“A UNESCO-listed medieval peninsula where six kilometres of sandstone arcades shelter 16th-century fountains and the 13th-century Zytglogge clock tower; the limestone walls of the Aare River loop provide a natural fortress boundary; walk the Gerechtigkeitsgasse at dusk when the yellow streetlamps highlight the weathered heraldic emblems; the sound of the river provides a constant; low-frequency hum against the cobblestones.”
About Old City of Bern
A UNESCO-listed medieval peninsula where six kilometres of sandstone arcades shelter 16th-century fountains and the 13th-century Zytglogge clock tower; the limestone walls of the Aare River loop provide a natural fortress boundary; walk the Gerechtigkeitsgasse at dusk when the yellow streetlamps highlight the weathered heraldic emblems; the sound of the river provides a constant; low-frequency hum against the cobblestones.
Why Visit
Old City of Bern is one of Switzerland's defining sites — a place that rewards every visitor differently.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Book tickets for Old City of Bern in advance to skip long queues.
- 2
Hire a local guide to unlock the stories behind every corner.
- 3
Spend extra time in the least-visited sections — they're often the most rewarding.
