Photograph by coyanis64

We love the Swiss capital, and not just for its beautiful streets and quaint tile-roofed buildings.

Here are some of the reasons we adore Bern:

1. Physics Lessons. Where was Einstein when he created that famous E=MC2 formula? Bern, of course. And that’s where the first Einstein Museum is too. Maybe you’ll learn what sort of physics gave him that great hair. The Einstein Museum is located at Helvetiaplatz 5.

2. Animal Talk. Now through July, visitors to the Museum of Communication can get a glimpse at the phenomena of communication between humans and animals at a special “Animal Talk” exhibit. Find the Museum of Communication at Helvetiastrasse 16.

3. Jazz Out. The Bern Jazz Festival is back for its 32nd year, now through May 20, with a spectacular line-up of jazz greats and newcomers.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Photograph by Alon A

Last night we scaled the north face of the rocky, icy Eiger. From the safety of our chairs, of course. Though we didn’t accomplish any death-defying feats we sure felt we did at a special screening of The Alps, MacGillivray Freeman’s new IMAX film.

It was breathtaking. It was exhilarating. We loved it. We got amazing views of Grindelwald’s storied Eiger, notorious for deadly showers of falling rock, unpredictable weather changes, and slick ice that make it difficult and exhilarating for climbers.

The movie chronicles the climb John Harlin III made in honor of his father, a famed alpinist who met his tragic demise 40 years ago when his rope broke during a climb of the mountain. With overwhelming views of the mountain face, stops in enchanting mountain villages, and various other surprises, the film shows just why John Harlin II loved the Alps, and why we do too.

It almost made us want to climb the mountain ourselves.

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When we think Hostelling International, we think ping-pong tables and bunk beds. But during a recent research jam session, we also found a range of HI hostels with adultish, cheap double rooms. The best of these deserve a plug or two, so keep readin’.

South of the Wista River on Grochowa Street—a bit of a (beautiful) walk from the sights pictured above—Krakow’s Hostel Szkolne Schronisko Młodzieżowe has 20 basic private doubles for PLN80 (€20.50, $27). The hostel boasts a spacious guest kitchen, and on-site laundry facilities make living out of your suitcase a fresh affair.

Långholmen Hostel, located on a small island in the middle of Stockholm, has a jaw-dropping 79 private doubles for SEK520 (€60, $74). Housed within a stately 19th-century building, Långholmen is also easier on the eyes than some of HI’s big box hostels. Also on the premises: a boutique, beach, garden, and museum that chronicles the building’s unromantic past—it was once a prison.

The Zurich City Hostel in Wollishofen has 16 private doubles starting at CHF116 (€72, $95). Wollishofen is a quiet suburb—15 minutes by tram to the city center—and there’s on-site cycle rental, perfect for a short ride to the banks of Lake Zurich.

Proof positive that HI hostels aren’t just for whipper snappers with nothing but a rucksack and a dream.

Popularity: 8% [?]

photograph courtesy of Libär

If you’re like us, the accidental Swiss invasion of Liechtenstein last week reminded you yet again of that single afternoon you spent exploring Vaduz, eyes wide open.

The tiny Alpine microstate occupies just a sliver between Switzerland and Austria. In addition to being a very small country, the principality has a striking tourism site, outfitted in an attractive pairing of plum and strawberry hues. Check it out. It’s really a very nice color palette.

As you might expect, the site devotes a lot of time and energy to winter sports activities, primarily skiing and snowboarding. Summer activities aren’t neglected, though, and neither is the principality’s wine. The Swiss “Gastronomy and Wine” circuit itinerary makes one of its eight stops in Liechtenstein, which has a remarkable 178 wine growers among its 35,000-strong population.

Liechtenstein’s charms aren’t just physical. Modern architecture fans in particular will find the striking cube of a structure that houses the Museum of Fine Arts in Vaduz very pleasing.

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Last week we reported that Swiss lowish-fare carrier helvetic was considering opening a second base in Geneva. Today, the airline confirmed this expansion. From May, helvetic will offer flights between Geneva and Split (once a week) and between Zurich and Split (twice-weekly.)

It’s almost enough to make us hungry for rösti.

Popularity: 1% [?]