Lonely_Planet_Asia_February_2017

SWITZERLAND

BERN

There’s a Bernese saying that goes,

“Switzerland has watches but Bern has the

time.” The words ring true, especially for

many of us who live in capital cities like

Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and sport

Swiss-movement watches on our arms. The

laid-back nature of the Bernese and

cobblestone city centre are far from the

makings of a capital, yet Bern is the capital

of Switzerland and a UNESCO World

Heritage Site as well.

The Old Town of Bern is a great

introduction to Switzerland that will

quickly get travellers acquainted with this

The Aare River

surrounds the

provincial town of Bern

laid-back lifestyle. Take in a full view of the

city from the Rose Garden that blooms 223

rose varieties in spring for unrivalled views

of Bern. Framed by the Aare River, the

medieval town has a 6km-arcade of

sandstone facades punctuated by

Renaissance stone fountains topped with

colourful effigies (from which pure and

potable spring water flows from). While

Bern has an exceptional public transport

system, it is best to explore the city on foot

to uncover the city’s secrets, such as the

many vaulted cellars that line the streets.

Used in the middle ages to keep goods at a

cool temperature in summer and winter,

many of the vaulted cellars have now been

converted into shops, cafes and even

galleries, giving visitors a whole new world

to explore underground.

Travelling on foot will also bring you to

prominent landmarks in Bern. As Bern is

the seat of Switzerland’s government, a visit

to the Federal Palace of Switzerland

(Houses of Parliament) is a must in the

world’s oldest neutral country. An

outstanding symbol of politics to all

nations, Bern’s take on governance is to

allow visitors to see focal points of the

buildings, and follow the debates from

public galleries when parliament is sitting

SWITZERLAND

There’s a Bernese saying that goes,

“Switzerland has watches but Bern has the time.”

PHOTOGRAPHS: COPYRIGHT, BERN TOURISM