Old City in Bern, Switzerland

Not much has changed in the old city of Bern. The medieval city center is built upon a hill, shaped by the Aare River. The facades of buildings and its inhabitants are slightly modernized, but there is still that old charm. Founded in the 12th century, the city holds historical remnants, including 15th century arcades and 16th century fountains. The wide streets were built specifically for the market. It is city planning at its finest. The streets are well laid out and there is intrigue to the building facades and roofs.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 28, 2020travel, city, switzerland, swiss, bern, old city, UNESCO, unesco world heritage siteComment

Bear Pit in Bern, Switzerland

Bears have always been native to Bern and it’s said that city owes its name to this wild creature. The bear pit has been revamped to keep bears, and a new section called the BärenPark allows the bears to roam more freely. Current residents are bears Björk and Finn who are mother and father respectively, to cubs Ursina and Berna.

Nature, TravelYafen LiangFebruary 28, 2020travel, nature, bern, switzerland, swiss, barengraben, bear pit, aare river Comment

Walk Along the Aare in Bern, Switzerland

So many old European cities are centered around bodies of water and often, it is rivers. A stroll along the Aare River in Bern, Switzerland does not disappoint. At 288 kilometers, it is the longest river entirely within Switzerland. In the summer, people do jump right in and float along with the currents either by swimming or by raft, seeing Old Town right above them. Those less inclined to get wet can simply take a stroll along the river, soaking in the views.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangFebruary 28, 2020Travel, nature, aare river, aare, bern, switzerland, swissComment

Bird's Eye View in Bern, Switzerland

This view is obtained from the bell tower in the Cathedral of Bern. There are comprehensive 360 degree views, featuring the city scape of Bern, the Aare River, the Bernese Alps, and more. Visitors won’t be disappointed with the panoramic landscape.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 23, 2020travel, city, bern, switzerland, birdseye view, birdseye, view, views, aare river, alps, cathedral, cathedral of bernComment

The Cathedral of Bern in Bern, Switzerland

The Cathedral of Bern, the largest and arguably the most important late gothic building in Switzerland, boasts many architectural wonders and details for the eyes to unravel. As with most old churches, it offers amazing views from the top. Just 312 steps brings you to the top where you can see the Bernese Alps in the distance and the cityscape.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 22, 2020travel, city, bern, switzerland, cathedral, cathedral of bern, belltower, view, views, birdseye, birdseye viewComment

Einstein au Jardin in Bern, Switzerland

An unassuming, tiny little spot in Bern, Einstein au Jardin offers incredible views for the price of a hot coffee or tea. My ginger lemon tea was incredibly fresh and my friend’s cappuccino was exquisitely made.

FoodYafen LiangFebruary 21, 2020food, city, einstein au jardin, bern, switzerland, aare, aare river Comment

Nydeggbrücke in Bern, Switzerland

Crossing over the Aare River, Nydeggbrücke is a bridge that connects the old part of town to the new and is considered a Swiss Heritage Site. The views of the winding streets of idyllic Old Town are fantastic and is reminiscent of scenes from old fairytales.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 14, 2020travel, city, old town, switzerland, bern, nydeggbrucke, bridge, scenic, swiss, barengraben, bear pit, aare, aare river, river, untertorbrucke, heritageComment

Street Views in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich’s rich history dates back to the Roman times, reported to be 15 BC. From lake-side settlements to Frankish rule with great church influence in the middle ages, to a free city in the 12th century to a revolution in the 18th century, Zürich is now a cosmopolitan city that has managed to retain much of its old charm.

City, TravelYafen LiangFebruary 11, 2020city, travel, zurich, switzerland, limmat river, limmat, swiss, history Comment

Lindenhofplatz in Zürich, Switzerland

Lindenhof is an old neighborhood in Zürich, Switzerland with winding roads to a top of a hill. Steeped in rich history, it was once where Charlemagne’s grandson decided to build a palace. There, a quiet park called Lindenhofplatz boasts beautiful views of the Old Town, Grossmünster Church, City Hall, the Limmat river, the university and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

City, TravelYafen LiangFebruary 11, 2020city, travel, switzerland, zurich, old town, lindenhof, lindenhofplatz, limmat river, limmat, viewComment