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Bern, Switzerland

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Bundeshaus (House of Parlaments)
Tom Salander

Bundesplatz 3 (Yes, really! Number 1 and 2 are banks...). Representive Building dominating the Square. Constructed by the end of 19th century. Guided tour (free) if no "session" (held 4 times a year). During session only access to the spectators ranks.

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Einsteinhaus
Tom Salander

Kramgasse 49, +41 31 312 00 91 (webmaster@einstein-bern.ch, fax: +41 31 312 00 41). 10am to 5pm (4pm Saturdays) March to October, 1pm to 5pm (Noon to 4pm Saturdays) March and February. Albert Einstein rented this small flat with his wife during his years working at the Swiss patent office. Their first child, Hans Albert, and the special and general theories of relativity were born here, where Einstein's writing desk overlooked the busy street and its lovely clock-tower. There are numerous photos and original documents from Einstein's life, work, and speeches. 3/1 CHF Adults/Students

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The Clock Tower
Tom Salander

Near the center of the old town. On the hour, every hour throughout the day. (Be five minutes early as it starts before the hour!) A stunning display of early animatronic technology and as the locals are proud to tell you "the longest running act in showbusiness". At a few minutes before the hour, it begins with a little song and some flapping from the cock then some drumming by the jester up top. At the hour the bears and the old bearded king get into the act. OK, it's probably a good thing to take kids to see. It tells time too! (And the month, day, sign of the zodiac and phase of the moon). Free. There are guided tours inside the tower that will let you have a look at the clockwork whilst the show is displayed outside. To be booked at the tourist office and defiently worth it if you love mechanics.

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Bear Pits
Tom Salander

Bern is inseparably linked with bears. According to legend the cityÂ?s founder, Duke Berchtold V von Z?¤hringen, named the city after the first animal to be caught here. The saga lives on in the form of the real-live bears in the Bear Pits and the heraldic bear in the Bernese coat of arms. Opening hours: Summertime: 08.00 - 17.30, Wintertime: 09.00 - 16.00, everything is free. Members of the RSPA might find the pits quite depressing. The good news are that they will be enlarged within the years to come. The bears will even have the possibility to go for a swim in the river.
Just next to the bear pits you'll find the "Tramdepot", the old final station of Berns first tramway. The building now houses the tourist office (free shows on the cities history in regular intervals) and the towns most popular brewpub.

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