Marktgasse (Market Street), Bern
Market Street (Marktgasse) is a historically significant street nestled in the medieval center of Bern. Dating back to the 13th century, it is part of the Innere Neustadt and stretches from the K盲figturm clock tower in the west to the iconic Zytglogge tower in the east. This vibrant street lies within the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site that encompasses Bern's Old City.
First recorded in 1286, Market Street was initially known as Innere Neuenstadt after the 3rd city wall was constructed, before being unofficially called Neuenstadt until the early 19th century. Its modern name, Market Street, emerged in 1798 but gained widespread acceptance only in the early 20th century.
The street is a lively hub, lined with historic buildings that house retailers and restaurants. Visitors will encounter charming arcades and impressive fountains that embody Bern's old-world allure. Notable is the Sch眉tzenbrunnen, a 16th-century fountain portraying a rifleman carrying a sword and a banner to honor the Gesellschaft zu Sch眉tzen. Historically significant fountains, like the Sch眉tzenbrunnen and Anna-Seiler-Brunnen, grace the Market Street, illustrating Bern's Renaissance wealth and prosperity. These public water sources, which number over 100 across the city, have served as social gathering spots for centuries.
Dominating the eastern end of the street is the Zytglogge, a medieval tower with an astronomical clock that originally served as a gate in Bern's western fortification walls. It later functioned as a prison and remains one of the city's most recognized landmarks. Market Street鈥檚 cobbled stones and medieval architecture make it a fascinating destination, seamlessly blending commerce, history, and culture in the heart of Bern.
First recorded in 1286, Market Street was initially known as Innere Neuenstadt after the 3rd city wall was constructed, before being unofficially called Neuenstadt until the early 19th century. Its modern name, Market Street, emerged in 1798 but gained widespread acceptance only in the early 20th century.
The street is a lively hub, lined with historic buildings that house retailers and restaurants. Visitors will encounter charming arcades and impressive fountains that embody Bern's old-world allure. Notable is the Sch眉tzenbrunnen, a 16th-century fountain portraying a rifleman carrying a sword and a banner to honor the Gesellschaft zu Sch眉tzen. Historically significant fountains, like the Sch眉tzenbrunnen and Anna-Seiler-Brunnen, grace the Market Street, illustrating Bern's Renaissance wealth and prosperity. These public water sources, which number over 100 across the city, have served as social gathering spots for centuries.
Dominating the eastern end of the street is the Zytglogge, a medieval tower with an astronomical clock that originally served as a gate in Bern's western fortification walls. It later functioned as a prison and remains one of the city's most recognized landmarks. Market Street鈥檚 cobbled stones and medieval architecture make it a fascinating destination, seamlessly blending commerce, history, and culture in the heart of Bern.
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Marktgasse (Market Street) on Map
Sight Name: Marktgasse (Market Street)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Bern
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bern is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour
With over 100 public fountains in the Old Town alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During medieval times, local life revolved around fountains as they provided water for residents and served as locations for news exchange and social gatherings.
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Throughout history, Bernese residents have cherished their fountains and decorated them with elaborate... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Bern Introduction Walking Tour
The de facto capital of Switzerland, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as the "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces its origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Z盲hringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he would kill on the hunt. That animal happened to be a bear, hence the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Bern's Historical Churches
They say architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. While the outside appearances of historical churches in Bern beckon seekers of beauty and tranquility, the ethereal atmosphere within embraces the visitor with a sense of timeless serenity.
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Enveloped within Bern's historic old town, the Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is one of the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Swiss Sweets and Pastries
Among other things that make Switzerland popular around the world, chocolate is definitely the one. Still, chocolate isn't the only Swiss-made sweet deserving attention, as there are plenty of baked products, such as Magenbrot, Vermicelles, and Biberli, to mention but a few, that are well worth...