Switzerland - Bern, Bienne

At Zermatt train station in the morning.



On the way from Zermatt to Bern.



Today we will visit Bern which is the capital of Switzerland. Bern is also the capital of the Canton of Bern, the second most populous of Switzerland's cantons. The city was named after a bear that Duke Berchtold V of Zahringen had killed.

Enjoy the Saturday market.



Zytglogge (Bernese German for “Time Bell”), an elaborate medieval clock tower with moving puppets. From 1191 to 1250 the clock tower was the city's western gate, and it was later used as a prison. Its elaborate chimes begin at four minutes before the hour.



The Rathaus, Bern's town hall, dating from the 15th century and with later alterations.



The city's medieval covered shopping promenades



Statue of Samson subduing a lion Fountain



A bare pit. Brown bears have been kept in pits in the far side of the Nydeggbrucke, across the river from the old town's eastern extremity, since the early 16th century.



We plan to go back to the old town center to have lunch, but walking pass this restaurant we all agree to try and see whether the food is delicious as all the rewards it received or not.
Our dish are all delicious and beautifully decorated. Highly recommend if you happen to be in that area.
Restaurant name: Barengraben



The Cathedral is a splendid example of the German-influenced Late Gothic style.




We then walk back to the train station. Passing the Federal Assembly building or Bundeshaus. The building was built in the Neo - Renaissance-style, stands on the the edge of the high ground above the Aare river.



Aare river in Bern



Fine views of the river Aare below and to the Alps beyond.



Local people come to picnic, play chess games or just sit and enjoy the fine view . On clear days the mountains of Berner Oberland with eiger, Monch and Jungfrau are visible on the horizon.

On the way back to Bienne.



Again tonight Khun Kohl hosts the dinner at Ramus, the lakeside restaurant.