Bern

Bern, the Swiss federal capital, lies about 160 km northeast of Geneva and is reached in around one hour fifty minutes by direct SBB intercity train, with departures roughly every 30 minutes and a fare of about CHF 50 each way. The medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on a peninsula in a bend of the Aare river and is compact enough to explore on foot from the station. Its main street, running through Marktgasse, Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse, is lined with sandstone buildings, six kilometres of covered arcades, and 11 decorated fountains from the 16th century. The Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower with an astronomical clock, performs its figures at four minutes before each hour, drawing crowds. Nearby, the Bern Minster has the tallest cathedral spire in Switzerland, and its tower offers views over the rooftops. The Bärenpark beside the river keeps bears in a landscaped habitat, and the Rosengarten on the hill above has a view across the old town and hundreds of rose varieties in summer. The Federal Palace, home to the Swiss parliament, can be visited on guided tours when parliament is not in session. A workable plan is to take an early train, walk the Old Town to the Zytglogge and the minster, cross the Nydegg Bridge to the Bärenpark, climb to the Rosengarten for lunch or a picnic, and return in the evening. In summer, many locals swim in the Aare, and the river walk is a popular alternative. Markets take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays on the Bundesplatz. April to October gives pleasant walking weather, while the Christmas markets in December add another busy season. Total costs of CHF 90-140 cover transport, lunch and any museum entries. A Swiss Half Fare Card reduces rail costs for visitors making several trips.