The small city of Interlaken is a pretty popular base camp for outdoor sports and travel to the nearby valleys, mountains and lakes in the Bernese Highlands. In the summer, it is bursting with activities and things to do, but in the winter, it is dead. Since I was in Switzerland around Christmas season (which is pretty much the middle of the Winter season there), visiting Interlaken seems like a weird idea. So, I chose this city as a connection to get to the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch, instead. An early morning trip to Jungfraujoch followed by Berne in the afternoon and evening seemed like a good idea for a day trip from Zurich. Why Berne you may ask. Well, it is the capital of the country and its old town consisting of 4 miles of arcaded walkways along streets decked out with fountains and clock-towers make it stop worthy for visitors. Besides, if you know me, you know how much I love architecture, so the photos of Gothic architecture all over the city sold me in. Not to mention, the holiday lights in Swiss cities and the thought of drinking mulled wine in Christmas markets after a day of freezing temperatures. I am pretty sure I got my money’s worth on Swiss Rail Pass with making these day trips from Zurich.

How long to stay

If you are visiting Interlaken during the summer and are into adventure sports, I would recommend spending a day or two here. If you are using it as a connection to get to Jungfraujoch, half a day is fine. For Berne, a day is good enough to see most of the city.

Getting here and getting around

To get to Interlaken, your best bet would be taking the trains from Zurich. Interlaken is well connected to other major Swiss cities like Geneva, Basel, Berne and Luzern. Keep in mind though that there are 2 train stations serving this city: Interlaken Ost (East) and Interlaken West. If you are visiting the city center, get off at Interlaken West. Make sure to check your train stops at the right station (most trains stop at both and all stop at Interlaken Ost). You can easily cover Interlaken on foot without having to rely on public transportation. To get to Jungfraujoch, you will make use of the mountain railways. Get off at the Interlaken Ost station and take the Harder Kulm funicular.

If you are visiting Berne from other European countries, you have the option of flying in to the Berne airport. Berne is also connected to Zurich and Geneva airports by direct IC trains. If you are taking trains like me, you can take the express trains to Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich, Basel and Geneva. To get around the city, you have the choice of buses and trams. For those staying in a hotel overnight in Berne, you get a free Berne Ticket for the duration of your stay allowing you free travel on public transport in Zones 100/101. The city center is pretty walking friendly though and you can cover most attractions, the main shopping area and the restaurants on foot.

Where to stay

I didn’t spend a night in the city so can’t tell how pricey it was or where can you find budget accommodation. However, for the purpose of sightseeing, you should try to find cheap hotels in the city center area or go for an Airbnb there.

What to buy

Nothing really stands out for things to buy that are made locally there in Berne. If you are looking for Swiss souvenirs, check out my Zurich blog post covering them.

What to see or do

Jungfraujoch

I am pretty sure I will never be able to make it to the top of the World (Mt. Everest) so I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity of being on the top of Europe for sure. To get to Jungfraujoch, you have to take a bunch of different trains but the journey is equally pretty as the destination. From Interlaken Ost, you will take the train to Harden Klum and then switch to another train from Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch. Once you have made this journey of 2 hours, you will be spoilt with choices of things to see or do here.

Alpine Sensation

This is the 250 m long corridor of freezing temperatures connecting the Sphinx hall and the Ice Palace. The exhibit here is dedicated to the miners who lost their lives in getting the Jungfrau Bahn up here so people like you and me can enjoy this experience. At the end of it, there is a giant snow globe that you can pose with.

Ice Palace

You have to see the beautiful treasures in this palace. Art is created here with ice and flair. You will see a frosty world comprising of eagles, penguins and bears looking very natural. Also, admire the aisles and the halls made of ice with art present at every nook and corner.

Sphinx Terrace Observation

There is an ultrafast elevator to take you to the observatory which is an international research station as well. Just soak in all the views from here.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Berne:

Bundeshaus (Federal Palace of Switzerland)

The Swiss Houses of Parliaments building dominates the square and is hard to miss if you are passing by. When the Parliament is not in session, you can go in for a free guided tour. If it is in session, then you can only access spectator ranks for Free.

Zytglogge

The clock tower in the city center is not to be missed. On every hour throughout the day, there is a display of animatronic technology. What is more impressive is that the clock tells you not only the time but the day, month, zodiac sign and phases of the moon. Pretty cool for something that was built in 13^thcentury. If you are into mechanics and want to look at the finer working of the clockwork, you can check out the clock from inside by going for a guided tower for free. Make sure to book the tour at the tourist office.

Church Munster

This impressive church in the old town is definitely worth stopping by. Make sure you admire it from all the sides as it has one of most beautiful doors I have seen in the country.

Gothic fountains

The old town had a lot of Gothic fountains that you will stumble across at a lot of streets and intersection. Make sure you to keep your eyes, ears and camera open.

Marktgasse

Marktgasse lies in the center of 6km long shopping arcades and tram tracks. A great place for an evening stroll.

Bear Park

If you read about Berne’s history then you will come across bears a lot. The bear park has many bear pits, a cave for their hibernation and is connected to the river so that the bear can go for a swim.

Rosengarten

If you want a perfect place for a lunchtime picnic, this is where you want to be. This tiny park offers amazing views of old town.

What to eat

If you are looking for Swiss food recommendations, check out my Zurich blog post covering them in details. There is nothing local to Berne that is worth trying.

 

Have you been to Berne, Interlaken and Jungfraujoch? What were your favorite things to see or do there? Are there any other Swiss cities you recommend I visit next time?