Bern, Jura & Mittelland - Discover Switzerland: Experience the Best of Switzerland - page 184

Need to Know
BEST TIME TO VISIT Try spring or autumn when Bern enjoys a timeless bustle.
TOP TIP You can't feed the bears. For further coverage, Click here .
Bern Don't Miss List
CHRISTINE LAUTERBURG, SINGER
1 MATTE
Matte is a lovely quarter near the River Aare with old houses and a lot of clubs and
bars. We like to start at one and keep wandering, visiting many. It's pretty by day and
very fun by night, and the river is right alongside.
2 REITHALLE
Everyone thinks Switzerland is so tidy and orderly but they haven't seen the Reithalle
( www.reitschule.ch ) . It was built in 1897 as a riding school, so it has a huge indoor space.
Later it was a squat and you can still find its wild past. Local people love it. Here you
can see many concerts, theatre, other performances, film and pretty much anything
that's experimental. It's not far from the main train station.
3 BREITENRAIN
Breitenrain is a quiet quarter with French flair and a real feel for the culture. It's on the
east side of the river and it's fun to wander its quiet streets and visit one of the tempt-
ing restaurants.
4 MARZILIBAD
In summer we all take a dip in this open-air swimming pool ( www.aaremarzili.ch ;
May-Sep) right beside the Aare River. We work on our tans and play on the huge lawns,
foosball tables and other sports. You have to be a really strong swimmer to go in the
river itself, so the pool is perfect - and it's free!