WELCOME TO MY SWISS TWO DAYS MARCH PAGE


[ Home Page ] [ The A - Z of Amiga Games ] [ The A - Z of Spectrum Games ] [ The International Marching League ] [ Collectable Goodies for Sale! ] [ What's New at This Site ] [ Links to Other Sites of Interest ] [ Sign the Guestbook ]


Location

The walk takes place from the BEA Expo Centre a few km outside Berne. The city itself is very small and it is quite easy to take in all the sites, including the Clocktower and Bear Pit, in a day. Of course, being Switzerland, there are snow-capped mountain ranges nearby.


How to get there

The Expo Centre is regularly serviced by trams and is also easily reached by road. The railway station is in the centre and has links throughout Switzerland. There is a regular train that goes all the way from Belgium to Italy that stops off at Berne. There are a number of international airports in the region.


What is the Swiss Two Days March?

In 1998 this event will take place for the 39th time, making it one of the oldest walking events. Located in the capital of Switzerland, it attracts a great many walkers and is regarded as one of the most scenic walks. Although there are a few steep inclines, mainly on the first day, this event is not too taxing.


Distances

There are 10 km, 20 km, 30 km, and 40 km routes each day. Walkers only need to complete the 20 km route on both days to qualify for an IML award. To receive the official award, walkers must complete a set distance. The 40 km route starts at 0500 (I actually started it at 0930 the first year I took part and wondered why I did not see anyone else for hours!). Military participants from other countries will also need to arrange a special permit, obtainable by faxing their Embassy in Switzerland.

The medal for this event is particularly smart and the organisers have now implemented a policy of issuing new medals each year. More details are available from the official web site (see below).


How do I take part?

Contact the following:

Alternative contact point:

Entry and accommodation forms for 1998 are now available. These must be returned to the organisers by 4 April 1998. Alternatively, but for an increased fee, you can enter the walk at the BEA Expo the day before the walk.


Accommodation

There are many options. The organisers can provide accommodation at the BEA Expo, in private homes, or in hotel accommodation. Be warned that Switzerland is a very expensive country and the hotels in the centre of Berne can be very expensive. However, I have found that if you look around carefully, you can find a room for around £20 pounds a night.

The dormitory accommodation is cheap but the comfort level depends on where you are located. The main dormitories are in nuclear fall-out shelters underneath the ice rink at the Expo. These are very basic and the showers are notoriously bad but they are very secure (guarded by the Swiss military) and are very handy for the start of the walk. Also, there is a large beer tent here during the walks, which comes highly recommended. The local beer is excellent and guarantees a good time!


Comments

The official site of the 2-Tage Marsch Bern is : www.military.ch/2TM


[ Home Page ] [ The A - Z of Amiga Games ] [ The A - Z of Spectrum Games ] [ The International Marching League ] [ Collectable Goodies for Sale! ] [ What's New at This Site ] [ Links to Other Sites of Interest ] [ Sign the Guestbook ]