ROUTE 122. GENEVA TO BALE, BY FREYBURG AND BERNE. 165 miles; firs; class, 28-60 francs; second, 20-20 francs; thtrd, 14.70 francs. N leaving Geneva the railway skirts the north shore of the lake, past numerous pleasant villas and gardens. The first station we reach is COPPET (10 miles). The Chateau was for some time the residence of Madame de Stael, and previously of her father, M. Ñecker. The room in which the authoress composed many of her works is shown, together with the inkstand and desk which she used. In the grounds is a chapel where she and her father are buried. We next pass Nyon (the Roman Novidunum), from which there is a carriage road up the hills to St Cergues, the most convenient spot from which the ascent of the Dole may be made. The next station is ROLLE (22 miles), (Hotel: Couronne). The neigh bourhood aboundswith vineyards, which produce, amongst other wines, the celebrated kind called La Cote. On the other side of the lake the summit of Mont Blanc may be seen, and, a little further on, the heights of Meillerie and the opening of the Valais. MORGES (31 miles), (Hotel: La Couronne), a town of 2,000 inhabitants, is situated on the lake. We see the Castle of Vufflens, reputed to have been built by Queen Bertha in the tenth century. Part of the existing structure seems to be of the thirteenth century. We now leave the lake and proceed to Bussigny Junction (28 miles), where the railway to Yverdun and Neuchatel joins the Geneva line. The train, however, generally goes on to LAUSANNE (39 miles), (see Route 112), and then returns to Bussigny. After leaving the Lausanne Station, there is a fine view of the lake of Geneva, the valley of the Rhone, and the mountains beyond it, as we approach the tunnel through which we reach CHEXBRES-VEVAY (47 miles), the station for Vevay. Passing some other stations, we have a view of Mont Blanc, before reaching ROMONT (66 miles), beautifully situated on an eminence overlooking the Glane. The old Castle was built in the 10th century, by the kings of Burgundy, Beyond Romont, on the right, we see the nunnery of La-Fille-Dieu, backed by a range of mountains among which we may distinguish the Dent du Midi and the Moleson. We next reach FREYBURG 81 miles) (Hotels: see "HOTEL LIST"). Omnibuses from the hotels meet the trains. It is the capital of the canton of the same name. It was founded in 1175 by Berthold of Zahringen. It stands on a rocky eminence surrounded by the Saarine. The picturesque situation of the town overhanging the river, the beautitiful suspension bridges, and quaint watchtowers not being visible from the railway, tourists should tarry here for a few hours. The banks of the river are united by four bridges, one of them being a suspension bridge of 906 ft. long, and 175 ft. above the stream. On the opposite side of the River Saarine is another suspension bridge, which spans the gorge of Gotteron. It is about 700 ft. long, and 284 ft. above the valley beneath. There are some fine churches, the most remarkable being the Cathedral of St Nicholas, a handsome Gothic structure of the 15th century, containing an organ which has 7,800 pipes, and 67 stops, and is considered one of the finest instruments in Europe. Performances on the organ every evening (except Saturdays and the eve of holidays) from 8 to 9. Tickets, which cost one franc each, may be had at the hotels. The tower of the church is 386 ft. high, and distinguished for the delicacy and elegance of its architecture. Its portal has some curious reliefs emblematical of the Last Judgment, and Heaven and Hell. Other objects of interest in the town are the Byzantine Church, in the form of a rotunda, with a dome; the Capuchin Church, with a Descent from the Cross," by Annibale Caracci; the Church of the Barefoot Monks, a large and handsome building; the Jesuit Church; the Hotel de Ville, a remarkable old building, erected on the site of the palace of the ancient dukes of Zahringen, the founders of Berne; the Jesuit College and the Lyceum. In the principal square is a lime tree said to have been planted in 1476, on the day of the battle of Morat. The street called Court Chemin, leading from the river to the upper town, is built on the face of the rock, and the roofs of some of its houses serve as pavement for the street above it. The inhabitants are curiously divided in respect of language, those of the upper town speaking French, and those of the lower town German. On leaving Freyburg, we pass by the old walls of the town, and cross the Saarine over a viaduct 260 ft. high, and about 1,100 ft. long. We pass several places of no interest, and reach BERNE (98 miles) (Hotels: see "HOTEL LIST"). and ARRIVAL. - Omnibuses porters from the hotels meet the trains. Cab hire-One horse, quarter of an hour, 80 cents., each additional quarter of an hour, 40 cents. ENGLISH CHURCH services all the year in the chapel of the Burgerspital. The capital of Switzerland is situated on a lofty promontory 1,700 ft. above the sea, formed by the winding Aar, which surrounds it on three sides, and is crossed by two stone bridges. It is one of the most regularly built towns