Bundeshaus (Federal Palace), Bern (must see)
The Federal Palace in Bern serves as the seat of the Swiss Government and Parliament, hosting the Federal Assembly (legislature) and the Federal Council (executive). This architectural landmark, spanning over 300 meters, is a symmetrical complex that embodies Swiss governance and heritage. It consists of three interconnected buildings situated in the southwest of Bern's old city.
The oldest section, the west wing or "Bundeshaus West," was constructed from 1852 to 1857 by Jakob Friedrich Studer to unify the federal administration, government, and parliament. The east wing, "Bundeshaus Ost," was added between 1884 and 1892 by Hans Wilhelm Auer to address growing space needs. Auer then oversaw the construction of the central parliament building from 1894 to 1902, culminating in the current unified complex.
Each wing has a distinct function: the west wing houses two Federal Administration departments, the Federal Chancellery, and the Parliamentary Library, and hosts Federal Council meetings, while two other departments are headquartered in the east wing. These wings, designed with a restrained style to reflect their administrative role, contrast with the monumental central building, which showcases neo-Renaissance architecture, a grand portico, and a striking dome. Its ornate symbolism reflects Swiss history, constitutional principles, and cultural diversity, further emphasized by the use of stone from all regions of the country.
Renovated in the early 21st century, the Federal Palace remains a vital historical monument, listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Assets of National Importance, highlighting its significance in Switzerland's heritage.
Why You Should Visit:
During the week, you can book a guided tour inside the building to learn more about the Swiss Federation's history and how it all started. The view over Bern from the terrace is alone worth the visit!
Tip:
The front side of the building is where you'll find a flea market and cafés, while the back side has a magnificent view perfect for sunset.
Tours run twice a day, with reservations required at least one day before. Languages are German, French, Italian, Rhaeto-Roman, English.
The oldest section, the west wing or "Bundeshaus West," was constructed from 1852 to 1857 by Jakob Friedrich Studer to unify the federal administration, government, and parliament. The east wing, "Bundeshaus Ost," was added between 1884 and 1892 by Hans Wilhelm Auer to address growing space needs. Auer then oversaw the construction of the central parliament building from 1894 to 1902, culminating in the current unified complex.
Each wing has a distinct function: the west wing houses two Federal Administration departments, the Federal Chancellery, and the Parliamentary Library, and hosts Federal Council meetings, while two other departments are headquartered in the east wing. These wings, designed with a restrained style to reflect their administrative role, contrast with the monumental central building, which showcases neo-Renaissance architecture, a grand portico, and a striking dome. Its ornate symbolism reflects Swiss history, constitutional principles, and cultural diversity, further emphasized by the use of stone from all regions of the country.
Renovated in the early 21st century, the Federal Palace remains a vital historical monument, listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Assets of National Importance, highlighting its significance in Switzerland's heritage.
Why You Should Visit:
During the week, you can book a guided tour inside the building to learn more about the Swiss Federation's history and how it all started. The view over Bern from the terrace is alone worth the visit!
Tip:
The front side of the building is where you'll find a flea market and cafés, while the back side has a magnificent view perfect for sunset.
Tours run twice a day, with reservations required at least one day before. Languages are German, French, Italian, Rhaeto-Roman, English.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bern. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: 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.
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Bundeshaus (Federal Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Bundeshaus (Federal Palace)
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 Zähringen, 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
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
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
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...