Switzerland day 5

Today we allowed ourselves a slightly later start as we had not planned a busy schedule.  We left Aarau by train at around 09.45 heading due west, destination: the beautiful city of Bern, which is the capital city of Switzerland.

Upon arrival, we made our way to the 'old town', which has been declared a World Heritage Site.  We walked around that part of town for some time, stopping in at several shops and admiring the beautiful architecture.  We timed it well so that we were in front of the famous clock tower on the hour of 11.00 so we could hear the chimes and see the figures move as it chimed.

At the end of the old town we came to the enclosure where the famous bears are kept.  Their enclosure was extended significantly in size some years ago, giving them a much larger space in which to roam.

Soon we were on the train again heading further west towards Neuchâtel, but we didn't stop there.  Instead we continued a little further to the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, where we visited the Musée International d'Horlogerie (International Clock Museum).  Although not huge, it is very nicely arranged with some 2700 watches and 700 wall clocks on display.  One can follow the history of clock making through the centuries and observe some of the most interesting pieces on display.  Included in the museum's artefacts were also a vast assortment of small tools that have traditionally been used in the craft of clock making over the years, which I found fascinating, looking at them through the eyes of a mechanical engineer.

After a couple of hours we were both 'maxed-out' with looking at clocks, so made our way back to the hotel.  Supper was pasta in a local restaurant - Carbonara for Ann and Bolognese for me.  Another enjoyable day behind us.  5 down, 3 to go.