Spring 2024

Bern (Belp) Airport Day 2 - 08 April 2024

08.04 - Cycle into Bern - still at Belp airfield

I was watching Casualty (great to have a UK SIM!), Tintin busy reading about 8pm last night - and a police car drove up right alongside us. We really thought we’d be asked to move on. Thankfully we didn’t have to. There had been a speeding Ferrari and some motorbikes earlier - so maybe looking for them?

Slept well - peaceful 😌

Well - it’s been a busy day. 12 miles cycling and over 14,000 steps.

It was about a 20 minute cycle into the capital of Switzerland - Bern (population c.133,000 - 5th most populated city in Switzerland). The medieval architecture in the old town is from the 12th century. It’s sits alongside the river Aare. The covered arcades cover 3.5 miles - that’s a lot of shops!

The city and canton emblem is bears. Legend has it that the city’s founder pledged to name the city after the first animals he hunted in the woods in 1911. The forest was subsequently chopped down to build Bern. In 1857 Bern’s bears were allocated a special home - this closed in 2009 after its last resident, Pedro was euthanized due to incurable arthritis. The new Bärenpark stretches over 6,000 square metres.

I’m so delighted we went early in the day (went on the way back - they must have been sleeping then) - as we saw three bears. As a Japanese (?) lady asked us - are they making children? Yes they were - for quite a while! Bears spend the winter sleeping in caves. They hibernate on an empty stomach, their heartbeat slows down and their body temperature cools to about 30 degrees Celsius. Depending on climate and food - they can hibernate for up to 7 months - or not at all.

The cycle in was lovely - a proper path, right alongside the River Aare, wasn’t busy either - glad we didn’t go yesterday.

After the highlight of seeing the bears we rode through to the tourist information. First one we’ve found that has been open. Picked up a few more maps and information. Next we locked up our bikes and walked to the clock tower as it was coming up to 11 o’clock. The astronomical clock dates back to 1530. Just before the clock strikes the hour, the mechanical figures are set in motion and the gold man bongs the hour.

Aren’t the Chinese tourists rude! One barged into myself and a German speaking lady next to me when waiting for the clock. I’m glad to say the German lady gave her a mouthful!

Next up, Bern Minster. Work on the three aisled pillared basilica was started in 1421, and the tower completed in 1893. Over the main portal is an intricate sculpture of the Last Judgment. There was lots of scaffolding and work taking place - harsh but fair to say we weren’t blown away. Well, when you’ve seen St Peter’s in Rome - not much can compare 😊

We spent our CHF50 note on ice cream in order to get some change - that’s our excuse - and sticking to it! CHF8 for 2 - homemade - good.

Walked past Einstein’s apartment where he lived from 1903 to 1905 as he worked out the Theory of Relativity.

Was delighted to see a Vivobarefoot shop! Being in Guernsey, all our bare foot shoes have to be bought online - and sizing is quite a challenge. I really wish instead of UK/EU/USA sizing - you just measure the length of your foot and the circumference. It worked back in the day when we bought new shoes for our children, so why change when we become ‘adult’? Anyway - of course the prices were high - it’s Switzerland!

Not really sure why there is a colourful giraffe outside the city theatre!

Tintin was impressed with the size of the diamond drilling bits -hence the quick snapshot.

From there, we found the Dutch Tower. Then the copper domed parliament building. This is where the national parliament meets, built after Bern was declared the capital in 1848.

Basically, large buildings everywhere, lots of architecture - and once again a nice feel to the city.

We found a highly rated place to stop for pizza at lunchtime. Not very salubrious - but really good pizza (CHF18 for both).

We did go into a chocolate shop - certainly didn’t buy anything - was a case of ‘how much?!’ - and sadly no one was offering out the chocolate to try 😉

Went to a Migros (supermarket) before we left, as we only needed a few bits and pieces - easier than taking Dave somewhere. I’m sure we’re going to questioning prices quite a lot. CHF 6.95 for 500g of blueberries to go with our breakfast! In my mind I’m using a rate of parity - whereas in reality was about £5.60 - usually about £4 in M&S! Actually - probably not a very good example…

Glad to see our bikes were still there - bikes are king in Bern - they’re everywhere, lots not even locked up. Maybe crime rate is very low?

Rode up to the Rose garden, has a beautiful view over the old town and River Aare. It has 200+ rose varieties, 200 iris and dozens of rhododendrons - busy with people just enjoying the good weather.