Leaving Geneva, our next stop before heading to Zurich and eventually Italy was Bern. While my dad is set to leave from Zurich, I’m planning to extend my stay in Europe a bit longer before returning to the States.
The train ride from Geneva to Bern, though not the most scenic, offers a quick and reliable connection between two major Swiss cities. Covering approximately 129 kilometers (80 miles), the journey takes between 1 hour 44 minutes and 1 hour 57 minutes, depending on the train. Ticket prices range from CHF 20 to CHF 45 (around USD 22 to 50). The InterCity trains are faster with fewer stops, while the InterRegio trains take a bit longer due to more frequent stops.
We arrived in Bern early on the morning of August 4th, 2021, planning to stay just one day. My main interests were the Aare River, the Einstein House, and the Old Town (Altstadt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Old Town, we visited the Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower with an astronomical clock, and the Bern Cathedral (Münster), the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. Although I couldn’t go to the top of the Cathedral without a companion, the interior was still stunning.
After exploring the Old Town, we headed to the Nydeggbrücke, a historic bridge crossing the Aare River, standing 25 meters (82 feet) tall. Completed in 1844, the bridge connects old Bern with newer areas, offering breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding landscape.
Our final stop in Bern was the Einstein House. Entry is free with the Swiss Rail Pass, otherwise, it costs CHF 7 (about USD 8). Unfortunately, I missed the chance to go inside since I arrived after it closed at 5 PM, but seeing it from the outside was still worthwhile.
Next up, we’re off to Zurich to wrap up our Swiss adventure before heading to Italy.
Cheers!