58802FCH
Bern Walking tour, no inside visits
· In winter and early spring the Brünigpass between Brienz and Lucerne might be closed. Check if you are in doubt. This is, however, very unlikely!
· If you arrive on the overnight train and are staying in Lucerne, remember the hotel is unlikely to be ready before 2pm. This is a good time to get your orientation tour (60 to 90 mins done). If you have arrived on the overnight train don’t rush to Lucerne (Engelberg) – the hotel won’t be ready before 2 pm.
· For Engelberg, coming from Brienz, you do not go through Lucerne. When you reach the N2 turn towards Stans (Gotthard) and take the Engelberg exit. It is a further 20km up the valley.
· When coming from Lucerne (Engelberg) use the second, faster route to see Bern – your visit will also be rather shorter – check the timings if you have a TGV to catch. This can make a visit to Brienz impossible to fit in.
· New from 1 April 2025: a (CHF 100) slot must now be booked by your bus company in advance to allow them to drop off/collect at the two central bus stops in Lucerne (Schwanenplatz and by the Lion Monument). ONE drop off/collection is permitted per day. Fines apply if you try to drop off elsewhere
Bern – visit and lunch stop
Follow signs to city centre and park just up from the Bear pit (Bärengraben). There are toilets here downstairs in the information building. Make a rendezvous for departure, and tell the group if they will be coming back to the bus on their own. If the GL is not comfortable with this, lead the group into town, make a meeting spot for example at the Zytglocke, and walk back to the bears together.
The walking tour should include some time for the Bear Pits and view of old Bern across the river Aare. Then cross the bridge and take the left hand street Junkern Gasse to the Cathedral (Munster) – Open Mon – Sat (Summer) 10.00 – 17.00, (Winter) 12.00 – 16.00.
Sundays open from 11.30am From the Cathedral walk into the central Kramgasse/Marktgasse.
Point out the fountains and the clock tower (Glockenspiel 5 mins. before the hour). Continue to the Bundeshaus (Federal Parliament) and its terraces from which the view is stunning.
Give them free time for lunch.
There is usually a market on the Bärenplatz and lots of banks (with ATMs), cafes and chocolate shops. There are more shops, bakeries etc. on the way back to the bus.
Brienz
Brienz is the woodcarving capital of Switzerland. Two workshops (numbers on Yellow Pages/General Info) do demonstrations lasting about 30 mins. You should call ahead to reserve a visit, groups now pay for this and a view of the museum. Visiting the shop and using toilets is free!
Alternatively you could stop in Interlaken – with no shortage of souvenir shops, cafés, banks etc. These are, however, very similar to those you will find in Lucerne. See Interlaken info on map of where to park. Be aware of major road works in Interlaken that can delay getting to the car park somewhat.