Tips for Visitors
on Seeing the Modern Switzerland ...
from A Swiss
by Thomas Bollinger
Since I wrote the little article on
tips for visitors to Switzerland in 1997 I've had regular
feedback from TWEnJ visitors. I revisited it and it came to my attention that your
appreciation of my hometown Bern doesn't make me completely happy.
One of my concerns is that tourists
come and see in Switzerland the usual cliché stuff. That is ok, but sometimes I wish
people would discover the modern, urban Switzerland (i.e. my Switzerland).
The following tips are for people
that are interested in Bern as a Swiss City and for those that have seen the mountains and
the old town center already - you might enjoy a stay of two more days in Bern very much.
Visiting
Bern now ... and in 2005
Newly opened in the last 2 years:
Architecture: Take the Bus #12 and visit the Uni Tobler. This is the ancient chocolate
plant, where the famous Toblerone has been produced for almost a century. It is now the
award-winning university library and free to visit for everyone.
By the way there is a cute museum
about Toblerone and chocolate surrounding a staircase in a tower at the newly renovated
Kursaal (Casino), Hotel Allegro, which is
also a great place to eat and stay.
Another great place to visit with
kids are the Gurten hill and the Museum of
Communications. Visitors should know that the Swiss Post, Telephone and Telegraph
company (PTT) has had headquarters in Bern from the beginning.
Right next to the famous Bear Pit
is the new Restaurant Tramdepot with the tourist center and a well done multimedia
presentation. Definitely worth a visit if you like home made beer, pretzels and
traditional Swiss food.
The Kornhaus is not only a Design
Museum and a spacious city restaurant, in its basement is the most breathtaking and
comfortable Lounge
you have ever seen.
Few visitors know that from the
university terrace (take the glass elevators from the train station) you have the greatest
view to the Bernese Alps, at least in fine weather. There's a little playground for your
kids too. |
