Tie the knot in the Bernese Oberland

A train instead of a chapel? swiss-image.ch

Getting married? The canton of Bern is starting a pilot project this summer, sanctioning mountain railways, lake boats and castles for official wedding ceremonies.

Also in the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald is inviting visitors to take part in a week of events under the title Eiger Live, to celebrate man’s relationship with mountains.

Around 5,000 couples living in canton Bern tie the knot each year but a surprisingly large number – around ten per cent – choose to do so abroad, with New Zealand, the United States and the Dominican Republic being among their favourite destinations.

In a bid to remain competitive, the local authorities have given the green light for couples to use the lakes and mountains of the Bernese Oberland as attractive backdrops.

They are due to announce in mid-June the names of the organisations and companies which have met the criteria for holding weddings.

That means as of this summer, it may be possible to utter the words “I do” in a rotating mountain restaurant, on a paddle steamer cruising the lake or in a historic railway carriage with the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps in the background.

Railway nostalgia

The classic Golden Pass railway journey which connects Montreux and Lucerne has reconstructed a few historic carriages to celebrate the line’s 100th anniversary.

Railway buffs can book a seat on the Pullman Express carriages, which will be hooked up to the train servicing the Montreux-Zweisimmen section of the line.

Advanced bookings are recommended.

Cuddly Zurich

After cashing in on cows, the Zurich tourist office wants to repeat the success by placing life-size teddy bears around the city’s streets this summer.

Hundreds of hand-painted bears have taken over the streets and alleys of the financial capital.

It’s the fourth publicity stunt of its kind in Zurich, which started with lions, continued with the Swiss cow before moving on to inanimate benches of all shapes and sizes.

swissinfo