It's a good idea to keep one day of your entire trip to Switzerland to see the beautiful city of Bern, the capital city.
Since most of the travel itinerary to Switzerland centres around nature and landscapes, the old town of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its beautifully preserved medieval architecture can add another dimension to your trip.
It's a fun outing for kids too since the symbol of Bern is the Bear and there is a small bear park right in the heart of the city centre.
It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Bern from Lucerne. We planned it as a half-day trip after watching the Transport Museum in Lucerne.
The Aare River runs through the city, you can walk along the river. But with kids this was tough, so we boarded a tram.
Trams connect one end of the city to the other. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, then this travel is included in the ticket.
Trams go over bridges, around scenic locales of the Aare River and to the Old Town too.
Things to do in Bern in one day
1. Zytglogge Clock Tower
The clock tower stands tall at 54 meters right in the centre of the Old Town.
There are hordes of tourists thronging the area to hear the clock tower give its signature strike of the hour. Kids and adults alike stand enraptured by this performance. There was a concert going on when we were visiting lending a very lively air to the place.
There is a conducted tour inside the clock tower that involves climbing 130 steps. We gave that a miss. But if you can, then I believe the steps take you to a high terrace from where one can see as far as the peaks of the Bernese Oberland on a clear day.
2. Bear Pit and Bear Park
This is one of the most unusual attractions that I've ever come across in any city. A bear pit with huge bears roaming around right in the heart of a bustling city. If you're travelling with kids, then do not let them miss out on this fun thing.
One can see bears from over a secure fence. It's walking distance from the Old Town.
There is a bear park also nearby. Entry is free. There is a sculpture of a bear walking the tightrope in front of the entrance to the park which is really beautiful.
3. Walk along the River Aare and Old Town
The old town offers ample walking arcades. I believe that Bern has the longest-covered shopping promenade in all of Europe. Along the river, you will also find rows of quaint houses with red roofs, lending a very medieval character to the city.
The beautiful olive green and gold coloured Parliament Building is also located in the Old Town.
To sum up, a day trip to Bern will give you a rare insight into the culture of Switzerland and its medieval past. Your kids will be thrilled with the Clock Tower and the Bear Pit. So, well worth a visit!
Travelling with kids to Switzerland? For more fun tips and things to remember, click on the links below -
https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/planning-a-family-vacation-with-kids-to-europe-go-switzerland
1. Day trip to Mount Pilatus
2. Tobogganing at Mt. Pilatus
3. Day trip to Brienz and Interlaken
4. Day trip to Jungfraujoch
https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-jungfraujoch
5. Day trip to Titlis
https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-titlis
6. Day trip to Lugano and Swiss Miniature
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