Zytglogge (Clock Tower), Bern (must see)
The Clock Tower (Zytglogge), a medieval tower in Bern, stands as a multifaceted monument deeply embedded in the city's history and culture. Constructed around 1218鈥�1220, initially as a guard tower for the city's western fortifications, the Clock Tower has evolved through various roles including a prison and a clock tower. This evolution reflects Bern鈥檚 historical journey following its de facto independence from the Empire.
Standing 54.5 meters tall with a footprint of 11.2 by 10.75 meters, the Clock Tower's structure is a testament to medieval architecture. The exterior, largely shaped during the 1770 renovation, features alpine limestone and sandstone cladding, decorative corner blocks, and a late Gothic cornice. A distinguishing feature is the tower's red-tiled Gothic spire, which hosts spire lights and ornamental urns, topped with a gilded knob and a weather vane bearing the Bernese coat of arms.
Internally, the Clock Tower has undergone numerous changes, especially as its function shifted across centuries. Initially a basic guard tower, it was later filled with additional floors in the fourteenth century. These rooms have variously served as city archives, storerooms, and even an air raid shelter, reflecting the tower鈥檚 central role in civic administration. Since 1979, these rooms have been cleared and now are showcased only during guided tours.
The Clock Tower is also renowned for its 15th-century astronomical clock, a major draw for tourists. As the clock nears the hour, visitors gather to watch a captivating mechanical performance featuring figures like bears, a jester, Chronos (the god of time), and a golden rooster, all of which animate in a delightful display.
For those willing to climb the 130 steps inside the tower, there awaits a stunning panoramic view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Bern's historic old city, with its characteristic tiled roofs and narrow lanes, extending out to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland on clear days.
Why You Should Visit:
To experience a wonderful example of the Swiss tradition of timekeeping 鈥� how often do you see an 800-year-old clock?
Tip:
The animation is best seen during the higher numbered hours (e.g. 12 at noon), but keep in mind that mass transit (buses & streetcars) does not stop during that time so beware of traffic at the intersection.
There's also a daily tour (except in winter months) at 2:30 pm provided in English, German, and French 鈥� pre-book it online! They take you up inside the tower to the different levels and explain the history and inner workings 鈥� very interesting!
Standing 54.5 meters tall with a footprint of 11.2 by 10.75 meters, the Clock Tower's structure is a testament to medieval architecture. The exterior, largely shaped during the 1770 renovation, features alpine limestone and sandstone cladding, decorative corner blocks, and a late Gothic cornice. A distinguishing feature is the tower's red-tiled Gothic spire, which hosts spire lights and ornamental urns, topped with a gilded knob and a weather vane bearing the Bernese coat of arms.
Internally, the Clock Tower has undergone numerous changes, especially as its function shifted across centuries. Initially a basic guard tower, it was later filled with additional floors in the fourteenth century. These rooms have variously served as city archives, storerooms, and even an air raid shelter, reflecting the tower鈥檚 central role in civic administration. Since 1979, these rooms have been cleared and now are showcased only during guided tours.
The Clock Tower is also renowned for its 15th-century astronomical clock, a major draw for tourists. As the clock nears the hour, visitors gather to watch a captivating mechanical performance featuring figures like bears, a jester, Chronos (the god of time), and a golden rooster, all of which animate in a delightful display.
For those willing to climb the 130 steps inside the tower, there awaits a stunning panoramic view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Bern's historic old city, with its characteristic tiled roofs and narrow lanes, extending out to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland on clear days.
Why You Should Visit:
To experience a wonderful example of the Swiss tradition of timekeeping 鈥� how often do you see an 800-year-old clock?
Tip:
The animation is best seen during the higher numbered hours (e.g. 12 at noon), but keep in mind that mass transit (buses & streetcars) does not stop during that time so beware of traffic at the intersection.
There's also a daily tour (except in winter months) at 2:30 pm provided in English, German, and French 鈥� pre-book it online! They take you up inside the tower to the different levels and explain the history and inner workings 鈥� very interesting!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bern. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Zytglogge (Clock Tower) on Map
Sight Name: Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
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.
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
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'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...