If you're traveling to Switzerland, you definitely shouldn't miss the capital of Switzerland. Explore 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 1911 and was established by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen. However, a settlement already existed on the peninsula before then. Buildings like the Nydegg Castle and the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) already adorned the city at that time, and the Zytglogge continues to enrich the city to this day.
The Zytglogge is one of the oldest buildings in Bern and enhances the Old Town along with the Bernese alleys and other historical structures. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Once forming part of the city gate, today, the clock tower fascinates visitors from around the world. One spectacle you shouldn’t miss is the assembly at the top of the hour in front of the Zytglogge. Witness with your own eyes the show that takes place right above your head at that time. The figurine performance with the bear parade, the jester, the golden rooster, and Chronis (God of Time) dazzles both young and old.
While lively activity takes place in front of the Zytglogge, with tourists happily following the alleys of the Old Town, the inside of the tower seems to stand still in time. The remnants from the past define the Zytglogge. Medieval thick stone walls and massive wooden beams remind visitors of the bygone era. Climb the approximately 130 steps inside the clock tower and let yourself be enchanted by the breathtaking view of the Old Town, Bern's UNESCO World Heritage. If the weather is on your side and a clear sky graces the city of Bern, you can even see as far as the peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
The Rüeggisberg Abbey ruins are considered an archaeological site and are located in the Gantrisch Nature Park. Particularly for those interested in the Camino de Santiago, this ancient historic building should be well-known. Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and culture enthusiasts often encounter the Rüeggisberg Abbey ruins. This is no surprise, as the ruins offer a magnificent view.
Discover the Rüeggisberg Abbey ruins and follow the traces of long-gone times. Listen to the history of the nearly thousand-year-old walls and explore the mysterious remnants. A place that will inevitably transport you to the time of monks, friars, and Gregorian chants.
The Gantrisch Nature Park can be reached through countless hiking routes, all leading through the idyllic landscape. Take the opportunity to explore these wonderful paths and follow the impressive high-altitude hike over Längenberg. But it’s not only the surrounding nature that appears inviting. If you are interested in the history of the ruins, you should visit the museum next door or participate in a guided tour. The museum is open daily and tells the story of the abbey. Additionally, the exhibition offers an insight into the documentation of the preservation work and the thousand-year-old relief.
Once used for interrogating wrongdoers and imprisoning criminals, the Cage Tower now serves as a space for democracy, participation, and exchange. After the devastating fire in 1405, the building's function changed from a defensive tower to the city’s prison. This role continued until 1987, despite the tower being rebuilt from its foundation in 1641 due to its dilapidated state. Even today, you can feel the remnants of this dark time through the desperate scribblings on the dungeon doors. Today, the prison is a thing of the past. Since 1999, the Cage Tower has been the home of the Federal Political Forum, providing space for a wide variety of political debates.
If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation between all the sightseeing and tourist bustle, you should definitely not forget the Cathedral Platform! With its green spaces and shade-providing chestnut trees, it practically invites you to enjoy a lovely picnic, play games, and take a break. A place to come together for both young and old. It’s also a little insider tip for a romantic outing as a couple.
Additionally, Albert Einstein’s former retreat is just around the corner from the Cathedral Platform in the Kramgasse. Today, the apartment is open to the public and is enriched with photographs, recordings, and copies of documents.
The Cathedral Platform offers a wonderful view of the Alps, the Aare River, and the Bernese Matten Quarter. For a long time, the Aare (river) served as the primary transport route for goods, and its riverbank houses the Matten Quarter.
The Matten Quarter is the oldest district of Bern and is easily accessible from the Cathedral Platform. Take the Senkeltram, which will take you from the platform down to the Matten Quarter. In the past, the Matten Quarter was known as a shabby working-class neighborhood and was avoided by the upper class. As a result, a unique dialect, Matten Bernese, developed in this area, and it is still partially used today.
The Trinity Church is the oldest Catholic church in the city of Bern. Bern gained religious freedom in 1799, which allowed Catholic life to flourish 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.
The first Catholic church, St. Peter and Paul, was assigned to the Christian Catholic Church during the Kulturkampf in the 19th century. New plans were then made for a Catholic church, which is now known as the Trinity Church. It was consecrated in 1899.
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