Eislauf Trip Fribourg Bern: My Frozen Adventure (and a Few Lessons Learned!)
Hey everyone! So, I recently took this amazing ice skating trip to Fribourg and Bern, and I wanted to share my experience – the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious. It was supposed to be super chill, you know? A weekend getaway. But let me tell you, it was more of a "chill" as in freezing my butt off kind of chill. Which, ironically, is kinda what you'd expect on an ice skating trip, right?
Finding the Perfect Hotel: A Real-Life "Choose Your Own Adventure"
First off, the hotels. This was a bigger deal than I thought. I totally underestimated how important finding the right hotel near the ice rinks would be. Initially, I just booked something random in Bern thinking, "Close enough, right?" Wrong. It was a 45-minute bus ride each way! My poor, frozen feet. Seriously, I nearly lost all feeling in them.
Lesson learned: Always check the proximity to your activities. Look at map views, and check reviews mentioning transportation. For a weekend trip like this, it's worth it to pay a little extra for a centrally located hotel. Maybe even use Google Maps to check the actual walking distance. I was so focused on finding a cheap deal, I totally overlooked this crucial detail. Live and learn, huh?
For Fribourg, I was smarter. I used Booking.com and filtered by reviews and location near the Eisbahn. I found a charming little hotel, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the rink. It was pure bliss!
Fribourg's Eisbahn: A Winter Wonderland
Fribourg's Eisbahn is just magical. Picture this: a picturesque outdoor rink, surrounded by stunning architecture, with the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from nearby boulangeries. It was seriously breathtaking. The ice was smooth, the atmosphere was festive, and honestly, it made my heart sing. It really was an unforgettable experience. I even managed to avoid any major wipeouts!
Bern's Ice Skating Scene: A Different Vibe
Bern, on the other hand, had a different feel. The ice rink there was indoors, a bit more modern and less charming. The ice was maybe a little too smooth; I nearly did a face plant more than once! But it was still fun, and less freezing than Fribourg which was a definite plus.
Pro-Tip: Regardless of the rink, always dress warmly! Layers are your friend. Think thermal underwear, warm socks (seriously, the thickest wool socks you own!), a good hat, gloves, and a scarf. And don't forget waterproof boots!
More than just Ice Skating: Exploring Fribourg and Bern
Besides ice skating, I highly recommend exploring both cities! Fribourg's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with beautiful medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Bern is also incredible – the Zytglogge astronomical clock is a must-see.
Hidden Gem Alert: In Fribourg, I discovered this tiny little café with the BEST hot chocolate. Seriously, it was life-changing. I'm still dreaming about it!
Planning Your Own Eislauf Trip? Here's What You Need to Know:
- Book accommodations in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season.
- Check the ice rink's opening hours and admission fees.
- Pack warm clothes! You'll thank me later.
- Allow time to explore the cities. There's so much to see and do beyond the ice skating.
- Have fun!
This trip wasn't perfect—the initial hotel booking was a disaster— but overall it was an amazing experience. I hope this helps you plan your own Eislauf Trip to Fribourg and Bern. Let me know if you have any questions! And remember, always check those hotel reviews!