Bern: Trick Fountains and Medieval Animatronics

In just over a month of being here, we've driven around quite a bit, and one thing we've learned: You know you're getting close to Switzerland when the petrol prices jump. Make no mistake about it, Switzerland is expensive...and being the budget travelers we are, cost significantly colored our experience...though the boys were ecstatic to see Swiss Franks after a month of using Euros.  Switzerland's costliness notwithstanding, we found quite a few gems in its capital: Bern.

1) The Clock. This clock has been chiming the hour with animatronics for over 500 years, which is amazing in and of itself. But to watch the clock is quite entertaining, if not simply to marvel at the engineering of the 1400s. Of course, the downside is that you get to enjoy the clock striking the hour with several other tourists. If you get close enough, you can get your own free guide of the clock!

 

2) The Trick Fountains. In the middle of town is a set of pretty powerful trick fountains. If only we had brought some swim suits!

3) Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire. Yep, chestnuts in October. Curls loved them.
 

4) Senic Bern: Surprisingly small and easy to walk around in less than an hour, there are some pretty cool sites.
 
 

Too bad the church with the tallest bell tower in Switzerland was under construction.
But the facade had its redeeming qualities....

Especially the funny-looking gargoyles