You are on page 1of 3

Bern, Switzerland

1. Bern’s Old Town is one of the most charming in all of Switzerland. It’s cobbled
lanes, lined with sandstone arcaded buildings, have changed little in five hundred
years and you’ll be able to explore some of the oldest and most significant
attractions in Bern. The Altstadt is surrounded on three sides by the Aare river,
creating a natural boundary for this historic area. The medieval neighborhood
boasts fountains from the 16th century and arcades from the 15th century. Trams
pass through the Altstadt for a quick view of the river and the most beautiful
fountains and their sculptures, but walking is the best way to admire as many as
possible

2. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Switzerland is the Zyglogge, a 13th


century clock tower found in the heart of Bern’s Altstadt. The clock does far, far
more than just tell you the time. A few minutes before the hour, every hour, a
jester starts drumming and the music begins. When the clock strikes the start of
the hour, characters depicting the king and his bears pop out from the clock and
begin captivating the audience below. This is a treat for kids, but adults will also
appreciate the longevity of this clock and its role in Bern’s history. Look for the
clock’s display that shows the month and even the current zodiac symbol.
3. Although construction began on the Bern Minster all the way back in the 15th
century, the Swiss Reformed Cathedral was only completed in 1893. It is the
tallest cathedral in the city, and even in all of Switzerland. The Gothic
architecture boasts three knaves and an incredible spire that towers over the city.
Arguably the most beautiful aspects of the Bern Minster is the portal with its
detailed depiction of the Last Judgment. While it is a good idea to see the
cathedral up close and tour the interior, some of the best exterior views and
photos come from a vantage point on the bridge known as the
Kirchenfeldbruecke.
4. The Bundeshaus, or the Federal Palace of Switzerland, is where both the
Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council convene. The two wings house
the two branches of government, clearly making the building one of the most
important in the country. Built in the 19th century, the Bundeshaus is a beautiful
structure that also holds the honor of being the seat of one of the world’s very
first modern democracies. When parliament isn’t in session, it is possible to tour
the federal building. Directly in front of the Bundeshaus, look for the fountain
located in the Bundesplatz Square, which is a favorite tourist attraction in Bern.
St. Moritz, Switzerland

1. Winter Sports
The origins of winter tourism in St. Moritz go back to the late 1800s, and
from those first ski runs it has developed into a world-famous modern skiing
metropolis with more than 20 lifts carrying skiers to terrain for all skill levels. The
highest resort in Switzerland, it offers some of the best intermediate terrain with a
number of exceptionally long runs. But skiing isn't the only winter sport here. St.
Moritz offers artificial and natural ice skating rinks, curling, tobogganing, Nordic
skiing, bobsledding, and kite skiing, plus a variety of spectator sports. The
Olympic ski jump and slopes host frequent world ski events, and every year there
are international horse races on the frozen lake as well as winter polo.

2. Corviglia Funicular
From St. Moritz Dorf, a funicular ascends 2.1 kilometers to Corviglia via an
intermediate station at 2,005 meters at Chantarella. Corviglia, at 2,486 meters,
has sweeping alpine views and excellent skiing as well as a restaurant. The lift
carries sightseers and hikers in the summer. From here, a cabin cable car makes
the 10-minute ascent up Piz Nair, with even wider views from its 3,057-meter
elevation. From St. Moritz Bad the Signalbahn serves the Signalkuppe ski area,
at 2,150 meters.
3. St. Moritz Lake
Just as the mountains above St. Moritz draw skiers in the winter, the lake below
is the focus of attention for many summer visitors. About two kilometers from St.
Moritz Dorf on the east side of the lake are hotels with restaurants and cafés,
favorite stops for walkers on the path that follows the entire lake shore. From the
Meierei hotel, it is another kilometer to the Staz Hotel and restaurant on the
eastern shore of Lake Staz. From here, it is an hour's walk on forest paths to
Celerina or the quiet alpine village of Pontresina

4. Hahnesse St mortiz
From St. Moritz Bad, it's an hour-and-a-half easy walk on beautiful forest paths
by way of the 1,920-meter Quellenberg or the 2,002-meter Johannisberg to the
Hahnensee, where there is a restaurant with a terrace for savoring the views.
Another two hours along the slopes of Piz Surlej takes you to the Fuorcla
Surlej, at 2,755 meters, from where there is a breathtaking view of the Bernina
peaks and the Engadine lakes. From Fuorcla Surlej, a 2.5-hour climb brings you
to the 3,451-meter summit of Piz Corvatsch

Zermatt
1. The matterhon
2. gornergratbahn

3. hinterdorf

4. sunnega

You might also like