You will depart from Lausanne, located right in the city center of Lausanne, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the journey while you arrive in Bern Hbf, also located in the heart of Bern.
You will depart from Lausanne, located right in the city center of Lausanne, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the journey while you arrive in Bern Hbf, also located in the heart of Bern.
Lausanne, located on the northern shores of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking canton of Vaud in Switzerland, is the perfect destination for history and culture lovers. Home to the International Olympic Committee, the city is alive with fascinating museums, old churches, and vibrant markets. Here’s a list of the must-visit historical and architectural sites in Lausanne and what to eat.
Cathedral of Notre-Dame: Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is one of the most important Gothic churches in Switzerland. Located in the heart of Lausanne’s old town, visitors can admire its elaborate stained glass windows and magnificent stone carvings. Hours: 9am to 5pm. Price: Free.
Lausanne Underground City: Explore the hidden passageways of the city that have been hidden for centuries. Take a tour to learn about the history of the secret passages, which were used during wars and floods. Hours: 10am to 7pm. Price: CHF 8.
Lausanne Town Hall: Located in the city’s central square, Place de la Palud, the Town Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Lausanne. Built in the 15th century, the building’s original facade remains intact. Hours: 9am to 6pm. Price: Free.
Musée de l’Elysée: The Musée de l’Elysée is home to one of the world’s largest collections of photographs. It showcases the work of famous photographers and has a library dedicated to the medium. Hours: 10am to 6pm. Price: CHF 12.
Lake Geneva: Take a boat tour on Europe’s largest freshwater lake to enjoy stunning views of the Alps and the cities of Lausanne and Geneva. Various boat tours are available and include stops at the picturesque villages surrounding the lake. Hours: Vary. Price: Vary.
Chocolate Boutique: Lausanne is home to some of the best chocolate in Switzerland and the Chocolate Boutique is one of the city’s best-loved stores. It features a range of handmade chocolates and truffles in a range of flavours - a must-try! Hours: 10am to 7pm. Price: Vary.
Bellevaux: Nestled in the hills of Lausanne, Bellevaux is one of the city’s most beautiful parks. With a variety of hiking trails, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. Hours: Open 24 hours. Price: Free.
Finally, no trip to Lausanne is complete without sampling some of the local Swiss cuisine. Favorites include, Swiss fondue, Rosti, and Tartiflette. Enjoy!
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, combines stunning nature, interesting history, and sophisticated city life. It has something for everyone, be it culture, music, theater, gastronomy, or shopping. Here's a list of some of the must-visit historical and architectural sites and what to eat for anyone planning a trip to Bern.
The Zytglogge: this iconic tower was built in the 13th century and served as a clock tower, guard tower, and even a prison. Its turreted facade and intricate dial are striking and can be seen from many spots in the city. Location: Kornhausplatz; Hours: 10 am to 5 pm; Entrance fees: CHF 6; Insider tip: The clock tower features a dramatic puppet show four times a day, from Tuesday to Sunday.
The Federal Palace: This palace has been the seat of the Swiss government since 1848. Its impressive neo-Renaissance building is a must-see for any visitor. Located at the Bundesplatz, it offers a tour of some of its interior. Hours: 9 am to 5 pm; Entrance fees: free; Insider tip: Make sure to head to the unicameral parliament room that has been left unchanged since the 19th century.
The Munster Cathedral, or Cathedral of St. Vincent, is one of the most important religious buildings in Bern. It dates back to the 12th century and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Location: Münsterplatz; Hours: 10 am to 5 pm; Entrance fees: free; Insider tip: Climb the tower to enjoy a stunning view of the city and the Alps.
The Bear Pits: a visit to Bern isn't complete without a stop at these historic bear pits. Originally built in the 16th century, it is currently home to two bears. Location: Nydeggbrücke; Hours: 6 am to 10 pm; Entrance fees: free.
Old Town: This historic neighborhood has been preserved almost intact since the Middle Ages. It's a great place to shop and also offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. Hours: all day (various opening times for restaurants and shops).
The Einstein Museum: this museum is dedicated to Albert Einstein and his time in Bern, where he developed the Theory of Relativity. Location: Kramgasse 49; Hours: 10 am to 5 pm; Entrance fees: CHF 10.
The Gurten: the Gurten is a large hill outside of the city and offers breathtaking views of the Alps. It's a great place for a picnic or to take a leisurely walk. Location: 30 minutes from Bern's city center by bus or tram; Hours: all day; Entrance fees: free.
In addition to these must-visit sites, don't forget to enjoy some of Bern’s finest cuisine. Typical dishes to try include rosti, fondue, zürcher geschnetzeltes, bratwurst, and Swiss chocolates.
No trip to Bern is complete without visiting the many sites the city has to offer – both historical and architectural – as well as indulging in some of its delicious local cuisine. Whether you're in the city for a day or a week, there is something for everyone to enjoy and discover. Bon voyage!
Lausanne, in Switzerland, has one of the most important railway stations in the country, the Lausanne Gare CFF. The station has several connections with other cities in the country, including Geneva and Zürich. There are several other train stations in Lausanne, like the Lausanne-Flon, which is very close from the city center and serves various regional trains.
The Lausanne Gare CFF main station is located at the Avenue de la Gare, in the city center. The station is open from 4:30am to 12:30am every day, and there is a security agent available also during those hours. For further information, the station's telephone number is +41 848 44 66 88, where you can also find out about luggage storage services.
Bern Main Station is the largest and most important train station in the city of Bern, Switzerland. It’s located in the center of the city and it’s connected to Bern’s other railway station: Belp, Bümpliz, and Wankdorf Nord. The Bern Main Station provides key connections to the cities of Basel, Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne.
The main station address is: Bahnhofplatz 10, 3011 Bern, Switzerland. The station is open 24 hours a day and provides many services, such as car rental, ticket sales, ticket offices, and luggage storage. The main station telephone number is: +41 (0)31 326 11 11.
Book in Advance:
Just like with airfares, train ticket prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking weeks or even months in advance can save you a significant amount.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours:
Avoid traveling during peak times such as weekday mornings and evenings. Opt for midday, late evening, or mid-week rides when there's less demand.
Consider Slower Trains or non direct routes:
Express or high-speed trains might save time, but they're often pricier. Opting for regional or slower services can reduce your fare.
Look for Special Deals and Promotions:
Train operators occasionally have promotions or special deals, especially during off-peak seasons. It's worth signing up for newsletters. Additionally, there are sometimes group or return ticket discounts, so consider these options if they fit your travel plans.