Day Itinerary
15 Activities
Day 1
166 mi3 mi
From Pasteur to Einstein, From One Genius to Another
Today you will enjoy a bath of history by the hands of two geniuses: Louis Pasteur and Albert Einstein. Both have something in common: they have revolutionized their fields of research with their discoveries. You will be in their homes, you´ll know how they lived, and see many curiosities that belonged to them.
You´ll wander through landscapes and gardens with beautiful views in France, then you´ll cross the border to Switzerland to reach Bern and discover that this amazing city hides many curiosities worthy of being discovered.
You´ll wander through landscapes and gardens with beautiful views in France, then you´ll cross the border to Switzerland to reach Bern and discover that this amazing city hides many curiosities worthy of being discovered.
32.2 mi
50 min
09:5530 min
Chevannes Garden
Park
Open Details
This beautiful garden is located in Dole, the city where the famous French scientist Louis Pasteur was born.
This green space with beautiful views of the canal, was created in 1998 over part of the old wall from the 16th century. It is divided into two parts, on one side, the longer one, dominated by trees, and a smaller one with different varieties of plants.
Undoubtedly the protagonist of this place are the beautiful views of the village of Dole and the Tanneus canal.
Nearby (a few meters walking) is the birthplace of Louis Pasteur and can be visited, it takes very little time because it is small and is ideal if you travel with children.
The house is open daily From February to April and October to November : 14:00 — 18:00 h. From May to September : 9:30 — 12:30 and 14:00 — 18:00 h.
For more information about the Louis Pasteur house
This is the location of the nearest parking to leave the car and visit the garden
This green space with beautiful views of the canal, was created in 1998 over part of the old wall from the 16th century. It is divided into two parts, on one side, the longer one, dominated by trees, and a smaller one with different varieties of plants.
Undoubtedly the protagonist of this place are the beautiful views of the village of Dole and the Tanneus canal.
Nearby (a few meters walking) is the birthplace of Louis Pasteur and can be visited, it takes very little time because it is small and is ideal if you travel with children.
The house is open daily From February to April and October to November : 14:00 — 18:00 h. From May to September : 9:30 — 12:30 and 14:00 — 18:00 h.
For more information about the Louis Pasteur house
This is the location of the nearest parking to leave the car and visit the garden
20.7 mi
40 min
11:0530 min
House of Louis Pasteur
Museum
Open Details
We continue on our route following in the footsteps of Louis Pasteur.
You will visit the house where he lived most of his life and the only house that belonged to him.
The most impressive thing is that everything is preserved exactly as the great scientist left it, you can see his laboratory, his furniture, everything retains his essence.
The house can be seen on a self-guided tour. Here you have an audio of the guided tour to visit the house
For more information click here
The house is open daily From February to April and October to November: 14:00 — 18:00 h. From May to September : 9:30 — 12:30 and 14:00 — 18:00 h. July and August : 9:30 to 18:00h (open throughout the day).
There´s a parking lot right in front of the house.
The house can be seen on a self-guided tour. Here you have an audio of the guided tour to visit the house
For more information click here
The house is open daily From February to April and October to November: 14:00 — 18:00 h. From May to September : 9:30 — 12:30 and 14:00 — 18:00 h. July and August : 9:30 to 18:00h (open throughout the day).
There´s a parking lot right in front of the house.
27.3 mi
50 min
12:2510 min
Lac de Bouverans
Landmark
Open Details
This beautiful lake, that freezes over in winter, will be ideal to make a stop on the road. You can leave the car here and walk along a short stretch of its wooden walkway to a platform where you can enjoy birdwatching and landscape observation.
33.1 mi
1 hr
13:3545 min
Auberge Communale
Restaurant
Open Details
This beautiful restaurant with a large terrace will be a necessary and very cosy stop on the way. Its varied menu and friendly atmosphere will restore you to continue the journey.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 - 15:00 and 17:30 - 23:00 h. Sunday : 10:00 - 17:00 h. Monday : Closed
For more information or reserves
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 - 15:00 and 17:30 - 23:00 h. Sunday : 10:00 - 17:00 h. Monday : Closed
For more information or reserves
52 mi
1 hr
15:201 min
City Hall Parking Amag Bern
Parking
Open Details
It´s recommended to leave the car here as the most beautiful parts of Bern are best enjoyed on foot.
