Yesterday I headed out with a group of other exchange students to the picturesque city of Bern. Although Bern is only the fourth largest city in Switzerland (Zurich is the largest), it is the Swiss capital. However being so small, it's quite unlike any other capital city in that it has a slow and sleepy atmosphere to it.
It only takes around an hour to reach the city by train from Zurich. So it's definitely a trip worth making.
In order to have a tour around the Swiss parliament building, we had to reserve on an early showing meaning that we also had to get up and leave Zurich at a most unreasonable hour. However the tour was surprisingly interesting and the building itself was pretty impressive – although the airport-like security measures meant that I was unable to take any photos of the inside.
The Swiss Parliament building (although it's even more grand when looking at the interior).
After the tour, we had a wander round the city itself, including observing the infamous Zytglogge ('Time Bell' clock tower) chime in twelve o'clock - which to be frank, was quite an anti climax. A large group of tourists had gathered in front of the tower, thus leading me to expect something slightly more spectacular than a couple of figures turning their heads - or moving their hands in time with the bells. After that we enjoyed a 'quick' snack by the cathedral – which involved the ESN rep buying out a couple of bread and cheese market stalls in order to feed us all...
The view from Rosengarten overlooking the old town.
In the evening we then walked up to a rather nice view point over Bern and had a couple of beers before taking the train back home to Zurich. All in all, an enjoyable day in another beautiful Swiss city, which I'd happily recommend to others!
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