Dinners on Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 25 will be organised at two restaurants within the old city centre of Bern. We have arranged for sampling two traditional Swiss dishes. Furthermore, we plan to organise a Fondue-party on Friday night in a mountain hut close-by in the alps.

Dinner on Wednesday, March 23

Reservations have been made at restaurant Zunft zu Webern, located along the decorative central street of old Bern, not too far from the former living quarters of Einstein.

One of the specialties of this restaurant is Raclette, a dish based on the cheese of the same name from the canton Valais. It is a traditional Swiss cheese dish that is already referred to in medieval writings as a favourite amongst farmers in the Alpine regions of the country. That makes it an even more traditional recipe than the famous Swiss fondue, though the latter is of course far more known internationally. Based on molten Raclette cheese and (in its mordern incarnation) potatoes, the dish is essentially vegetarian. It will be served with an appetiser containing meat, however, so please let us know if you'd prefer an alternative. The cost of this meal will be CHF 39.50, excluding drinks.

Dinner on Thursday, March 24

As the name suggests, the Kornhaus was originally constructed as a granary and wine cellar between 1711 and 1715. It is located across the street from the famous Zytglogge landmark and drawn up in a monumental style from the characteristic green-gray Bernese sandstone. Having lost its original function, the late nineteenth century saw it converted to fulfill a number of public funtions and up to this day, the building houses a large public library and lecture rooms. The cellar was repurposed as a Festlokal at that point and has served in a similar capacity ever since.

This evening will provide a chance to try a very local dish, known quite straightforwardly as a Berner Platte. The original version of this dish was created after the Bernese army won the battle of Neuenegg against a numerically superior French army on March 5th, 1798. The celebration involved a feast at which everyone contributed what they happened to have available to create the copious collection of sausages and meats, both pork and veal, that is still eaten today. You should count on paying CHF 44 for the meal alone. Obviously, a vegetarian alternative will be provided on request.

Fondue-party on Friday, March 25

It will take place in a alphut in the Diemtigtal, a 90-minute trip away from Bern. The idea is to travel there together on Friday afternoon, have a Fondue in the evening and return back to Bern sometime on Saturday.

Everybody is encouraged to bring along their favourite game, musical instrument or person for entertainment, but please keep in mind that there is no electricity available.

This is not for the faint-hearted: there is only an outdoor-toilet available, with no warm running water. To spend the night, thick woollen blankets are provided in a common dormitory, so preferably you might want to take your own sleeping bag along. A torch might come in handy, too.

There is a small skiing area close by, but the hut is also a perfect starting point for snow-shoe hiking.