Bern: Sights

If you are traveling to Switzerland, then you should not miss the capital of Switzerland under any circumstances. Discover the multifaceted city of Bern and immerse yourself in the history of this beautiful city. The founding of the city of Bern on the peninsula dates back to the year 1911 and was established by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen. However, a city as such already existed on the peninsula beforehand. Buildings such as Nydegg Castle or the Zytglogge (clock tower) already adorned the city back then, and the Zytglogge still enriches the city to this day.

Sights

Zytglogge (clock tower)

The Zytglogge is one of the oldest buildings in Bern and beautifies the old town together with the Bernese alleyways and other historic buildings. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Once forming a city gate, today it is above all the clock tower that delights visitors from all over the world. A spectacle you should not miss is the gathering at the top of the hour in front of the Zytglogge. Watch with your own eyes the show that takes place directly above your heads at this time. The figure play with the bear parade, the jester, the golden rooster, and Chronos (god of time) performs its splendor and delights young and old alike.

While there is a lively bustle in front of the Zytglogge and tourists follow the alleys of the old town with delight, time seems to stand completely still inside the tower. The remnants of the past shape the Zytglogge. Medieval, thick stone walls as well as massive wooden beams recall bygone times. Climb the roughly 130 steps inside the clock tower and let yourself be enchanted by the breathtaking view of the old town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bern. If the weather is on your side and a clear sky adorns the city of Bern, you can even see all the way to 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. Especially for those interested in the Way of St. James, this old historic building should be familiar. Pilgrims on the Way of St. James as well as those interested in culture repeatedly encounter the Rüeggisberg monastery ruins. This is not surprising, as the monastery ruins captivate with a magnificent view.

Discover the Rüeggisberg monastery ruins and follow the traces of long-gone times. Listen to the history of the nearly thousand-year-old walls and explore the mysterious remnants. A place that will inevitably transport you to the era of monks, friars, and choral chants,

The Gantrisch Nature Park can be reached via countless hiking trails, all of which lead through the idyllic landscape. Take the chance to enjoy these wonderful paths and follow the impressive ridge hike over the Längenberg. But it's not only the nature around the monastery ruins that seems inviting. If you are interested in the history of this ruin, you should visit the museum right next door or take part in a guided tour. The museum is open daily and tells the story of the monastery. In addition, the exhibition provides insight into the documentation of the conservation work and the 1,000-year-old relief.

Käfigturm

A place that was once used for interrogating criminals and locking up wrongdoers now serves as a space for democracy, participation, and exchange. After the devastating fire of 1405, the function of this building changed from a defense tower to the city's prison. The Käfigturm held this role until 1987, even though it was demolished down to its foundations and rebuilt in 1641 due to its dilapidated condition. Yet even today you can sense the remnants of this dark era through the desperate scribblings on the dungeon doors. Today the prison is a thing of the past. Instead, since 1999 the Käfigturm has been the seat of the Federal Political Forum, thus providing space for a wide variety of political debates.

Münster Platform

Would you like a little relaxation amid all the sights and the tourist hustle and bustle? Then you shouldn't forget the Münster Platform! With its green spaces and shady chestnut trees, it practically invites you to enjoy a nice picnic, play games, and treat yourself to some time off. A place for young and old to come together. Also a little insider tip for a romantic outing as a couple.

In addition, Albert Einstein's domestic retreat is located right around the corner from the Münster Platform on Kramgasse. Nowadays the apartment is open to the public and is enriched with photographs, records, and copies of documents.

The Münster Platform offers you a wonderful view of the Alps, the Aare, and Bern's Matte district. For a long time, the Aare (river), on whose banks the Matte district is located, served as the primary transport route for goods.

Matte District

The Matte district is considered the oldest district of Bern and can be easily reached from the Münster Platform. Use the funicular tram, which takes you down from the platform to the Matte district. In the past, the Matte district was known as a shabby working-class quarter and was avoided by the upper class. As a result, its own language developed in this district, Matte German, and is still partly used today.

Church of the Holy Trinity

The Church of the Holy Trinity is the oldest Catholic church in the city of Bern. Bern achieved religious freedom in 1799, thus enabling Catholic life in the city after the Reformation. Especially after the adoption of the Federal Constitution and the election of Bern as the federal capital in 1848, more and more Catholics found their way to the city of Bern.

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

Digital vignette from us: simple, convenient, and digital

But before you set off on your trip to Switzerland, you should take care of purchasing a digital vignette. This allows you to use the entire road network in Switzerland and travel through the country worry-free.

Order your digital vignette now, conveniently from home with us, and benefit from the simple ordering process. Register your vehicle for a digital vignette to avoid possible fines. We want your journey to be as pleasant as possible thanks to our digital vignette. Travel should be easy!

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant trip to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your tour of discovery through the country's impressive nature. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.