Has anyone stayed at the Goldener Adler Hotel? Could you please share your experience and also tell me how long a walk to the train station? How about tours of the surrounding area- any suggestions? Thanks so much for your help. Going next week for 2 days. JKR2006

Never stayed at this hotel but I have been to Bern many times so can say, about 20 minutes walk if you are not carring a heavy lugagge. It's located on Gerechtigkeitsgasse that's an extention of rather a long street starting from the train station and the hotel is at the other end of the old town, close to Nydegg Bridge and the bears' pit. If you have no luggage, it is a very nice walk on the UNESCO World Heritage aracde street, pebbled street, all those fountains with colorful statues and the clock tower midway.

Since you have only 2 days, I don't know if you want to do this but, interested to visit Alpes mounatin areas, Interalken and beyond (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and above) ? That's 1 hour (interlkaken) and more train trip. If you choose to go to one of those mountain tops, you can make it a full day trip. On a sunny day, that would be rewarding. But if the weather is not good, how about the old town of Fribourg, or Thun?

We stayed at the Belle Epoque across the street. Kappa's description is accurate.

We enjoyed the Alpine Museum, the Paul Klee Museum, Albert Einstein's apartment, and a guided tour of the Swiss Parliament (highly recommended, reservation required). We also walked up to the Rose Garden (past the Bear Pit) for a wonderful view of the city, and toured the Clock Tower (very interesting and more views). Check out the many theme fountains throughout the city and the cathedral and its bell tower.

We took a day trip to Montreux to see Chateau de Chillon because it was not open during a previous trip. Very nice day there.

Jean - we also stayed at Belle Epoque and loved it !
We took public transport from the train and jumped off about a two minute walk from Belle Epoque -

Basically had Jeans itinerary - we had a great dinner at Kornhauskeller and a wonderful night at the opera, also w/in walking distance

Stayed at Belle Epoque a few years ago.
Lovely place, but be sure and ask for a
quiet room. We had loud music until the
wee hours of the morning.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was hoping to do the mountains, but weather forecast is for rain, so not sure about visability. Do want to see the town so will let you know when I return. Thanks again. JKR 2006

Just returned from Bern, stayed at the Adler and was quite satisfied. For the price, you can't beat it. Just accross the street from Belle Epoque, but about $50 cheaper. Rooms are small and plain, but spotless. Breakfast was fine and it is well situated in old town near Nydegg bridge.
Took a day trip to Interlaken, but didn't have time (or energy) for further mountain adventures as I started late in the morning. View was splendid from terrace of Co-op store cafeteria where I had nice lunch outdoors looking at Jungfrau. Thanks for all your suggestions. JKR