We started in the old town with its windy cobblestone streets, covered arcades, and quaint shops. The architecture in the old town is vibrant and unique. Switzerland did not have to endure the kind of carpet bombing that afflicted most of Europe during WW2, and as a result the country has maintained all of its gorgeous historic architecture. Nowhere is this more apparent than walking around the old town. We did the typical things and got a good photo of the old Clock Tower, checked out a couple of the local shops in the long covered arcades (the longest in Europe), and then headed over to the city’s great Cathedral, Bern Munster.

The Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent is the most impressive late-Gothic building in the city and the largest and most important late medieval church in Switzerland. From the highest church tower in Switzerland you will be rewarded with magnificent views over the city and the snow-covered mountains of the Bernese Oberland.

Then we moved over to check out the Bear Park and Rosengarten. They actually have live bears roaming around a hillside in the city center with virtually no cages or major barriers. There’s a pit that separates them from the city but you feel as if they are right there with you. I absolutely love the Bear Park. And nearby is the local Rosengarten, or rose garden. This lovely park is perched high up on a hill overlooking the city with rows of roses bigger than your hand, and even bigger than your head in some cases. A great view and vibrant flowers makes for a peaceful ambiance.

Afterward we went to check out the Einstein and National History Museum. Housed in a great mansion, this two-in-one museum features the national history of Switzerland with many floors of exhibits, as well as the world’s official Einstein Museum. Albert Einstein actually lived in Bern for a period of his life, and it was here that he did much of his legendary work.

After walking and biking around the old town, we headed for some nature. Nature trails surround the city of Bern, and I was lucky enough to be with someone that knew them well. We biked around the river that runs through the city, around the hilly terrain through wooded trails, and then finally up to the largest hill around the city, the Gurten. The Gurten is really a small mountain, and from here you will have gorgeous views of Bern and the surrounding countryside. Let me tell you having those ‘e-bikes’ for this ride up was a godsend. There are easier ways to get up the mountain but walking or biking is the most rewarding as it makes you feel you’ve earned it…even if you cheat a little with pedal assist bikes. 😊

After the long day of sightseeing and exploring, we capped it off with a nice dinner at a local restaurant. This little place called Lotschberg is one of those restaurants that you must try while in Bern. They have the BEST local Swiss dishes, especially famous for raclette. Many of you probably know of the Swiss fondue the country is known for, but I find less people have heard of the even tastier raclette. Raclette is a Swiss prepared cheese dish, but instead of dipping bread into a sauce pan like fondue you receive melted cheese with spices and roasted potatoes….soooo good I can’t even describe it!

We had a great dinner with my friend and two of his buddies, one of which was working for the Swiss Bank so there was much to discuss. It’s these moments that I find are the most memorable that will stay with me for life. Sharing a special moment with new people from different backgrounds and walks of life stays with you far longer than the attractions you visited and the souvenirs you bought.