Miles & More in Switzerland: Day 4

Tourists familiar with Switzerland often struggle to recall its capital city. This is because Bern, the capital, is not as popular a tourist destination as other cities. It lacks breathtaking views and snow-capped mountains, and most visitors spend their time in famous tourist cities or climbing mountains, which, it must be said, are not accessible to everyone due to time constraints or weather conditions. As a result, Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often finds itself at the bottom of the list, with people visiting only when they have nowhere else to go. It has thus become known as the "forgotten capital." But for us, it is not forgotten. Today, let's adjust our mood and embark on a journey to Bern.

The journey began with an uncooperative sky.

Upon entering the Bern area, clear skies await you.

Upon arrival, we parked our car in a lot near the entrance to the old town, intending to walk in and explore. However, before entering, we decided to stop by the BearPark to see the live bears, a symbol of Bern.

Before entering the old city, just look up and you will see this guy first.

Crossing the Nydeggbrucke bridge will lead you into the Old Town district.

The Bear Pit (Bärenplatz), where the bear, the symbol of Bern, once resided, is now empty. Where has it gone?

I came across this sign just now.

Bern is surrounded by the Aare River. This angle is the most beautiful angle of Bern.

Bern: A Captivating City Steeped in History

Nestled amidst rolling hills and embraced by the glistening Aare River, Bern unveils its charm as a picturesque city steeped in history. Its quaint houses adorned with vibrant hues evoke a sense of old-world European charm, reminiscent of the captivating towns of Germany.

Strolling along the cobblestone streets, one is transported back in time, experiencing the city's rich heritage firsthand. The architectural marvels, with their intricate details and timeless elegance, stand as testaments to Bern's enduring legacy.

The sight of a Thai restaurant evokes a sense of inexplicable joy.

A beautiful young woman, radiant and graceful, walks by.

These public fountains provide clean, refreshing drinking water throughout the city.

The architecture and buildings are well preserved.

Bern Minster

A strangely designed car, probably from Germany.

Who could have predicted that our trip to Bern would be so perfectly timed? We stumbled upon the Zibelemärit (Onion Market), a traditional local onion festival held every fourth Monday of November. While we had no prior knowledge of the event, even as seasoned travelers, we were pleasantly surprised. The festive atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with the locals made it an unforgettable experience.

The event takes place in the heart of the city, creating a lively atmosphere. The main street is closed from the train station onwards, or if you walk past the Zytglogge clock tower into the city, it is closed from there. The market is large, with over 100 stalls. Farmers from the surrounding area and the canton of Fribourg bring over 100 tons of onions to sell. In addition to onions, there are also winter vegetables, pastries, and fruits. Farmers create beautiful onion displays, hanging them in bunches or as round bouquets to decorate doorways. People from the city and surrounding areas come together. There are many other onion-based products available, such as onion soup, fresh onions and sausages. The Swiss believe that onions help the body withstand the cold weather in winter and also help prevent colds.

It is said that a must-try during the stroll is a sip of Glühwein to ward off the cold and Zwiebelkuchen, a pizza without tomato sauce, which is a perfect match for the event. We didn't try them because the smell of wine alone made us feel nauseous and dizzy. If we had eaten them, we would have been walking around Bern for a long time.

Another fun aspect is the throwing of colorful paper at each other, similar to the Songkran water festival in Thailand. However, the advantage here is that you don't get wet, which would be quite chilly. The downside is that if you're not careful, you might get some paper in your face or mouth. It's a season of harmless fun, and even tourists like us get involved. I was actually tempted to buy some colorful paper and join in the throwing, but I decided against it. After all, a bag costs around 3 francs, and considering the exchange rate, it's probably more fun to let them throw it at me, don't you think?

Another highlight on our journey together, helping to alleviate the loneliness and homesickness we felt. But time is still on our side, so let's continue our journey to the next city. As adventurous spirits, we must explore to the fullest, not returning until the sun sets...

After enjoying the vibrant colors and dizzying aromas of the Bern Onion Festival in the Swiss capital, we felt the urge to take a deep breath of fresh air. We decided to find a place with open spaces where we could fill our lungs with clean air. After considering our options, we remembered a lakeside town that seemed like the perfect destination. With its fresh, open air, it promised to be the ideal place to breathe deeply. After a short one-and-a-half-hour drive, we arrived in the lakeside city of Geneva.

Let's visit Vevey, a charming small town on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. This medieval town is a significant wine-producing region in Switzerland and home to the headquarters of the food giant Nestle, a name synonymous with the industry.

