ISCP 2019 Free Time on Wednesday Afternoon: Suggestions for planning Leisure Activities
Please find below some suggestions for planning your individual free time on Wednesday afternoon. These are only suggestions and there is no group-activity planned by the conference organizing team. Please check the details online, as changes are also possible at short notice. The links are given.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Exchange Money, Bern Central Station
- Public Transport, Timetable of all public transport, see the SBB timetable. Usually single tickets can be purchased directly. You may use the app: SBB Mobile (Google PlayStore, Apple App Store)
- Public Transport, Ticktes, Cards, Special Offers
- The SBB Office & Ticket Machines, Bern Central Station
- Switzerland Tourism:
- City Medical Aid, Bern Central Station
- Open: Daily, 7am-10pm
- Address: City Notfall AG, Schanzenstrasse 4A, 3008 Bern, +41 31 326 20 00
- For Emergencies dial: 112 / Ambulance: 144 / Police: 117
BERN City
General Tourist Information
Tourist Office
https://www.bern.com/en/home
Address:
Tourist Information Desk, Bern Central Station
Bahnhofplatz 10a
CH-3011 Bern
+41 31 328 12 12
Zentrum Paul Klee
With around 4’000 works at its disposal the Zentrum Paul Klee has the most significant collection of paintings, aquarelles and drawings world-wide and includes archive and biographical material from all the periods of Paul Klee’s work. A principal task of the Zentrum Paul Klee is to ensure that the artistic, pedagogic and theoretical work of Paul Klee as well as its significance within the cultural and social context of its time, is scientifically developed and communicated through different channels and media.
https://www.zpk.org/en/startseite-245.html
Open: Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm
Regular Entry: CHF 20.00
Address:
Zentrum Paul Klee
Monument im Fruchtland 3
3006 Bern
+41 31 359 01 01
Arrival Public Transport:
https://www.zpk.org/en/visitor-informationshop/address-arrival-113.html
Art Museum Bern
Works by Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Hodler and Meret Oppenheim have made the Kunstmuseum Bern an institution with an international reputation. At the present time, the constantly growing and evolving collection consists of over 3,000 paintings and sculptures as well as 48,000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos and films.
https://www.kunstmuseumbern.ch/en/
Open: Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm
Regular Entry: CHF 24.00
Address:
Kunstmuseum Bern
Hodlerstrasse 12
3011 Bern
+41 31 328 09 44
Inner City I – Some of the Sights
Berner Münster Cathedral
The Münsterturm is open every day and offers a wonderful view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Berne, the wider area and, with a bit of luck, the snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Oberland. On the descent, you have the opportunity to admire the heaviest bells in Switzerland.
https://www.bernermuenster.ch/de/berner-muenster/infos-kontakt/turmbesteigung.php
Open (Cathedral & Tower): 10am-4:30pm
Regular Entry (Tower): CHF 5.00
Address:
Münsterplatz 1
Postfach 532
3000 Bern 8
+41 31 312 04 62
The Einstein-House
Bern inspired Albert Einstein. The physicist lived here when he created the famous formula E = mc² in 1905 and with his theory of relativity turned our ideas of space and time upside down. Today, guests can walk in the footsteps of the century genius and even take a selfie with him. If you want to know more about Einstein’s private life, you can visit the Einstein Haus. The Einstein House offers an insight into the life of the great physicist and offers a realistic replica of his apartment in Kramgasse 49a in Bern.
https://www.einstein-bern.ch/en/einstein-bern
Open: Mon-Sun, 10am-5 p.m.
Regular Entry: CHF 6.00
Address:
Kramgasse 49
3011 Bern
+41 31 312 00 91
Robert Walser Centre
The Robert Walser Center is a center of excellence dedicated to the lives and works of Robert Walser and Carl Seelig. In addition to a research library and a temporary exhibition space, the Center includes the Robert Walser Archive, which maintains the protection, inventory, research and mediation of access to the Center’s collection. The Center furthermore develops exhibitions, events, publications and special editions, both in collaboration with its partners as well as under its own direction.
https://www.robertwalser.ch/en/home/
Open: Wed, 1pm-5pm.
Address:
Robert Walser-Zentrum
Marktgasse 45
CH-3011 Bern
+41 31 310 17 70
The Rose Garden
The Rose Garde (Rosengarten) is one of the most beautiful parks in the city of Berne and offers a unique view of the roof landscape of the historic old town, the cathedral and the Aareschlaufe. Cherry blossom magic in spring, around 250 blooming roses in summer, a colorful splash of color in the autumn months and the cozy fondue veranda of the restaurant Rosengarten in the winter season make the visit to the rose garden in every season to something special. High above the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the public park offers a wonderful view of the old town of Bern with its sights. In fine weather, the view extends far beyond the city on the Bern mountain Gurten and the Alps. Thus, the rose garden is not only a recreational area, but also the perfect place for beautiful souvenir photos.
