Bern's Old City

Bern’s Old City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, wowing visitors with its impressive sandstone buildings and incomparable charm. Also typical for the city are its quaint alleys and the six kilometres of arcades

Opening hours

open

Opens at

Contact

Useful information

City of Bern
Landmarks
Historic sites

The city of Bern was founded in the year 1191 by Berchtold V, duke of Zähringen on a peninsula in the bend of the Aare river. From 1200 on, the city was expanded step by step: first from Nydegg Castle to the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), then all the way to the Käfigturm (Prison Tower), and later on the Nydeggstalden and Mattenenge were added. After the third expansion, the Christoffelturm (Christoffel Tower) became the city gate, and since the last expansion in the year 1360, the Matte neighbourhood has been part of Bern’s Old City.

On 12 May 1405, a fire started in what today is Brunngasse alley, spreading rapidly across the entire city due to the strong north wind. The large fire destroyed 650 wooden houses and took the lives of over 100 people. Due to fire safety and protection regulations, it was ordered that the new houses were to be made of stone. So ever since, sandstone has been dominating the city scape. The arcades were built after the fire as well, for the handymen and craftsmen who were working on the houses. Today, the arcades protect the people of Bern from sun and rain and it’s impossible to imagine the city without them.

A soft autumn light embraces the city of Bern, with the characteristic silhouette of the cathedral rising elegantly above the colourful trees and the calm Aare, conveying a sense of peace and timeless beauty.

The colourful street signs (red, yellow, green, white, black) stem from 1798, when Bern was occupied by the French: the colour-coding helped soldiers find their way back through the city after a night of drinking.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bern’s Old City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983 and is perceived as a great example of a clear and progressive urban planning creation. Thanks to the office for monument preservation, whose job is to preserve the historical interior and exterior structures of the buildings, the city’s structures are respected and maintained. A great success! Because the unmistakable charm of the Old City never ceases to wow people, whether they’re visitors or locals.

The goal of UNESCO is to preserve the things that nature has created over millions of years and humanity has built over the centuries. The city of Bern is one of Switzerland's twelve World Heritage sites and one of almost a thousand worldwide, alongside sites like the Great Barrier Reef or the pyramids in Egypt.

Upper and Lower Old City

Bern’s Old City is divided into two parts: the lower part of the Old City (which is commonly what people are referring to when they say “the Old City”) comprises the area from the Matte neighbourhood to the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). The upper part of the Old City lies between the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and Bollwerk-Hirschengraben. The two areas are subject to different protection regulations: the lower part is protected in its entirety, while the upper part has different provisions depending on the building.

Sights and monuments in the Old City

The picture shows a group of people listening to a city guide on the Bundesplatz in front of the Bundeshaus in Bern. The sun casts soft shadows and creates a relaxed, attentive atmosphere, while the listeners, wrapped in warm clothing, appear interested and curious. The atmosphere is calm and culturally enriching.

City tour «UNESCO Stroll through the old city»

Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

The picture shows the Christmas market in front of the illuminated Bern Minster. People stroll through the festively decorated stalls, illuminated by warm lights that create a cosy and festive atmosphere. The mood is cheerful and lively.

Bernese Minster

In this picture, the cathedral platform in Bern is enveloped in the magic of a snowy day. Snow covers the branches of the bare trees and the ground as people, dressed warmly, walk through the winter. The tranquil beauty of the Mattelift in the background, surrounded by the gentle fall of snowflakes, enhances the feeling of winter stillness.

Minster Terrace

The Federal Palace in Bern glows impressively in the winter evening light, surrounded by a snow-covered landscape, creating a tranquil and festive winter atmosphere.

Parliament Building and Parliament Square

The picture shows the lively and warm atmosphere of the Kornhauskeller in Bern, where guests come together to enjoy their meal in a historically decorated hall with impressive frescoes and warm lighting.

The most beautiful vaulted cellars in Bern

The picture shows two people chatting at the edge of the fountain; Kramgasse in Bern with the famous Zytglogge tower can be seen in the background.

Bern, City of Fountains

The picture shows a group of people taking part in a guided tour of the city, recognisable by the guide standing in front and speaking. They are in a square in Bern with historic buildings, including a tower with a clock. Despite the renovation work being carried out on one of the buildings, which is surrounded by scaffolding, the square is bustling with activity. The participants, who are dressed warmly, suggest that it may be autumn or spring. The atmosphere seems curious and relaxed.

Käfigturm (Prison Tower)

Shopping in the Old City

Boutiques, ateliers, shops – shopping in Bern’s Old City is a unique experience. There’s countless hidden gems to discover below the arcades and in the characteristic vaulted cellars.

In the picture, two smiling women stroll past market stalls set up in the open air in a street with historical flair. The scene is lively and inviting.

Bern Markets

The picture shows two young women walking along a busy, historic shopping street. They are laughing and carrying shopping bags as they walk past traditional buildings and a decorative statue. Their winter clothes and the cheerful atmosphere convey a feeling of cosiness and joy.

Bernese Treasures

The image shows a person with a serious expression, seemingly lost in thought. Her artistic style is emphasised by the dynamic colours and striking pattern of the outfit, with the warm orange background colour conveying a sense of energy and creativity.

Our Favourite Bernese Designers

Culinary delights in the Old City

Cozy old-town cafés, elegant restaurants, and trendy bars – Bern’s gastronomic scene leaves nothing to be desired. Beer fans are also in for a treat: Bern is known as Switzerland’s beer capital. With its many breweries and countless beer bars in the city centre, brewed happiness is just a short walk away.