in Europe, and is the finest in Switzerland. Many of the houses are massive structures, resting upon arcades, which are lined with shops, and furnish covered walks on both sides of the street, the latter being adorned with numerous fountains. The environs afford fine promenades, and from the platform on which the CATHEDRAL stands, the view of the Bernese Alps is very fine. Six of the most celebrated peaks are in view upon clear days. On the east is the Wetterhorn, next are the Schreckhorn, the FinsterAarhorn, the Eiger, the Monch, the Jungfrau, the Gletscherhorn, the Mittaghorn, and the Blumlis Alp. The principal public buildings are the Cathedral, a fine Gothic structure, dating from 1457, and containing some interesting tablets and relics; on the principal portal are several sculptured groups, one of which represents the Last Judgment, and another the Wise and Foolish Virgins; the Hall of the Federal Council, Hotel de Ville, the Mint, the Bank, and the University. The public library, founded at the epoch of the Reformation, contains upwards of 50,000 vols. The museum possesses an interesting collection. Berne has also an observatory and a botanical garden, and is celebrated for the number and excellence of its charitable institutions. The Bear, of whose name the word Berne is the German equivalent, is in especial favour in this city, which has its effigy for its arms; and his figure is perpetually recurring to the eye. The Bears-ditch, near the Aarburg Gate, is a menagerie of these animals, which is maintained at the public charge. The French took away the bears to Paris, and their restoration was one of the first cares of the citizens upon the return of peace. On a fountain in the Street of Justice, the canton is represented in a militant attitude by the effigy of a bear in armour, with sword, belt, and banner. Another fountain has a bear attending a crossbowman as his squire. Another curious object is the clock in the Zeitglockenthurm, or clock-tower, which stands between two other watch-towers in the Justice Street. Just as the hour is about to strike, a wooden figure of Chanticleer makes his appearance, and crows twice. Another puppet strikes the hour on a bell, and forthwith a number of bears emerge from the interior of the clock, and pay their duty to an enthroned figure, who at every stroke opens his mouth and inclines his sceptre. The music boxes so conspicuously offered for sale at Berne are made by the great makers at Geneva, where they may be had at cheaper prices. Leaving Berne we cross the Aar, and presently reach BURGDORF, a town of about 3,500 inhabitants, with large well-built houses, hospital, schools, and orphan asylum. The public walks are finely kept. The celebrated teacher, Pestalozzi, first established his school here. Pass ing HERZOGENBUCHSEE, we reach OLTEN (124 miles). For the remainder of the journey to BALE, see Route 105. ROUTE 123. GENEVA TO BALE BY 170 miles; 1st class, 27.35 frs.; 2d, 20.05 frs.; 3d, 14.45 frs. (For the route to BUSSIGNY, see Route 112.) FTER leaving Bussigny, we enter the valley of the Venoge, and passing through two tunnels, reach Chavornay, near which, on the left, we observe the Castle of Champerton. We get a fine view of the Jura to the westward, as we approach YVERDUN (61 miles) (Hotel de Londres), situated on the southern bank of the LAKE OF NEUCHATEL, at the influx of the Orbe or Thiele. It occupies he site of the Roman town of Ebrodunum. The Castle dates from the 12th century. It was, at one time, used as a college by Pestalozzi. Crossing the river, we skirt the lake to the village of GRANDSON. Its ancient Castle is now a snuff manufactory. The church is of the 10th century. Passing several unimportant places, we reach see NEUCHATEL (83 miles) (Hotels: "HOTEL LIST"). This town is situated on a steep slope above the shore of the lake to which it gives its name, and traversed by the Seyon, which falls into the lake immediately below. Th site of the town, which is well built, is excellent: below it is the lake; around are rich fields and vineyards, dotted over with numerous villas, and behind it are the magnificent precipices of the Jura. The principal buildings of interest are the Castle, an ancient structure, originally the residence of the Princes of Neuchatel, and the old Gothic church, built in the 12th century, containing several curious ancient monuments; the Hotel de Ville, a large building, with a Grecian portico, and an interesting museum, made celebrated by the late Professor Agassiz. The Lake of Neuchatel is 25 miles in its greatest length, with an average breadth of 4 miles. The scenery, in many places, is very fine. Leaving Neuchatel, we keep along the shore of the lake to St Blaize, and, passing the Castle of Thirle, reach Landeron, situated at the point of influx of the Thiele into the Lake of Bienne. We next reach NEUVEVILLE (Hotel: Couronne), on the border of the lake, beneath the Chasseral, which rises to a height of nearly 5,300 ft. The LAKE OF BIENNE, or Bieler See, is 10 miles long by 3 broad. Its scenery is not remarkable, and it owes its chief interest to the Ile