brown bears that live in the centre of town! When Bern was founded by Berchtold V in 1191, the city was named for the poor little bear that was his first hunting victim. I am told that one of the bears has been living there for approximately 30 years. I arrived at the great big bear pit and saw one of the bears happily camped out on some straw and he looked as if he had no intention of moving. Walking down to the front of the enclosure I spotted another three bears rising

Bern

for the morning. It was lovely and peaceful watching the bears play, however by the time I left several tour buses had arrived and the platforms overlooking the bear pit suddenly became very crowded. Walking back through Old Town I wandered around the streets and bridges taking in the pretty views.

On day 3 I decided that I would travel across to Lucerne for a day trip to see, what is described by some as, the most beautiful lake in Switzerland. I had been advised by a staff member at the train station to take the "slower train" which would take me through some picturesque locations of Switzerland and I was not disappointed. The views were just amazing and I ended up catching the same train back to Bern that evening. In Lucerne I followed the tourist map which had a great walking trail which took me all around the town and along the old city wall. The weather was simply beautiful with the sun shining brightly, however it was quite hazy over the lake so I was unable to see it in it's full glory.

The following morning I left for Zurich, a city that I had

Look closely, there's a bear in there

always envisaged as really hip and happening. I don't know if it was because I had left Bern which I had really loved, or if it was because I was starting to get sick, but I really was not excited by Zurich. The city, was once again, a beautiful European city with bridges, churches, walkways and more on display, however it just seemed to lack the charm that others have had. I ended up staying just the one night before heading off to Salzburg to try my best Maria impersonation!!

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