Switzerland Day 6: Interlaken, Bern & Thun

10 June 2024

SWITZERLAND DAY 6: EXPLORING INTERLAKEN, BERN & THUN

On my sixth day in Switzerland, I embarked on a delightful journey exploring picturesque Interlaken and the historic city of Bern, followed by the charming town of Thun. Here's a recap of the places I visited and the memories I made.

HOHEMATTE PARK

I started the day with a peaceful walk through Hohematte Park in Interlaken. The lush greenery and vibrant flowerbeds were complemented by the views of the Jungfrau mountain in the distance. It felt like the perfect place to unwind, with locals and visitors strolling. It was raining in the morning, or it would probably be great to sit on the benches and soak in the morning sun.

The Grand Tour of Switzerland photo frame at Hohematte Interlaken.

A serene stroll through Hohematte Park.

Vibrant red flowers line the pathway in Hohematte Park.

EXPLORING THE CAPITAL: BERN

Next, I made my way to Bern, Switzerland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its charming streets, I was immediately captivated by the blend of medieval architecture and lively city vibes.

The charming streets of Bern – lined with historic buildings, arcades, and Swiss and Bernese flags, this lively street captures the essence of Bern’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bern’s ornate fountains – one of Bern’s many stunning Renaissance fountains, this intricately carved statue stands tall in the heart of the Old Town.

There are many intriguing statues in Bern’s Old Town, which add a touch of historical and mythical charm to the city’s streets.

One of Bern’s iconic fountains, featuring a regal knight atop a lion, standing proudly in front of the Konservatorium für Musik.

A hidden gem on the pavement—this colourful floral artwork transforms a simple crack into a miniature masterpiece, adding a splash of creativity to the streets.

ZYTGLOGGE CLOCK TOWER

One of the first landmarks I visited was the Zytglogge Clock Tower, an iconic 13th-century astronomical clock that has stood the test of time. Watching the intricate figurines move as the clock struck the hour felt like witnessing a moment of history unfold before my eyes.

The iconic Zytglogge Clock Tower.

A masterpiece of Swiss engineering, Bern’s famous 13th-century astronomical clock continues to captivate visitors with its intricate details and moving figurines.

EINSTEIN HOUSE & CAFÉ

Strolling along the cobbled streets, I passed by the Einstein House, the former residence of Albert Einstein during his time in Bern. It was here that he formulated his groundbreaking Theory of Relativity. Due to time constraints, I couldn’t explore the interior, but I would love to return someday to visit the adjacent Einstein Café, sipping on coffee while imagining the brilliant physicist at work in the same neighbourhood.

The historic Einstein House.

Einstein Café & House.

NYDEGGBRÜCKE & BEAR PIT

From the Einstein House, I made my way to the Nydeggbrücke, a bridge offering a view of Bern's old town and the Aare River. Just beyond the bridge lay the Bear Pit (Bärengraben), home to Bern’s beloved bears. Watching these magnificent creatures roam their habitat was a charming and uniquely Bernese experience.

Scenic views from Nydeggbrücke.

Metal cutout near the entrance of Bear Pit.

Meet Finn, the water-loving Bear 🐻.

A brown bear roams its habitat at the Bear Park.

PARLIAMENT BUILDING

Continuing my exploration, I arrived at the grand Parliament Building (Bundeshaus). This impressive structure, symbolising Swiss democracy, dominates the cityscape with its stately architecture. The open plaza in front offered stunning views of the city, and I couldn’t help but admire how Bern seamlessly blends historical grandeur with modern governance.

Swiss Parliament Building in Bern.

Close-up of the Swiss Parliament dome.

A SHORT GETAWAY TO THUN

In the afternoon, I made my way to Thun, a picturesque town nestled along the Aare River and overlooking Lake Thun.

A little random, but I miss this potato salad!

Colourful flowers line the railings along the Aare River, adding charm to the already picturesque scenery of Thun’s waterfront.

Two elegant red-crested pochards gracefully glide across the waters.

FLUSSWELLE THUN

While wandering along the riverbanks, I stumbled upon Flusswelle Thun, an artificial wave where surfers challenge the river’s current. Unfortunately, due to the rainy weather, I didn’t spot any surfers, but I could imagine the thrill of watching them ride the waves in the heart of this charming town.

