Bern | The Most Relaxed Moment Was Washing Feet in the Aare River

💦 To start with: We chose Switzerland for our honeymoon—a 12-day deep dive (oops, 11 days? Who’s counting?) into this alpine paradise. Here, I’ll share my raw, personal travel diary and practical tips for fellow free spirits planning a similar adventure [cheerful]. Getting There & Staying: A Mix of Chaos & Charm Our journey began in Geneva, where we touched down via China Eastern’s brand-new direct flight from Shanghai (July 7 local time—perfect for jet lag adjustment!). Since Geneva’s main sights felt too crowded for our “slow travel” vibe, we headed straight to Bern, Switzerland’s understated capital. 🚉 Train Tips: Bern’s trains have strict first/second class divisions—don’t mix them up! We nearly got kicked off (or worse, fined!) because of a last-minute ticket mix-up, but our conductor was so nice (maybe he took pity on our confused tourist faces…). Phew—we survived, and even scored a sneaky first-class photo to prove it [grateful]. 🏨 Accommodation: We opted for a hotel a few bus stops from the station—quieter, greener, and way better value than downtown spots. It was the perfect intro to Bern’s “chill” lifestyle. Day 1? A masterclass in navigating public transport (and embracing chaos!). Exploring Bern: Slow, Sweet, & Slightly Chaotic 1️⃣ Rosengarten (Rose Garden) 🌹 Perched high above the city, this garden is the spot for panoramic views of the Aare River winding through Bern’s red rooftops. We took the steep path down, laughing at tourists huffing and puffing their way up—total genius move to start our adventure here (if I do say so myself). 2️⃣ Old Town Stroll with a Side of Surprise 🏮 Our plan? A leisurely old town walk. But Bern had other ideas—there was a parade (turns out, “that’s just Bern,” as our hotel clerk said). We ignored the warnings about disrupted bus routes, only to realize too late… and ended up hiking that epic hill anyway. Classic Bern: unpredictable, but always worth it. 3️⃣ Zytglogge Clock Tower ⏰ This 13th-century icon is magic—every hour, mechanical figures pop out, chime, and even… crow like a rooster? (Yes, really.) We stood there, grinning like kids, as the crowd cheered. Pro tip: Arrive 5 mins early for the best view of the “show”! 4️⃣ Fountain Fun & Swiss Parenting Lessons ⛲️ Bern’s public fountains are legendary. At one, we watched a toddler teeter on the edge—no one batted an eye. Turns out, Swiss parents trust their kids (and the fountains’ shallow depths) to play safely. We followed suit, letting our inner kids splash and laugh. 5️⃣ Einstein’s Humble Abode 🧠 Tucked on Kramgasse 49, Einstein’s former home is a tiny museum packed with his desk, chalkboard (half-written equations included!), and personal trinkets. We felt like we were stepping into his world—even bumping into a Black man who asked, “Is he still here?” (Spoiler: Maybe in spirit… and in fridge magnets!) 6️⃣ Bear Park & Aare River Bliss 🐻💦 The pièce de résistance: Bear Park, nestled by the Aare River. We waited until sunset (bears are napping in the heat—smart!), then joined locals for a barefoot dip. The water was warm, the current gentle, and everyone was just… happy. No phones, no rush—just pure, unfiltered joy. This? This is why I travel. Bern isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about living. From the chaos of missed buses to the serenity of river dips, it’s a city that wraps you in warmth. And that moment, washing feet with strangers under the golden sun? That’s the heart of Switzerland. Honeymooners, free travelers, or anyone craving slow magic—Bern will steal your heart. Just… maybe pack extra snacks for those hill hikes. 😉 #Switzerland #SwitzerlandTravelTips #Bern #HoneymoonTravel #RelaxedTravel #TravelDiary #AareRiverMagic