Every hour, on the hour, something unique happens in Bern: medieval figurines appear from the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). The dancing bears, the cheeky fool and the crowing rooster have been a joy for the public every day for centuries. But who knows what they represent, how the mechanism works, and which stories are hidden behind the strong walls of the clock tower?
The exceptional atmosphere inside the tower makes the one-hour tour a special experience – it seems like time has been standing still for many years. The heavy wooden beams, the thick stone walls and the cool and quiet air take the visitors into the past, always accompanied by the steady ticking of the medieval clock.
On the tour of the historic building, visitors will examine the gears and the apparatus of the old clock, watch the figurines closely and learn interesting facts about the history and the different roles of the Zytglogge (Clock Tower).
They will also look at the astronomical calendar clock, the Astrolabium, on the eastern side of the tower and discover how it works, with its slowly moving clock hands, the turning discs and the skillfully crafted celestial bodies.
The tour ends high up on the viewing platform of the monument. The reward for climbing some 130 steps is a wonderful view of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its rooftops, chimneys and towers – another highlight on this interesting tour. When the weather is good, you can see all the way to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
Be it history fans, locals or visitors – everyone will enjoy this tour!
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Tipp
The Zytglogge (Clock Tower) tour is also available in combination with the walking tour of the UNESCO Stroll through the Old City.
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Public Tour
Dates March Mon/Fri/Sat at 14:15 pm
Wed/Sun at 15:15 pmDates April Fri at 13:15 pm
Wed/Sun at 15:15 pmDates May Sat at 13:15 pm
Wed at 15:15 pm
Sun at 16:15 pmDates June Mon/Sat at 13:15 pm
Wed/Thu/Sun at 15:15 pmDates July, August and September Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat at 13:15 pm
Sun at 15:15 pmDates October Sat at 13:15 pm
Tue/Thu at 15:15 pmMeeting point Zytglogge (Clock Tower), on Kramgasse alley Duration 60 minutes Price Adults CHF 20.00
Senior citizens (AHV)/Handicapped (IV)/Students CHF 15.00
Children (6–16 years) CHF 10.00Languages If there is a demand, the tour will be held in two languages. Number of Participants Maximum 19 people per group Reservations We recommend reserving in advance as the number of participants is limited. Reservations online, via phone at +41 31 328 12 12, or via e-mail citytours@bern.com
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Public Combined Tour
The combined tour consists of the UNESCO Stroll through the Old City at 11:00 am (Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays) or 1:00 pm (Wednesdays and Sundays) and the tour of the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) at 2:15 pm (Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays) or 3:15 pm (Wednesdays and Sundays) and can be booked at a special price.
Dates March Mon/Fri/Sat at 14:15 pm
Wed/Sun at 15:15 pmDates April Fri at 13:15 pm
Wed/Sun at 15:15 pmDates May Sat at 13:15 pm
Wed at 15:15 pm
Sun at 16:15 pmDates June Mon/Sat at 13:15 pm
Wed/Thu/Sun at 15:15 pmDates July, August and September Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat at 13:15 pm
Sun at 15:15 pmDates October Sat at 13:15 pm
Tue/Thu at 15:15 pmPrice Adults CHF 38.00
Seniors/DI/Students CHF 28.00
Children (6–16 years) CHF 18.00Languages If there is a demand, the tour will be held in two languages. Reservation We recommend reserving in advance as the number of participants is limited. Reservations online or via phone at +41 31 328 12 12, or via e-mail: citytours@bern.com.
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Private Tour
Availability Year-round Meeting point Zytglogge (Clock Tower), on Kramgasse alley Start time The tours always begin at a quarter past (e.g., 3:15 p.m.), the hour is arranged individually. Duration 60 minutes Price CHF 250.00 per group
Prices for schools on requestLanguages DE / EN / FR / IT / ES / RU / KR / CN / JP Number of participants Maximum 19 people per group Reservations via phone at +41 31 328 12 12, or via e-mail citytours@bern.com
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