The iconic wooden bridge of Thun.

This charming covered bridge in Thun is adorned with flower boxes.

Inside Thun’s covered bridge.

SCHLOSS THUN

I then visited Schloss Thun, a medieval castle perched on a hill. The castle's museum showcased Thun's rich history, while the panoramic views of the town and Lake Thun from the towers were breathtaking.

The fairytale Schloss Thun.

ASPEN ALPIN LIFESTYLE HOTEL

For the remainder of the day, I made my way to Grindelwald, where I had the pleasure of staying at Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel, a charming alpine-style retreat nestled in the Swiss Alps. With its breathtaking mountain views, warm hospitality, and a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, this hotel provided an ideal sanctuary after a long day of exploration.

Tucked away in a tranquil location just outside the bustling centre of Grindelwald, Hotel Aspen offers a peaceful escape with unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks The hotel is slightly more secluded, making it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while still being a short drive or bus ride away from the main town. One convenient perk was the complimentary transport service provided by the hotel—a pickup from Grindelwald train station upon arrival and a return transfer on the last day, making the journey seamless and stress-free.

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel in Grindelwald exudes rustic charm and modern luxury. With its warm wooden chalet design, breathtaking mountain views, and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility and adventure. The adorable bear sculpture at the entrance adds a whimsical touch, welcoming guests to a truly alpine experience! 🐻❄️

My room was a delightful blend of traditional alpine decor and contemporary elegance. The wood-panelled interiors, plush bedding, and a private terrace overlooking the iconic Eiger Mountain made for an unforgettable stay. However, one drawback during my stay was the unexpected number of flies in the room, likely due to the summer season and the nearby grazing cows. It did get frustrating at times, especially when trying to relax or sleep. I’ll admit—I resorted to using the bedroom slippers to swat at them all!

My beautifully designed room featuring warm wooden interiors, soft lighting, and plush bedding, creating the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The private terrace opens up to a serene view, making it an ideal spot to relax and soak in the fresh mountain air. 🌿✨

The private terrace of my room at Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel is a perfect spot to enjoy a hot drink and snack while taking in the crisp mountain air.

A postcard-perfect view from my room, overlooking the lush green valley and towering peaks of the Swiss Alps. Waking up to this sight every morning felt like a dream!

However, one drawback during my stay was the unexpected number of flies in the room, likely due to the summer season and the nearby grazing cows. It did get frustrating at times, especially when trying to relax or sleep. I’ll admit—I had to resort to using the bedroom slippers to swat at them all.

As the day winds down, the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps stand tall, partially cloaked in drifting clouds. This peaceful countryside scene from the hotel captures the essence of Swiss rural charm, with rustic wooden huts, rolling green fields, and neatly stacked firewood hinting at a cosy alpine lifestyle.

View from the hotel. Waking up to the sight of snow-capped peaks and breathing in the crisp alpine air was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my stay.

Another standout feature of Hotel Aspen was its restaurant, which served hearty alpine dishes made with fresh local ingredients. I opted for their pasta, and it was absolutely delicious—simple yet flavourful, the perfect comfort food after a long day of adventure. I also had the chocolate lava cake, which was super yummy as well.

A hearty pasta dish at Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel's restaurant, bursting with fresh ingredients and rich flavours. The cosy alpine ambiance, warm lighting, and rustic wooden décor made the dining experience even more delightful.

This beautifully plated chocolate lava cake was the perfect ending to a cosy alpine dinner. Paired with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, and delicate chocolate shards, every bite was a decadent mix of rich, warm chocolate and refreshing fruit flavours.

Address: Aspen 1, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gL4iDZ5unwpXkJek7

Room Type: Deluxe Double Room

Price: $2190.12 (3 nights inclusive of breakfast)

ALL IN ALL...

Day 6 was a mix of historical exploration and natural beauty. From the peaceful greenery of Hohematte Park to the centuries-old landmarks of Bern, and the storybook charm of Thun, every stop along the way left a lasting impression. Whether it was marvelling at an ancient clock tower, crossing scenic bridges, or gazing at the Alpine landscape from a medieval castle, each moment added another unforgettable chapter to my Swiss adventure.

Stay tuned for more as I continue my journey through Grindelwald!