scubish.com: Scuba diving Bern - Switzerland

Understand

Berne was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V von Zähringen and was part of the Holy Roman Empire. It was made an free imperial city by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1218 after Berthold died without an heir.

In 1353 Berne joined the Swiss confederation. After several successful conquers, Berne became the largest independent city state north of the alps. It was occupied by French troops in 1798 during the French Revolutionary Wars, and was stripped of most of its territories. The city became the Swiss capital in 1848.

Eat

Eating in Bern (or almost anywhere in Switzerland for that matter) can be an expensive proposition for foreign tourists. Be sure to "shop around" before deciding on a restaurant as many cater to said foreign tourists (especially those serving traditional Swiss food) and have inflated their prices accordingly. Most Bernese natives prefer Italian, Asian, or other non-local cuisine so finding a traditional Swiss restaurant with acceptable prices can often be a a daunting experience. Be patient and you will persevere without breaking the bank.

Budget

Wäbere, Gerechtigkeitsgasse 68, +41 31 311 42 58 (fax: +41 31 312 20 67). 11am to 11pm except Sunday. Excellent soups, a good rendering of Swiss standards, such as cheese fondue, and an decent number of veggie choices. 14-24 CHF (many items available in half portions).

Beaulieu, Erlachstrasse 3, +41 (0)31 301 24 59. Old-fashioned restaurant serving traditional Swiss and Bernese cuisine at very affordable prices. Popular amongst students due to its situation close to the university; equally popular amongst the local workers. Definitely not a tourist restaurant - go here if you want to meet the Bernese amongst themselves.

Pastamania, Kramgasse 49, +41 31 318 28 28 (fax: +41 31 318 28 29). Located in the same house as the Einsteinhaus, this very small restaurant serves some very good pasta dishes. 18-25CHF for the main dish. 8-14Chf for appetizers.

Sous le Pont A nice restaurant in the Reitschule complex which serves excellent dishes at affordable prices.

Manora, Bubenbergplatz 5A +41 31 311 37 55, closing at 10pm. It's probably the cheapest restaurant in town, of course self-serving. There's a Salad bar and most dishes will be prepared directly on your order. Students get a 10% reduction. Manora has been shut since the beginning of 2006 with a sign saying Opening after renovations.

Mid-range

Café Fédéral, Bärenplatz 31, tel. +41 (0)31 311 16 24, http://www.entrecote.ch . Stylish, modern atmosphere and international cuisine. Situated in front of the Bundeshaus, its popularity amongst politicians during the "Session" is legendary. Specialises in Entrecôtes (a kind of steak), but has other dishes, including vegetarian ones.

Vatter, Bärenplatz 2, grocery: 9am to 5pm, restaurant: 10am to 10pm daily. Vatter is the largest of the several organic groceries in the old town, and has its own restaurant upstairs as well if you don't feel like cooking, or lack the facilities. 8-20 Chf. http://www.vatter.ch It serves excellent beer from the Locher Brewery in Appenzelland has a balcony overlooking Bärenplatz.

Kornhaus, Kornhausplatz 18, +41 31 327 72...