#1  Nyon Castle (60 minutes) – This noble residence on the shores of Lake Thun dates back to the 13th century and retains its medieval keep, which serves as the heart of the 15th century main palace and chapel. In 1844, additional renovations transformed the castle into a neo-Gothic summer palace with a tower reaching out into the lake. The palace now serves as a living museum, complete with neo-Gothic dining rooms and a Turkish smoking parlor: the various exhibits depict Bernese culture from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

The castle chapel, which is decorated with 15th century paintings, is still used for baptisms and marriages today. Outside, the large park was established in 1840 and is regarded as one of the best in the Alps, illustrating the ups and downs of garden art.

#2 Bern (120 minutes) – Following the death of the Duke of Zähringer in 1191, the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II, made Bern a free imperial city. While the city prospered, a major fire in 1405 destroyed many of the original wooden structures. These were gradually replaced by half-timbered houses and the distinctive sandstone structures that still adorn the Old Town today.

Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site can wander the 6 kilometers of arcades, shop, or simply take in the local architecture. Visitors can find an elevated Rose Garden, which sits above the Bear Park, home to the city’s heraldic beast, among the many fountains and historic towers. Bern’s Gothic cathedral, built in the 15th century, is the tallest in Switzerland, and a viewing platform in its 101-meter tower provides the best views of the old town.

#3 Thun –  The Thun of today dates back to the 12th century, having been first settled around 2,500 BC. The Gothic castle that dominates the town was built between 1180 and 1190 by the Dukes of Zähringen. The exterior exudes medieval power, but the interior is all about medieval pomp. Visitors can marvel at the magnificently restored Knights Hall from the 12th century, or visit the historical museum, which houses prehistoric artifacts, medieval objects, and weapons and uniforms from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Visitors can enjoy the historic architecture built up to the banks of the Aare River in the medieval town center, as well as visit the old wooden bridge, which sometimes has surfers riding its runoff, the town church with its tower dating back to around 1330, and the 16th century town hall.

#4 Oberhofen Castle – This noble residence on the shores of Lake Thun dates back to the 13th century and retains its medieval keep, which serves as the heart of the 15th century main palace and chapel. In 1844, additional renovations transformed the castle into a neo-Gothic summer palace with a tower reaching out into the lake.

The palace now serves as a living museum, complete with neo-Gothic dining rooms and a Turkish smoking parlor: the various exhibits depict Bernese culture from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The castle chapel, which is decorated with 15th century paintings, is still used for baptisms and marriages today. Outside, the large park was established in 1840 and is regarded as one of the best in the Alps, illustrating the ups and downs of garden art.