Switzerland’s Must-Visit “Einstein House” – Stroll Through the Ancient City and Sip a Cup of Smart Coffee

▲ Built in the 12th century, Bern’s Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Switzerland photography & reporting

Red trams glide through the century-old ancient city, while distant church bells chime melodiously. The uniquely leisurely pace of Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is captivating—even the street cats in the alleys live lazily and carefreely. Stroll through the Old Town of Bern, passing by sandstone old buildings and fountains, strolling through arcades as if stepping into medieval Europe. At the next turn, get ready for a parallel-universe encounter with Einstein.

▲ Trams weave through the city, so always watch out for their movements when taking photos.

The City of No Thirst: A Classical Fountain Tour

▲ The cobblestone streets and rows of medieval buildings are incredibly romantic—the old town’s streetscape is breathtaking.

Bern is steeped in a strong classical atmosphere. Its historic churches and tower buildings possess irreplaceable charm of time. The Old Town has now been listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Besides being famous as the City of Bears, Bern is also known as the “City of Fountains.” The city center is dotted with hundreds of drinking fountains—just a few steps down any street, you’ll find one. You’ll never have to worry about finding water here. Ancient water storage facilities preserved to this day have become charming yet practical features of the cityscape.

▲ Each ornate fountain has a name and a story, often inspired by biblical tales or moral fables.

▲ Visitors can bring bottles or simply cup their hands to drink the water.

Bern Meets Einstein (Einstein Haus)

▲ The second floor of No. 49 was Einstein’s former residence.

If visiting Shakespeare and Company is a must in Paris, then in Bern, you absolutely cannot miss the Einstein Café. Albert Einstein, the father of modern physics, lived at Kramgasse 49 in Bern from 1903 to 1905. Some believe that his famous theory of relativity was born within these few square meters. Today, the first floor has been turned into a café, while the second-floor residence is open to the public for visits, allowing travelers to converse with the great Einstein across time and space.

▲ Wonder if drinking coffee at Einstein’s café will make you smarter?

▲ The café interior is simple and bright, with no excessive decoration or extravagance.

▲ When you’re tired of exploring, come in for a coffee and pay homage to the great Einstein.

Romantic Rose Garden with Views of the World Heritage Site (Rose Garden)
Address: Rosengarten, Alter Aargauerstalden 31b, 3006 Bern

▲ The Rose Garden was once a cemetery, and roses were planted here starting in 1917.

Yang Zhenfa, a Swiss travel expert and chairman of Taiyong Travel Agency, said: “When in Bern, you must squeeze in time to visit the Rose Garden to take in the full beauty of the ancient city.” The iconic “Bear Park” is located at the foot of the Rose Garden hill—just walk up the path to find it. Overlooking the entire Old Town, the Aare River wraps around the beautiful ancient city, with occasional trains passing over the iron bridges adding charm. In the distance, the grand cathedral stands elegantly and solemnly amidst the dense cluster of old houses. Gazing at the view, all the effort of climbing up is forgotten, and the beauty of Bern will be deeply etched in your memory.

* For more details on in-depth travel in Switzerland, feel free to contact Taiyong Travel Agency.

《Einstein Haus》
Address: Kramgasse 49, 3000 Bern 8
Open Dates: Closed for the entire month of January 2017; opens on February 1 (closed on 4/16, 6/4, and 8/1)
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday (10:00 AM–5:00 PM, last admission at 4:45 PM)
Admission for Visiting the Residence: General ticket CHF 6; Student & Children ticket CHF 4.5; Group ticket CHF 4.5 (currency: Swiss Francs)