0.2 mi
5 min
15:3045 min
Einstein House
Museum
Open Details
From the 7 years that Albert Einstein lived in Berna, he spent 2 years living in this house, with his family.
Here you´ll see how this house was furnished and decorated when genius inhabited it. You´ll be able to appreciate curious manuscripts, important documents and photographs of his.
It´s a must-visit to learn a little more about the life of one of the most intelligent men who has ever existed.
The house opens daily from Ferbruary 1st to December the 20th. From Monday to Sunday: 11:00 to 16:00 h. (last entry 15:45 h.) From May 1st on: 10:00 to 17:00 h. (last entry 16:45 h.) Closed from December 21st (Christmas)
For entrance fee information please click here
Here you´ll see how this house was furnished and decorated when genius inhabited it. You´ll be able to appreciate curious manuscripts, important documents and photographs of his.
It´s a must-visit to learn a little more about the life of one of the most intelligent men who has ever existed.
The house opens daily from Ferbruary 1st to December the 20th. From Monday to Sunday: 11:00 to 16:00 h. (last entry 15:45 h.) From May 1st on: 10:00 to 17:00 h. (last entry 16:45 h.) Closed from December 21st (Christmas)
For entrance fee information please click here
0.6 mi
15 min
16:4515 min
Klösterli Weincafe
Restaurant
Open Details
A small but very pleasant and cozy place to sit and rest for a while and have a good coffee or a glass of select wine.
0.4 mi
10 min
17:1015 min
Bern Rose Garden
Landmark
Open Details
A must-see in Bern is undoubtedly the Rose Garden. In this park, situated on the hill, you will not only find more than 200 varieties of roses and other flowers, but you´ll also enjoy wonderful views of the red roofs of the medieval city and the meander formed by the Aare River as it passes through this beautiful city.
0.9 mi
20 min
17:4515 min
Zytglogge
Landmark
Open Details
What time is it?
This famous tower began its construction in 1191 and was completed in 1256. It was the first western gate the city had. After the fire of 1405 it served as a prison for prostitutes and later as an observation tower. Finally in 1530 this magnificent astronomical clock was installed, which begins to move its characters 3 minutes before each hour, attracting tourists not to miss the show.
Hurry up! Don't miss it!
0.1 mi
5 min
18:0510 min
Kindlifresserbrunnen
Landmark
Open Details
Have you been good?
Bern's child-eating statue has been terrorizing children since its construction in 1546. It is one of Bern's oldest fountains and the true intention of its statue is unknown.
There are 3 theories: One theory, the most disgusting, is that it was built as a warning to Bern's Jewish community, since the statue's hat is very similar to the ones Jews were forced to wear at that time.
Another theory is that this ogre is the representation of the titan Cronus, who according to Greek mythology, eats his children so they do not usurp his throne.
The last theory holds that it is the older brother of Bertoldo V of Zährigen, founder of the city, who out of jealousy of having been eclipsed by his younger brother went mad and this led him to eat the children of the city. Most likely the sculpture was simply a way of reminding the children of Bern to behave themselves.
There are 3 theories: One theory, the most disgusting, is that it was built as a warning to Bern's Jewish community, since the statue's hat is very similar to the ones Jews were forced to wear at that time.
Another theory is that this ogre is the representation of the titan Cronus, who according to Greek mythology, eats his children so they do not usurp his throne.
The last theory holds that it is the older brother of Bertoldo V of Zährigen, founder of the city, who out of jealousy of having been eclipsed by his younger brother went mad and this led him to eat the children of the city. Most likely the sculpture was simply a way of reminding the children of Bern to behave themselves.
0.3 mi
5 min
18:2015 min
Kramgasse
Landmark
Open Details
The capital of a country is usually associated with a large metropolis, but Bern provides the sensation of being in a peaceful and not so crowded city on the outskirts.
