The history bucket list

How does the intricate clock mechanism of Bern’s most famous landmark work? What does the tower have to do with Albert Einstein? Who makes sure the Zytglogge rooster crows on time? And what stories are hidden behind the tower’s thick walls? A visit to the centuries-old Zytglogge (Clock Tower) is the perfect activity for fans of technical masterpieces, history buffs, and panorama lovers alike. From inside the tower, visitors have a beautiful and surprising view over Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town.

One could easily mistake the Bernisches Historisches Museum for a castle. However, the impressive building on Helvetiaplatz with its ornate oriels doesn’t house a royal family, but rather one of Switzerland’s most important museums of cultural history. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum focuses on historical and societal issues that are still relevant to the world today in different temporary exhibitions. The history of the museum goes all the way back to 1882, the building on Helvetiaplatz was built in 1894. It has three departments, exhibiting archaeological, cultural-historical and ethnographic collections. The Einstein Museum, which showcases the life story of the world-famous physicist, is also part of the permanent exhibitions.

Communication is a bit like love. We deal with it all the time, yet no one ever really knows how it works. That is why communication in all its shapes and forms is the focus of the Museum of Communication. Have you ever seen the original getaway car from a historic heist, for example? And visitors won’t find any “Please don’t touch” signs here. There are interactive stations, large screens, and people (the communicators) who uncover and explain connections. And in the museum’s future-oriented special exhibitions, visitors are always inspired to think about current societal issues and ask questions.

A grand sandstone building next to Bern’s main station is home to the Berner Generationenhaus (Bern House of Generations). The name says it all: the Generationenhaus includes a retirement home, a day-care centre, a public playground and the parent counselling centre of the canton of Bern. Participatory plays or music projects, exhibitions and events on future-oriented and societal topics take place in this meeting place and cultural microcosm that inspires generations. The House of Generations is open to everyone, be it for a cup of coffee or lunch – you are also allowed to bring your own food.

“‘S isch äben e Mönsch uf Ärde…” – the first line of the Guggisberg-Lied, probably Switzerland’s most well-known folk song. It was first mentioned in 1741, the oldest preserved lyrics are from 1764. And there have been countless new interpretations over the years: Swiss stars such as Stephan Eicher, Steff la Cheffe and Christine Lauterburg have added the song to their repertoire. It is about “Vreneli” (nickname for Verena) from Guggisberg who longs for her beloved “Simes Hans-Joggeli” (Hans-Jakob Simon) and finds consolation in the image of the ever-turning mill wheel. The tragic story behind the song is brought to life at the Vreneli-Museum in Guggisberg, a town in the Gantrisch Nature Park.

Hungry for culinary time travel? At the “Zunfttisch” (Guild Table), the Casino Bern serves gourmets and history fans a menu that perfectly combines infotainment and culinary delights: traditional Bernese dishes from past decades are re-interpreted and spiced up with short documentation, stories and anecdotes. There’s also an audiovisual component in the form of fun animations relating Bern’s history. A unique, multi-sensory journey through time with your employees or customers. If you can’t quite imagine what to expect, take a look at the explanatory video on the website.

Enjoy a sophisticated afternoon tea or a dinner worthy of 14 Gault Millau points in the official guest house of the Swiss Confederation. History has been written here for over 150 years, with guests including personalities such as Winston Churchill and poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Treat yourself to fine dining in the federal city’s grand hotel: traditional British afternoon tea is served in the hotel lobby, the Brasserie Vue offers classic French dishes, and at Noumi, you’ll find international cuisine inspired by food markets from all over the world.

This monument of national importance has been towering on a hill above the Emme river in Burgdorf for some 900 years and underwent a magnificent expansion by the Zähringen people around the year 1200. And it is still being expanded to this day: for three years now, Burgdorf Castle has been housing a modern youth hostel, a restaurant with a beautiful view of the Emmental hills and a fine wine menu, a museum, and a room used for wedding ceremonies – truly a place for dreaming (perhaps of a romantic love story between a fair maiden and a knight?), eating, enjoying, learning, getting married, celebrating, and discovering.