Most famous monuments to see in Bern

The 13th-century tower, a remnant of the first city wall, greets you in all its majesty. For over 600 years, the bell has been faithfully ringing in the hours. But in its interior, time seems to be standing still.

The faithful ticking of the medieval movement is your constant companion. The approximately 130 steps of the spiral staircase (some of which are quite worn) lead up to the observation platform which offers the best view over the roofs of the Old Town, stretching all the way to the Alps.

Together we’ll view the clockwork and follow the performance of the clockwork figures step for step, all the way to the famous third crow of the rooster. Join us for this unforgettable experience.

A model of the clock tower made from clay can be ordered on www.tonhaus.ch. It can be used as a light and scent house.

Guided tour of the Zytglogge (Bern's Clock Tower)

Visitors can admire the clockwork in groups and follow the movement of carillon figurines up to the third cock’s crowe.
Duration: 50min.
Number of participants: 1-20
Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian Japanese

The STADE DE SUISSE is more than just the home stadium of the long-established Bernese football club, the Young Boys. Far more! It is a meeting point, shopping centre, business centre, temple for gourmets...!

The three-aisled basilica without a transept towers above the roofs of the old town is the largest religious building in Switzerland. Construction started in 1421 with builders working on this masterpiece over successive generations. The steeple was only completed in 1893.

An outstanding feature is the main portal, where you can admire the depiction of the Last judgment - the only image that was spared the iconoclasm of the Reformation. 344 steps above the entrance gets you to the lookout point: the 100-meter-high cathedral tower.

The Heiliggeistkirche was built by Niklaus Schiltknecht, the town's master mason, and inaugurated in 1729. It is located on the site of what was previously known as the hospital church. The Heiliggeistkirche is considered to be the most beautiful Protestant baroque church in Switzerland. Richly furnished, the interior is dominated by fourteen freestanding sandstone columns and the pulpit in the northern part of the nave.

The Parliament was built in accordance with the plans of the Architect H. Auer. It was completed in 1902. In the central hall, under the cupola between the two assembly rooms, there are numerous symbolic depictions of Swiss history. After undergoing extensive renovations, the seat of Swiss government has been gleaming with new resplendence since May 2008. Guided tours are available.

Bern was chosen as the Federal Capital of Switzerland in 1848. However, the Bundeshaus, with its terrace and the Bundesplatz square, is much more than just the seat of the Swiss government. It is also a crowd-puller, photo opportunity and a meeting place for young and old. On the "1848 - Bern as capital city" tour, you will learn more about the 150-year history of the Federal Capital.

The Parliament House also opens its doors to regular guided tours of the premises. Outside the building there is also much to see: The terrace is an inviting place to sit as you enjoy the views of the Marzili public baths, the Aare, and the Gurten, Bern’s iconic local mountain. Of interest are the Bundesplatz square, the fountain in summer, and a light show and ice rink in winter. There is also a variety of events and the typical Bernese markets Zibelemärit (onion market) and Christmas markets, etc.).

The Clock Tower (Zytglogge) was the first western gate of the city (1191 - 1256) and, with its famous astronomical calendar clock built in 1530, is now one of the main attractions of Bern and the oldest clocks in Switzerland.

The tower clock served as the master clock for the city of Bern and hence set the standard. From there, the hours were measured which are indicated on the hour stones of the canton’s roads.

The hour chimes, the two tower clocks, the mechanical figures and the astronomical clock are all driven by a common mechanism.

The exterior appearance of the tower is dominated by late-Baroque elements. The large dial is framed by a fresco produced by Viktor Surbek in 1930.