According to tradition, the city is so named because Duke Bertoldo V of Zähringen hunted a bear in the area while he was looking for a place to settle the city. That is why the figure of the bear (Bär in German) has been associated with this city since its foundation in 1191.
The Zähringerbrunnen, a famous fountain with a bear wearing armor, was built in 1535 as a monument to its founder.
Most of Bern's fountains are more than 450 years old, and together with the Old Town they have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These fountains were originally built to supply the city with potable water, to water the animals and some were also used for washing clothes. They were places for social gatherings, where people could get informed about events and rumors. Today they are still the preferred meeting point for locals to get together.
According to tradition, the city is so named because Duke Bertoldo V of Zähringen hunted a bear in the area while he was looking for a place to settle the city. That is why the figure of the bear (Bär in German) has been associated with this city since its foundation in 1191.
The Zähringerbrunnen, a famous fountain with a bear wearing armor, was built in 1535 as a monument to its founder.
Most of Bern's fountains are more than 450 years old, and together with the Old Town they have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These fountains were originally built to supply the city with potable water, to water the animals and some were also used for washing clothes. They were places for social gatherings, where people could get informed about events and rumors. Today they are still the preferred meeting point for locals to get together.
0.2 mi
5 min
18:5515 min
Gerechtigkeitsgasse
Landmark
Open Details
The medieval city of Bern has one of the largest covered shopping streets in Europe. After the great fire of 1405 the city was rebuilt in stone and still retains the original layout of that period.
Some of the oldest buildings in the city are located in this area.
A curious fact? Many houses have on their facades represented the activity to which their owners were dedicated. Do you dare to find them?
Also, under one of these arcades, you will find the oldest pharmacy in all Switzerland, dating from 1571.
A curious fact? Many houses have on their facades represented the activity to which their owners were dedicated. Do you dare to find them?
Also, under one of these arcades, you will find the oldest pharmacy in all Switzerland, dating from 1571.
0.2 mi
5 min
19:1530 min
Münsterplattform
Park
Open Details
From this platform you can see a dreamlike sunset while overlooking the Aare River. It is an ideal place to stop time for a moment and let yourself go.
You can access this platform by climbing the stairs or by elevator.
On the way down you can stop to appreciate the Cathedral which is the tallest religious building in Switzerland, it was completed in 1893. In its main entrance you will see an original artwork of the 15th century representing the Last Judgment with 294 sculptures, where the damned ones occupy the left half of the scene and the redeemed the right part.
In front of the cathedral, in the Münsterplatz, you will see a fountain dedicated to Moses holding the 10 commandments and pointing to the second one ( reminding one of the basic principles of the Protestant Reformation that forbids idolatry).
You can access this platform by climbing the stairs or by elevator.
On the way down you can stop to appreciate the Cathedral which is the tallest religious building in Switzerland, it was completed in 1893. In its main entrance you will see an original artwork of the 15th century representing the Last Judgment with 294 sculptures, where the damned ones occupy the left half of the scene and the redeemed the right part.
In front of the cathedral, in the Münsterplatz, you will see a fountain dedicated to Moses holding the 10 commandments and pointing to the second one ( reminding one of the basic principles of the Protestant Reformation that forbids idolatry).
0.2 mi
5 min
20:101 hr
Brasserie Au Trappiste
Restaurant
Open Details
A restaurant with a medieval air that will captivate you. Ideal for ending a perfect day in this city so full of charm and art.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 18:00 to 23:30 h Sunday and Monday closed. For reservations: +41 31 311 30 66
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 18:00 to 23:30 h Sunday and Monday closed. For reservations: +41 31 311 30 66
1.2 mi
10 min
22:0010 hrsHotels
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
9.1
This is a beautiful hotel, very comfortable and well located
You can take the car out of the parking lot and bring it here to leave the following day directly from the hotel, since it has its own parking area for customers.
It´s recommended to book a room in advance.
It´s recommended to book a room in advance.