Bern – Sights & Highlights

If you are travelling to Switzerland, you should not miss the country's capital 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 in its own right already existed on the peninsula before that. Buildings such as Nydegg Castle and the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) already adorned the city of that era, and the Zytglogge continues to enrich 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 Bern's alleyways and other historic structures. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Once forming a city gate, it is above all the clock tower that delights visitors from around the world today. A spectacle you should not miss is the gathering on the hour in front of the Zytglogge. Watch with your own eyes the show that unfolds at that time directly above your heads. The figurine display featuring the bear procession, the jester, the golden cockerel and Chronos (God of Time) performs its splendour and captivates young and old alike.

While there is a lively bustle in front of the Zytglogge and tourists follow the lanes of the old town with delight, time seems to stand completely still inside the tower. The remnants of the past define the Zytglogge. Medieval, thick stone walls and massive wooden beams are reminiscent of times gone by. Climb the roughly 130 steps inside the Clock Tower and let yourself be enchanted by the breathtaking view of the old town, Bern's UNESCO World Heritage Site. If the weather is on your side and a clear sky adorns the city of Bern, you can even see as far as 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. This ancient historic building should be familiar especially to those interested in the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago as well as those with an interest in culture regularly encounter the Rüeggisberg Monastery Ruins. This is hardly surprising, as the monastery ruins enchant with a magnificent view.

Discover the Rüeggisberg Monastery Ruins and follow the traces of times long past. Listen to the history of the almost thousand-year-old walls and explore the mysterious remains. A place that inevitably transports you back to the era of monks, friars and choral chants.

The Gantrisch Nature Park can be reached via countless hiking routes, all of which lead through the idyllic landscape. Take advantage of these wonderful paths and follow the impressive high-altitude hike over the Längenberg. But it is not only the nature surrounding the monastery ruins that appears enticing. If you are interested in the history of these ruins, 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 offers an insight into the documentation of the conservation work and the 1,000-year-old relief.

Käfigturm

A place that was once used for the interrogation of wrongdoers and imprisoned criminals now serves as a space for democracy, participation and exchange. After the devastating fire of 1405, the function of this building changed from a defensive tower to the city's prison. The Käfigturm fulfilled this role until 1987, even though it was demolished down to its foundations due to its dilapidated state in 1641 and rebuilt from scratch. Yet even today you can sense the remnants of this gloomy era through the desperate scrawls on the dungeon doors. Today the prison belongs to the past. Instead, the Käfigturm has been the seat of the Federal Polit-Forum since 1999, providing space for a wide variety of political debates.

Münsterplattform

Would you like a little relaxation between all the sights and the tourist bustle? Then don't forget the Münsterplattform! With its green spaces and shade-giving chestnut trees, it practically invites you to enjoy a lovely picnic, play games and take a break. A place to come together for young and old. Also a little insider tip for a romantic outing as a couple.

Furthermore, Albert Einstein's domestic retreat is right around the corner from the Münsterplattform on Kramgasse. Today the apartment is open to the public and is enriched by photographs, records and copies of documents.

The Münsterplattform offers you a wonderful view of the Alps, the Aare and the Bern Matten Quarter. For a long time, the Aare (river), on whose banks the Matten Quarter is located, served as the primary transport route for goods.

Matten Quarter

The Matten Quarter is considered the oldest district of Bern and can be easily reached from the Münsterplattform. Take the Senkeltram, which brings you down from the platform to the Matten Quarter. In the past, the Matten Quarter was known as a shabby working-class neighbourhood and was avoided by the upper classes. As a result, its own language developed in this district — Matten Bernese German — and is still partially used today.

Trinity Church

The Trinity Church represents the oldest Catholic church in the city of Bern. Bern gained freedom of religion in 1799, thus enabling Catholic life in the city following the Reformation. Especially after the adoption of the Federal Constitution and Bern's designation as the federal city in 1848, more and more Catholics found their way to the city of Bern.

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

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