Bern: Sights

If you're traveling to Switzerland, you definitely shouldn't miss the capital of Switzerland. 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 already existed on the peninsula even before that. Buildings such as Nydegg Castle or the Zytglogge (clock tower) already adorned the city at that time, 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 shouldn't miss is the gathering at the top of every hour in front of the Zytglogge. Watch with your own eyes the show that unfolds directly above your heads at this time. The figure play with the bear parade, the fool, 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 delightedly follow the alleys of the old town, time seems to stand completely still inside the tower. The remnants of the past characterize the Zytglogge. Medieval, thick stone walls as well as 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, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bern. If the weather is on your side and a clear sky graces 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. This old historic building should be a familiar name, especially for those interested in the Way of St. James. 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 enchant with a magnificent view.

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

The Gantrisch Nature Park can be reached via countless hiking routes, all of which lead through the idyllic landscape. Take the chance to use these wonderful paths and follow the impressive ridge hike over the Längenberg. But it's not only the nature around the monastery ruins that appears alluring. If you're 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 history of the monastery. The exhibition also provides insight into the documentation of the conservation work and the 1,000-year-old relief.

Käfigturm

A place that was once used to interrogate 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 served this purpose until 1987, even though it was demolished down to its foundation walls and rebuilt in 1641 due to its dilapidated state. 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, providing space for a wide variety of political debates.

Münster Platform

Would you like a bit of 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 take a break. A place for young and old to come together. It's also a bit of an insider tip for a romantic outing as a couple.

In addition, Albert Einstein's former home is located just 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 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 Münster Platform. Take the funicular tram that takes you down from the platform to the Matten quarter. In the past, the Matten quarter was known as a shabby working-class neighborhood and was avoided by the upper classes. As a result, its own language developed in this neighborhood, Matten Bernese German, which 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 freedom of religion in 1799, enabling Catholic life in the city after the Reformation. Especially after the adoption of the Federal Constitution and Bern's election 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 is known today as the Church of the Holy Trinity. It was consecrated in 1899.

Our digital vignette: simple, convenient, and digital

But before you set off on your journey 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 the comfort of your 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. Traveling should be easy!

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour 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 journey optimally and display the corresponding 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.