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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.
A breathtaking sunset illuminates the city of Bern, seen from the rose garden. The last rays of the sun bathe the rooftops and the cathedral in a warm light, while the city rests between the green trees. The scene is peaceful and picturesque, a perfect end to the day in the charming Swiss capital.

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

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.
© Bern Welcome

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 12 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»
The picture shows the Zytglogge, a landmark of the city of Bern in Switzerland. It is a medieval tower with a large clock that still works. A large Swiss flag flies in front of the tower and a few people can be seen on the street.
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
The panorama of Bern shows the imposing cathedral, which rises against the picturesque backdrop of the Swiss Alps, in a moment of peaceful clarity.
Bernese Minster
The picture shows the cathedral platform in Bern under bright sunlight breaking through the leaves of the trees, creating an autumnal mood. People stroll along relaxed, enjoying the warmth and the play of light and shadow, which creates a peaceful, lively atmosphere.
Minster Terrace
Against the blue evening backdrop, the Federal Palace in Bern, framed by dancing fountains, offers a picture full of grandeur and peaceful elegance.
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

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
In this vibrant photograph, the warm connection between two friends takes centre stage as they enjoy the bustling atmosphere beneath Bern's historic arcades. Their easy laughter and exchanged glances capture a moment of genuine joy and connection as they stroll between unique shops and boutiques.
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.

Happy friends share a moment of enjoyment and laughter over a meal in the Swing Kitchen, surrounded by a cosy, green atmosphere.
Food and Drink
Enjoy a fresh beer with friends on the terrace of the Old Tram Depot in Bern, with a magnificent view of the old town and Bern Cathedral. A perfect place to relax and chat.
Beer Capital

Events in the Old City

Every so often, the alleys of Bern's Old City turn into a stage or runway! Here are our event highlights:

Location

Bern's Old City
3011 Bern

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