Bern houses some interesting attractions that range from Einstein’s house to Kunstmuseum. It is the capital city of Switzerland and is compact and small just like its name. The city offers you a lovely atmosphere, with beautiful views and picture-perfect cobblestone streets.
However, the best attractions sit in the Old Town. The area is primarily only for pedestrians and the distances are quite short. Thus, it is the perfect place for those who like exploring new towns on foot. Continue reading to find out all about the things that you can do in the capital city of Switzerland.
- See the Animals Housed by Tierpark Dählhölzli
Tierpark Dählhölzli is a wooded animal park that opened up in Bern in the year 1937. Back in the day, a visit to this park meant that people would peer into the little cages, made out of wires, at the distressed, exotic animals. Today, the situation is completely different. You can stroll right alongside the leafy River Aare and watch the pelicans in their rock-studded and long lake. Perhaps you can admire the bison roaming around, as you walk through the silver-trunked, graceful beech trees.
Moreover, there are many diverse species of animals for you to check out. The zoo caters to no less than 300 species of animals, ranging from wild boars and wolves to harbor seals and otters. If you are a bird lover, you will especially love watching snowy owls, puffins, as well as the endangered Bali mynas.
You can easily make a family day out at the Tierpark Dählhölzli, especially if you are traveling with children. The location has pony rides, a playground for kids, a riverside café, a smartphone quiz, and face painting!
- Tell the Time at Zytglogge
The English translation of Zytglogge is ‘time-bell’. True to its name, every hour you will see a gilded figure standing at the top of the medieval clocktower of Bern, hitting the original and authentic bronze bell. They use a golden hammer against the 3,000lb bell, which leads to the chiming of a bunch of bright mechanical figures. These include a couple of parading bears, a laughing red jester, a bearded god of time, Chronos, as well as a flapping gold rooster.
The entire show never fails to draw in crowds of locals and tourists alike, to the cobbled square beneath. You can also climb 130 steps to get to the tower and closely admire the astrolabe, which was intricately crafted by Zytglogge. Moreover, the view at the top is incredible. You can take in the old and brightly lit city of Bern and even view the Swiss Alps in the distance.
- Relax by Moossee Lake
Take a train from the main railway station of the city and find yourself in the village of Moosseedorf in ten minutes. Take a walk for five minutes along the Badweg, and you will be standing at the shores of Moossee. It is a beautiful lake, fringed with a golf course and birches.
At the end of the village is Strandbad, a small grass-edged beach, where you can spend a few coins and enjoy a sunny afternoon with your loved ones. You can also play table tennis and take a dive from towers, or swim out to a raft. This is an especially fun place for children since it also has a paddling area and a playground.
Once you are done having fun, feel free to head out to the seasonal café not far away. The parasol-shaded terrace of this eatery offers hefty sausages, chips, flammkuchen topped with onion and bacon, and salad.
- Explore the Scary Kindlifresserbrunnen
Roughly, the name translates to ‘children-gobbler fountain’. The huge figure you see is made out of the tin and wears a belted scarlet tunic, with medieval leggings in bottle green color. It is perched on an ornate column while chewing an infant. The ogre’s bag is also a part of the fountain, which consists of several other children, who may face the same fate.
In addition, you will find four peaceful geranium-ringed fountains, just beneath the circle of carved bears. These fountains, located at the foot of the column, spout into a hexagonal-shaped trough. The busy Kornhausplatz of Bern brims with pavement cafes and trolleybuses, as you explore all the structures of the fountain.
Are you curious about the history behind the Kindlifresserbrunnen? This landmark from the 16th century is said to represent the bitter and jealous older brother of the 12th-century founder of Bern, Berthold V. Whatever the story may be, the fountain is a little scary!
- Discover Other Quirky Fountains of Bern
Bern is home to a handful of peculiar fountains, which were constructed by Hans Gieng, an artist from the 16th century. There are over 100 of his extravagant creations, scattered all over the Old Town. 11 of these fountains have unique allegorical sculptures at their top. From Moses and Justice to Samson in Roman gear, a biblical figure, who is getting ready to kill a lion, these fountains make for some very interesting attractions.
- Climb the Chutzen Tower
After driving for half an hour outside the borders of Bern, you will arrive at the base of the Chutzen hill, littered with pines. Climb the steps built inside the tower, which is made out of steel and Douglas fir, and you will have access to panoramic views of the Swiss Plateau.
Moreover, while traveling along the three-mile-long trail towards the Chutzen, you will have the opportunity to pass through beautiful hills and flat fields. The villages of Freinisberg and Wahlendorf are also located in the vicinity, in case you want to drop by for a visit.
You will agree that Bern is an interesting place and you will not be bored on your trip there. From unique fountains to impressive towers, the architecture of the city is going to leave you stunned. So, what are you waiting for? Fly out to Bern, as soon as you get the chance.
