I probably wouldn’t have chosen to go to Switzerland in early in December, especially the area we visited, but Smithsonian Travel added it to a Rhine River Cruise of Christmas Markets so there you have it. 

Off we went.   

We went to Switzerland after the active warmer weather seasons for biking and hiking was over, but before the ski season really got started. Definitely off season. It was a brief trip but interesting. I’m glad we went. 

After we departed the boat in Bonn, we were bused to Bern for a walking tour of this Swiss city—known for chocolate. The city’s name means Bear. We saw evidence of that including the opportunity to sleep at the zoo. 

Located on the Aare River, this city dates to the 1191. I enjoyed views  of the elegant bridge connecting the two sides of the river.  We saw this from the park adjacent to the tallest Cathedral in Switzerland.

Actually it is called a Minster (Münster in German) because it is Protestant. Construction started in 1421, but not completed until 1893.  It started as a Catholic Church, but it became Protestant in the early 1500s in the Reformation.  

 We were not able to inside but I enjoyed the sculptures over the main entrance, depicting what happens if you go to Hell or to Heaven.  A lesson for folks going into worship.  

The other major structure in the town—a focal point—is the huge clock tower with lots of moving parts. Originally part of the wall around the town, it has been chiming for 500 years. It must have been a technological marvel when it was built. It continues to draw attention. 

Yep, there was a Christmas Market although on the modest side compared to what we saw in Germany and in France on the River Cruise.  For more about that go to Christmas Market Towns  or Cruising the Rhine in late November.   Another blog post is Christmas Markets River Cruise.  If you read those three blog posts, you’ll learn a lot about Christmas Markets, maybe more than you want to know. 

We saw other signs of Christmas like these door handles.  

I was quite taken with this jewelry display at the Christmas Market and enjoyed chatting with the owner. She was lovely. At the market it was fun to people watch. I never tire of seeing what people choose to wear. 

This sign caught my eye.  Wonder what the flying teachers are all about.

OF course, we saw chocolate stores. Chocolate is a big deal in Switzerland.  It is one of the things you think of when you think of Switzerland. I understand there are chocolate tours in the area. I’m sorry our tour didn’t include one. I think I’d like to do one next time. 

And as always, reflections caught my eye.  

Next week:  Interlaken.  Last stop in Switzerland and on this trip.