https://www.bern.com/en/detail/the-rose-garden
Address:
Rosengarten
Alter Aargauerstalden 31b
3006 Bern
InnerCity II – Museums at Helvetiaplatz
Swiss Alpine Museum
At the center of the Alpine Museum are the mountains, their history, their significance and their development. The museum deals with various topics: identity, mobility, spatial development, tourism, climate change, the Alps between tradition and innovation. Definitely worth a visit to find out more about one of Switzerland’s most important landmarks.
https://www.alpinesmuseum.ch/en
Open: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm
Regular Entry: CHF 16.00
Address:
Helvetiaplatz 4
3005 Bern
+41 31 350 04 40
Bern History Museum
The Bern History Museum is showing the exhibition “Berne on the Moon” this summer for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing on July 21, 1969.
https://www.bhm.ch/en/
Open: Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm
Regular Entry: CHF 13.00
Address:
Bernisches Historisches Museum
Einstein Museum
Helvetiaplatz 5
CH-3005 Bern
+41 31 350 77 11
Museum of Communication
With its exhibitions and activities, the Museum of Communication responds to social and cultural consequences of communication and its technologies. The Museum of Communication is the only museum in Switzerland devoted exclusively to communication and its history.
https://www.mfk.ch/en/home-en/
Open: Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm
Regular Entry: CHF 15.00
Address:
Museum für Kommunikation
Helvetiastrasse 16
3000 Bern 6
+ 41 31 357 55
Natural History Museum Bern
The Natural History Museum Bern is one of the most important natural museums in Switzerland. His historical exhibitions of domestic and exotic animals are unique in Europe and have established the international reputation of the house. In addition, exhibitions on current topics are shown, such as the moon landing.
https://www.nmbe.ch/en
Open: Tue-Fri, 9am-5pm.
Regular Entry: CHF 10.00
Address:
Naturhistorisches Museum Bern
Bernastrasse 15
3005 Bern
+41 31 350 71 11
Art Hall Bern
The Art Hall Bern (Kunsthalle Bern) was founded in 1918 by Bernese artists out of the need for an exhibition venue dedicated to contemporary art and combining the local with the international scene. The Kunsthalle Bern soon became world famous for its solo exhibitions of artists who are significant today, including Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, George Braque, Alberto Giacometti, Sol LeWitt, Bruce Nauman, and Daniel Buren, and for its thematic exhibitions such as Harald Szeemann’s _When Attitudes Become Form_—shows that wrote and continue to write art history.
https://kunsthalle-bern.ch/en/
Open: Tue-Fri, 11am-6pm.
Regular Entry: CHF 8.00
Address:
Kunsthalle
Helvetiaplatz 1
CH–3005 Bern
+41 31 350 00 40
EXCURSION DESTINATIONS
Find your way to the chosen destination using the SBB Timetable
You can enter your departure point (From: Bern, Hauptbahnhof) and your destination (e.g. To: Interlaken). Buy your ticket at the SBB Office in Bern Central Station or on SBB online(https://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/buying-options/buy-travelcards-and-tickets.html, see the day pass tickets etc.). Usually you can buy your ticket directly in the SBB timetable. You may also use the app: SBB Mobile. Some local companies require that a ticket be purchased locally.
The Alps – Berner Oberland
General Tourist Information
https://www.ausflugsziele.ch/regionen/berner-oberland/
https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-ch/reiseziele/berner-oberland/
https://www.interlaken.ch/en/discover-interlaken.html
Lakes Thun and Brienz by Ship
The city of Thun at the lower end of Lake Thun is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The historic old town, in the center of which is the 12th-century castle with its castle museum, lies about one kilometer from the lakeshore on the Aare. The city offers a unique ambience, both through the medieval flair of the old town and the proximity to nature, especially Lake Thun and the panoramic view of the breathtaking mountains of the Bernese Oberland such as the Niesen, Stockhorn, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
https://www.bls.ch/en/fahren/unterwegs-mit/schiff#time.from:17.06.2019,time.to:16.06.2020
Mt Stockhorn
The Stockhorn is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking the region of Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland. It is located north of the town of Erlenbach im Simmental.
The Stockhorn is 2,190 m (7,190 ft) high and is accessible via cable car from Erlenbach. It has a restaurant at the top and is a good starting point for many hikes.
Lake Oeschinensee, Kandersteg
Oeschinen Lake (German: Oeschinensee) is a lake in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland and near to the village Kandersteg. The wonderful lake is perfect to take a break, eat something in the restaurant (or picnic if you like) and to enjoy the breathtaking view on the mountains.
https://www.oeschinensee.ch/en/
Mt Niesen
The almost perfect pyramid shape of this mountain has repeatedly animated artists to representations, such as Ferdinand Hodler (1909), Paul Klee (1915) or Cuno Amiet (1926). The 2362m high pyramid peak can easily be reached in 30 minutes by funicular from Mülenen. At the top you have a beautiful view of the Bernese Oberland as well as Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
https://www.niesen.ch/en/niesen-news/?oid=1948&lang=en
Regional Nature Park, Diemtigtal
The Diemtigtal Nature Park is ideal for active excursions with its cultural treasures and landscape: paths lead along streams past neat wooden buildings to lush alpine pastures. Theme trails convey the beauties of nature. Here, where wrestling champion Kilian Wenger lives, nature lovers and those seeking peace will find their holiday destination.
