550 year old Untertorbrucke Bridge in Bern Switzerland

Untertorbrucke Bridge

Old Bern is surrounded by many spectacular bridges, most of which soar high above the Aar River.  My favorite bridge is the 550 year old Untertorbrucke which is the small unimposing bridge just below the 170 year old  Nydegg Bridge.  [Note: cross the Nydegg Bridge to the Bern bear pits.]

Nearby is the Nydegg Church which was built in 1494.  But of course there is more to Bern than just bridges.  Old Bern is a World Heritage Site and there is plenty to look at.  From its 500 year old Clock Tower to Albert Einstein’s House. Check out my other Bern postings for more information.

Photos taken with a Nikon D700 and Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 lens.

Wide water with 550 year old church in background

Untertorbrucke and Nydeggbrucke

Different perspective

From the other side

The Aar River – the water, the sky and the cathedral

Two steeples as main subject

A beautiful bright sunlit day in Bern, Switzerland with the brilliant sparkling waters of the Aar River at your feet.   The view was so beautiful that you couldn’t come up with a bad photo if you tried.  (Well, maybe you could.)  After a while you can get complacent taking photos, one after another, all pretty much looking the same.  The solution is to vary the role of the river and its prominence in the photo.  Sometimes the river is the subject while at other times, it’s not.  Also vary the perspective, sometimes from a low point of view, sometimes higher. And consider framing the river within its environs.

Nikon D700 and Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom lens.

River and cathedral framed by the trees

The river as background

Aar River from above

Water as subject at river level

African choir at 13th Century Church in Bern

A few Sundays ago, I was walking around Old Bern, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, when I heard a rhythmic choral song being sung in a language I was not familiar with.  I walked towards the music and found myself joining a small crowd, mainly churchgoers, who had congregated outside the doors of the Franzkirche, a French-speaking church that was built in the late 1200’s.  I was mesmerized by the hypnotic singing in rhythm with the swaying movement of the choirmembers.  Before I knew it, they finished and then left.  Never did get any information about this group other than they were from Africa.

Photos taken with Nikon D700 and 80-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens.

Zurich International Airport with Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 lens

I was surprised to find that the Zurich International Airport‘s main terminal is very modern in design and feel.  From its vaulted ceiling to its use of cantilevered trusses and two story plus windows, the design of the interior of the understated terminal is both functional and  comfortable.  It does make for a relaxed place to while away the time while waiting for your flight.

Shopping is ok although the number of stores won’t rival some of the Asian airports like Singapore or Bangkok.  Nevertheless, there are enough to keep your attention for a time.

As an added benefit, the airport train station is a short 15 minute walk away, making it easy to travel to anywhere in Switzerland.

Photos taken with Nikon D700 and Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom lens.

Window and walker

Beautiful park behind 15th Century Munster Cathedral in Bern, Switzerland

One of the best vantages in Bern for a view of the Aar River is the beautiful park behind the 15th Century Gothic masterpiece, the Munster Cathedral.  It is very relaxed with an ambience that melts away any tension.  It is a place to let time drift away.   Without looking at your watch.  An espresso or two.

Photos taken with Nikon D700 and 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom lens.

Interior of Munster Cathedral

Zurich to Bern by train – Nikon D700 with 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom lens

One of the best rail systems in the world is the Swiss. The trains are efficient, clean, and frequent, no matter your destination in Switzerland.  The other day I landed at the Zurich International Airport, breezed through immigration and customs, and walked across the street to the train station.  Purchased a ticket, went to the train platform and off I went to Bern, a journey of one hour.  There were two classes of service on the train with first class giving you a bit more room.

The Aar River courses through Bern, Switzerland

Bern, Switzerland was founded on the Aar River in 1191 and probably would not have risen to prominence, including its designation as the capital of Switzerland (since 1848) if not for its location on the Aar River.  The river is the lifeblood of Bern and adds great contrast to the medieval buildings that make up the historic area.

One day I spent the better of a day walking both sides of the river.  From areas where the walk was through the historic area to park trails were slightly steep, there’s enough variety to keep everyone’s attention.

These photos did not require any post processing and are posted as captured.  Hard to believe that the water is this color, huh?

Photos taken with Nikon D700 and 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom lens.

D700 with 15 year old Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens

Sometimes photographers lose track of the fact that some vintage lens can still perform adequately even when matched up against more modern lens like the AF-S VR 70-200 f/2.8G.  Of course, an older lens, like the one above does not have image stabilzation.   I do think that the old school lens redeems itself by showing you what it’s capable of.

Oh yeah, the best part.  I recently paid  US $300 for this lens.  And its in great shape with few signs of use.  In fact the crackle black of the metal lens looks brand new.  The hood has a couple of light scratches but that’s about it.

Photos shot with Nikon D700 and Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 D zoom lens. Handheld.

Shot at 200mm at f/2.8 1/640 sec. ISO 320

Cropped of above

Shot at 80mm at f/2.8 1/3200 sec. ISO 200.

Cropped

Shot at 110mm f/8 1/2500 sec, ISO 1250

Cropped