St Pierre, for some months the residence of Rousseau. His room is still shown in a little house on the island. The garret above it was his place of refuge from the prying curiosity of visitors. He was accustomed to remark, "Je ne suis pas ici dans une menagerie.' Continuing along the shore we pass Nydau with its imposing Castle, and reach BIENNE (102 miles) (Hotel: Couronne). It is situated on the lower slopes of the Jura, at the entrance of the valley of the Suze, and is surrounded by vineyards. The old walls, surmounted with watch-towers, are still in existence. There are several avenues, affording agreeably sheltered promenades. The Chasseral, 4,936 ft. above the sea, can be ascended conveniently from Bienne. The view from the summit is magnificent. [For route Bienne to Bale by the Val Moutiers, see Route 114.] SOLEURE (117 miles) (Hotel: Couronne). It is situated at the base of the Jura, on the Aar, which divides it into two unequal parts, connected by two bridges, one of which is only available for foot-passengers. In the 17th century, this town was surrounded by strong walls, which were removed by order of the Council in 1835. The Cathedral of St Ours (St Ursus), completed in 1772, is approached by a flight of 23 steps, in front of which are two fountains, representing Moses striking the rock, and Gideon wringing the dew from the fleece. The facade is adorned with 12 Corinthian columns, surmounted by statues. The interior measures about 195 ft. in length by 135 in width. It contains several paintings and bas-reliefs, some curious missals, and a good organ. From the summit of the tower (180 ft. nigh) a fine view is obtained. The church of the Professors, built in 1689, has a painting of Christ, attributed to Holbein. The ClockTower in the market-place is reputed to have been built about A.D. 500. It was probably constructed under the Burgundian dynasty. It is square-built, without windows, and rises to a height of nearly 80 ft. A Latin inscription on it pronounces Soleure to be the most ancient city in the north-west of Europe, with the exception of Treves. The Arsenal contains a good collection of arms and armour, and several banners taken in various battles, one of them bearing a portrait of Charles the Bold. The Museum contains a fine collection of fossils from the Jura and the Alps. The Hotel de Ville (Rathhaus) is an ancient building with numerous towers, and is adorned with Roman inscriptions, bas-reliefs, and busts. The house is shown in which Kosciusko died. His heart was interred in the cemetery of Zuchwyl, about a mile distant. His other remains were removed to Cracow. The tomb bears the inscription, "Viscera Thaddei Kosciusko." The Weissenstein (White Rock) is seen at a little distance from Soleure. On the way to it we pass the Hermitage of St Verena, a grotto situated in a delightful valley, surrounded with beautiful trees. HERZOGENBUCHSEE (126 miles). For the remainder of the journey see Route 102. ROUTE 124. BERNE TO THUN AND INTERLAKEN. To Thun, 19 miles; 1st class, 3.20 frs.; 2d, 2.25 frs.; 3d, 1.60 fr. From Scherzlingen (Thun) steamers go several times a day to Darlingen, and thence rail is taken to Interlaken. EAVING Berne, we proceed along the valley of the Aar, which is well cultivated and picturesque. When the weather is clear, we have a view of the Alps throughout the greater part of the journey. Near MUNSINGEN we see, on the opposite side of the Lake of Thun, the peak of the Stockhorn and the Niesen. Near Uttigen we cross the Aar, and reach THUN (19 miles) (Hotels: see "HOTEL LIST"). It is situated upon the Aar, and is one of the pleasantest towns in Switzerland. The Church and Castle are conspicuous objects. The Military College is the institution where the officers of the army of the Swiss Confederation are trained. The Castle of Schadau is a fine modern Gothic structure. From the terrace near the church a beautiful view can be obtained of the lake, with the Alps around it. The station at the lake, a little way beyond the town (10 minutes), whence the steamers start, is called Scherzligen. Steamers go from here to Darlingen, near INTERLAKEN; fare, 2 frs. and 1 fr. There is also a carriageroad by the bank of the lake to Interlaken (15 miles). THE LAKE OF THUN is about 10 miles long. The northern shore abounds in pleasant houses and gardens. On the southern shore the Kander flows through an artificial channel into the lake, and near its entrance and that of the Simmenthal are the Stockhorn and the Niesen. The latter (7,763 ft.) can be easily ascended in 4 to 5 hours on foot. There is an hotel on the summit, and the view is remarkably fine, compris ing the Lakes of Thun and Brienz, the Oberland, and Mont Blanc and the Dent du Midi in the far distance. The panorama of the whole range of the Bernese Alps from the Titlis to the Diablerets is more complete than from any other point of nearly equal height. Beneath the mountain, on a promontory, stands an old castle, said to have been built by Attila. Some distance along, on the north side of the lake, is the Cave of St Beatus, beneath which a cascade falls into the lake. |