https://www.parks.swiss/en/the_swiss_parks/parkportraits/diemtigtal_nature_park.php
St. Beatus Caves
Hunted by St Beat, a 6th century monk, the story goes that the mythological creature took shelter in this this extraordinary geological site – St Beatus Caves, next to the the lakes of Interlaken. Explore deep into the very heart of the mountain along over a kilometre of well-lit walkways, and discover stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed by nature over millions of years.
https://www.beatushoehlen.swiss/en/
Mt Harder Kulm, Interlaken
If Interlaken had a king, he would reside on the Harder Kulm. From the viewing platform at 1,322 metres above sea level he would graciously look down upon Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, or admire the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. In fact, the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant is reminiscent of a castle. In order to visit it, however, you don’t need to be a king – just take a seat in the cable car and ascend Interlaken’s own mountain.
https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/harder-kulm/
Sea Area – Seeland
General Tourist Information
https://www.j3l.ch/en/Z10487/biel-bienne-seeland-tourism
latenium – Parc et musée d’archéologie Neuchâtel
The Laténium is Switzerland’s largest archaeology museum. The Laténium aims to explain archaeology to everybody, children, teenagers, adults, experts or novices, aged 4 to 104! The museum itself – thanks to its idyllic location and modern scenography – has been granted the Council of Europe Museum Prize.
Centre Dürrenmatt Neuchâtel
Devoted to the literary and pictorial work of Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921-1990), the CDN was designed by Mario Botta and integrates the former residence of the artist and painter into its architecture.
https://www.cdn.ch/cdn/en/home.html
Old Town & Museum Murten
The museum of Morat is one of the oldest in the canton Fribourg. It stands since 1978 in the old water mill, situated under the surrounding walls of the city.
The permanent exhibition illustrates 6000 years of the history of Morat and its area throughout its 5 levels. The objects tell their stories as well as those of the population from various periods.
https://www.museummurten.ch/en/permanent-exhibition/
https://www.regionmurtensee.ch/en/GP802/murten-tourism
Other Destinations
Old Town Solothurn
Welcome to Soleure, located at the foot of the Jura mountain range and crossed from west to east by the River Aare. Peaceful Soleure, Switzerland’s finest baroque city, welcomes you to taste the dolce vita, and the surrounding peaks provide breathtaking views of the Mittelland plateau.
https://www.solothurn-city.ch/en/discoveries/town-heritage.html
Old Town Basel
Basel can look back on more than 2,000 years of history. A history that is still very much present today – surviving as it does in all the nooks and crannies of the city and forming an exciting contrast to the modern face of Basel. The heart of the city beats in Basel’s well-preserved, romantic Old Town.
https://www.basel.com/en/Sightseeing
Fondation Beyeler Basel
The founder couple Ernst and Hildy Beyeler had a clear vision: the Fondation Beyeler should be an open, active museum that inspires an appreciation for art in a wide audience. A museum that promotes both cultural education and interpersonal encounters. Today, the Fondation Beyeler is the most popular art museum in Switzerland and is considered one of the finest worldwide.
https://www.fondationbeyeler.ch/en/
Landesmuseum, ETH & Niederdorf, Zurich
Switzerland’s most frequently visited museum of cultural history represents our history from its origins to the present day. A broad range of special exhibitions also offer in-depth views of current topics.
https://www.nationalmuseum.ch/e/zuerich/
Niederdorf is part of Zurich’s old town .
Niederdorf is a pedestrian zone the same as Limmatquai, which runs parallel. During the day, the pedestrian zone and many stores, which are almost hidden in alleyways, entice you to shop. In the evening, Niederdorf changes into a nightlife district for a very varied public with its bars and street artists.
https://www.zuerich.com/de/besuchen/sehenswuerdigkeiten/niederdorf
The imposing Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) building was constructed in 1864 from plans drawn up by Gottfried Semper. The University of Zurich (UZH) was established 50 years later in an adjacent and no less impressive edifice, visited by over 30,000 workers and students daily.
The Polybahn takes you up from Central to the panorama terrace in front of the main building of the Federal Institute of Technology in just three minutes. Here you enjoy superb views of the city.
https://www.zuerich.com/de/besuchen/sehenswuerdigkeiten/polyterrasse
Old Town Lucerne & Lake Vierwaldstättersee
Lucerne ranks amongst the world’s prettiest cities and is rich in sights and attractions. Contributing to Lucerne’s cityscape alongside the world-famous Chapel Bridge and Water Tower are the Musegg Wall, the Jesuit Church, the Spreuer Bridge, the Lion Monument, the KKL culture and convention centre and a host of other sites of interest.
https://www.luzern.com/en/highlights/the-city/
https://www.lakelucerne.ch/en/timetable-fares/timetable/
HR Giger Museum, La Gruyère
The museum is located in St-Germain castle, in the centre of the medieval town of Gruyères. It contains the biggest existing collection of the works of HR Giger: paintings, sculptures, furnishings, film sets. Between reality and fiction, past and future, HR Giger takes you on a journey into the fascinating world of your imagination.