Bern – Sights & Highlights

If you are traveling to Switzerland, you definitely should not miss its capital. Discover the diverse city of Bern and immerse yourself in the history of this beautiful place. The founding of the city of Bern on the peninsula dates back to 1911 and is attributed to Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen. However, a settlement existed on the peninsula even before that. Buildings such as Nydegg Castle and the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) already shaped the city back then, and the Zytglogge still enriches Bern to this day.

Sights

Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

The Zytglogge is among the oldest buildings in Bern and enhances the Old Town together with Bern’s narrow alleys and other historic architecture. It is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Once serving as a city gate, the clock tower now fascinates visitors from all over the world. A spectacle you should not miss is the gathering at the full hour in front of the Zytglogge. Watch the performance that takes place right above your head: the figures with the bear procession, the jester, the golden rooster and Chronos (the god of time) captivate both young and old.

While there is lively activity in front of the Zytglogge and tourists follow the charming Old Town streets, time seems to stand still inside the tower. Remnants of the past shape the Zytglogge: medieval thick stone walls and massive wooden beams. Climb the roughly 130 steps inside the tower and enjoy the breathtaking view over the Old Town, Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage site. On a clear day, you can even see the peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

Rüeggisberg Monastery Ruins

The Rüeggisberg monastery ruins are considered an archaeological site and are located in the Gantrisch Nature Park. For those interested in the Way of St. James, this historic place is especially noteworthy. Pilgrims and culture lovers encounter the ruins time and again — and it’s easy to see why, as they offer a wonderful panorama.

Explore the Rüeggisberg monastery ruins and follow the traces of long-gone times. Listen to the story of the almost thousand-year-old walls and discover the mysterious remains — a place that inevitably transports you back to the age of monks, brothers of the order and choral singing,

Gantrisch Nature Park can be reached via countless hiking routes through idyllic landscapes. Take the chance to hike these beautiful trails and follow the impressive high-level hike across the Längenberg ridge. If you are interested in the history of the ruins, you should also visit the museum next door or join a guided tour. The museum is open daily and tells the story of the monastery, while the exhibition provides insights into conservation work and the 1000-year relief.

Käfigturm

A place once used for interrogations and imprisonment now serves as a space for democracy, participation and dialogue. After the devastating fire of 1405, the building’s function changed from a defensive tower to the city prison — a role it held until 1987. Even though it was demolished down to its foundations in 1641 due to structural issues and rebuilt, traces of its dark history can still be felt today, for example through desperate scratch marks on the cell doors. Since 1999, the Käfigturm has been home to the Confederation’s Political Forum and hosts a wide range of political discussions.

Münsterplattform

Looking for a bit of relaxation between sights and tourist bustle? Then don’t miss the Münsterplattform. With green lawns and shady chestnut trees, it invites you to enjoy a picnic, play games and take a break — a place to meet for young and old. It is also a small insider tip for a romantic outing.

Albert Einstein’s former place of retreat is also nearby, just around the corner in the Kramgasse. Today, the apartment is open to the public and enriched with photographs, notes and document copies.

The Münsterplattform offers wonderful views of the Alps, the Aare River and the Matten quarter of Bern. For a long time, the Aare served as a primary transport route for goods, and the Matten quarter lies along its riverbanks.

Matten Quarter

The Matten quarter is considered the oldest district of Bern and can easily be reached from the Münsterplattform. Take the funicular down to the Matten quarter. In the past, it was seen as a shabby working-class area and was avoided by the upper class. As a result, a distinct dialect developed there — Matten Bern German — which is still used in part today.

Trinity Church (Dreifaltigkeitskirche)

Trinity Church is the oldest Catholic church in the city of Bern. Bern gained freedom of religion in 1799, which enabled Catholic life to return after the Reformation. Especially after the adoption of the federal constitution and Bern’s designation as the federal city in 1848, more and more Catholics came to Bern.

The first Catholic church, St. Peter and Paul, was assigned to the Christian Catholic Church during the Kulturkampf in the 19th century. New plans were then created for a Catholic church, which is known today as Trinity Church. It was consecrated in 1899.

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Before you start your trip through Switzerland, you should obtain a digital vignette. It allows you to use the entire Swiss road network and travel through the country with peace of mind.

Order your digital vignette conveniently from home and benefit from an easy ordering process. Register your vehicle for a digital vignette to avoid possible fines. We want your trip to be as smooth as possible — traveling should be easy!