My Rainy Day in Bern Was a Happy Accident—And It’s All Thanks to Einstein
After a string of gloriously sunny days in Switzerland, the weather finally turned. The forecast called for rain and a serious drop in temperature, completely derailing our plans to go up Mount Rigi. Instead of sulking, we pivoted. We hopped on a one-hour train from Lucerne to check out Bern, the capital city, and let me tell you, it was the best decision we could have made.
Bern’s old town is famous for its covered arcades, which meant we could wander around for hours, totally sheltered from the rain. From the moment we stepped out of the train station, it felt like we’d been transported back to the Middle Ages.
The Zytglogge (The Old Clock Tower)
One of the first things you’ll see is this incredible mechanical and astronomical clock tower that’s been ticking away for over 500 years. It’s like a living, breathing piece of Swiss watchmaking history! Every hour, on the hour, a crowd gathers to watch the little mechanical figures pop out and do their thing. It’s a whole show.
Heads Up: You can actually book a guided tour to go inside the clock tower and see the mind-blowing gears and mechanics that make it all work. Make sure you book your tickets on their official website in advance!
Einstein’s Apartment: The Real Reason We Came
Okay, let’s be real. The main reason we made the trip to Bern was for this. Just a short walk from the clock tower, on the second floor (what Americans would call the third floor) of a totally unassuming apartment building, is the flat where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905.
It’s crazy to think about. He was in his mid-twenties, a new husband and father, working a day job at the Swiss Patent Office to pay the bills while also finishing his Ph.D. And in his spare time, in this tiny apartment, listening to that very same clock tower chime, he completely changed the world.
This is the part that gave me goosebumps: In 1905, sitting at a desk right in this very apartment, he published four groundbreaking papers on the photoelectric effect, Brownian motion, and special relativity. It’s now known as his “Annus mirabilis,” or “miracle year.” You can still see the desk where it all happened.
The ticket is 8 Swiss Francs (or 5 with a travel pass), and it’s a small but powerful exhibit. They have an audio guide, and just standing there, looking out the window onto the same street he saw every day… it was an incredible feeling.
My Perfect Rainy Day Route for Bern
- Start at the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) to get your bearings.
- Head straight to Einstein’s House (it’s less than a 5-minute walk).
- Spend the rest of the time wandering through the Old Town Arcades for some shopping.
- If the rain lets up, head to the Rose Garden (Rosengarten) for a stunning panoramic view of the city. The fog and clouds on a rainy day just make it even more atmospheric!
Seriously, those arcades are a lifesaver. They protect you from rain and sun, making it super comfortable to shop. Don’t skip the vintage watch shops and the handmade chocolate stores—you won’t regret it!
Quick Tips for Your Photos
- For the clock tower’s hourly show, it gets crowded right in front. Try to snag a spot on the steps to the side for a better, unobstructed view.
- When you’re in Einstein’s apartment, take a picture from the window looking down at the street. It gives your shot such a cool, historic vibe.