Vevey is eerily quiet today, devoid of its usual bustling crowds.

Perhaps due to the off-season, the area is devoid of tourists.

A giant 8-meter fork, the symbol of Vevey, was installed in 1995 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Alimentarium Museum.

A statue of Charlie Chaplin stands in front of the Alimentarium: Food Museum.

The weather in Vevey was uncooperative, with a light drizzle that made the already cool air even colder. It was unclear why nature would be so punishing. If the day had been clear, Vevey would have been breathtakingly beautiful, undoubtedly romantically beyond words.

Saint-Jean Tower and Fountain

This concise translation retains the original meaning and structure while adhering to a formal academic style. It avoids personal pronouns, colloquialisms, and unnecessary embellishments.

The biting cold makes daydreaming impossible. No young man would be lost and stumble upon me. Only "Charlie Chaplin" stands waiting. It's no use… Little Mouse has a new destination. Follow us and escape the cold for someplace warm.

After a short walk along the shores of Lake Geneva, we realized we had time to visit another interesting place nearby. We decided to drive there, since we were already in the area and didn't want to miss the opportunity. One of Switzerland's famous castles, Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon), is located on Avenue de Chillon, accessible from both Vevey and Montreux. The castle faces the road on only one side, with Lake Geneva surrounding the remaining sides.

Park your car and walk in this way only.

The path to the castle

We arrived as a group of five, but after discussing, some members decided not to enter and volunteered to wait outside. As a result, only I and another member represented our group and entered the attraction. This decision saved us the entrance fee for three people. However, as representatives, we were tasked with capturing photos and sharing them with the others. So, it wasn't just a casual visit; we had a mission to fulfill.

This is considered the best-preserved medieval castle in Europe. It was made famous by Lord Byron, an English poet and critic, a symbol of Romanticism's dreaminess and pursuit of freedom, who once lived in the dungeon here. If you can't remember who Lord Byron is, think of the character Don Juan, a Spanish man who became a symbol of a womanizer, created by Lord Byron himself.

Originally, Chillon Castle was built as a toll station on the Alps, known as la route d'Italie, or the road to Italy. The front of the castle facing the road is a fortress with three towers, separate from the main building, believed to be the residence of the Count of Savoy. The other side faces the lake, which is quiet and peaceful, and is believed to have been the residence of the prince. The side facing the lake was difficult for enemies to attack by surprise.

The Castle's Intricacies Unveiled

This majestic castle requires an entrance fee, but upon payment, visitors receive a helpful pamphlet outlining the recommended exploration route. The castle's vast and intricate layout necessitates such guidance. The guide meticulously details a numbered sequence ("1-46") for navigating the various chambers, conveniently marked with corresponding arrows and numerals. Following this path proves effortless, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

A leisurely exploration, encompassing both informative and leisurely moments, typically takes around an hour. However, for those seeking a deeper immersion into the castle's history and architectural marvels, a two-hour visit is recommended, allowing ample time for thorough observation and contemplation.

Due to the sheer abundance of captivating details within the castle, this presentation will showcase only a select few images. Consider this a mere appetizer, whetting your appetite for the full feast of visual wonders that await within the castle's walls.

Buy tickets first.

Looking out at the vast expanse of water.

<p><br />  <p style="text-align:center">Prisoner's necklace</p> </p>

The interior passage is both narrow and dark.

Meeting room

Antique wooden chest

This room houses a collection of antique wooden chests for your viewing pleasure.

Bedroom

Kitchen

Mural Exhibition Room

A simple toilet that directly discharges waste into the lake.

Cafeteria

Peering out the window, one is met with a breathtaking vista of endless water and sky.

The castle is completely surrounded by water. There is only one way in and out.

The armor is on display for viewing.

The walkway on the castle wall.

The picturesque beauty of Lake Geneva.

Exit the same way you came in after watching.

The souvenir shop at the front

Walking through the museum without much thought, one might find the atmosphere intriguing and intellectually stimulating. As a historical site, it offers a glimpse into the prevailing social and cultural norms of the past, as evidenced by the artifacts and everyday objects on display. However, engaging in imaginative contemplation, perhaps along the lines of "back to the future," could evoke a sense of unease, particularly in areas showcasing instruments of torture. Contemplating the historical significance of the location and the countless lives lost within its walls could induce a chilling sensation, prompting a hasty retreat.

Today's program is probably over. It will take a considerable amount of time to travel back to our accommodation. Tomorrow, the next program awaits. Even though the weather today is not cooperating, it's okay. We can only hope that tomorrow we will wake up to a clear sky waiting for us…

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