Bern Old Town

Bern’s Old Town is the historic core on a peninsula formed by a loop of the River Aare, with sandstone façades, 16th-century fountains and continuous arcades. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 for its coherent medieval urban fabric and plan.

• About 6 km of arcades (Lauben) – among Europe’s longest covered promenades.
• Zytglogge clock tower – medieval astronomical clock with figurines; interior by guided tour only.
• Bern Minster – 100.6 m spire, the tallest church tower in Switzerland, with panoramic views.
• The great fire of 1405 – reconstruction in sandstone that shaped today’s streetscape.
• Nydeggbrücke 1844 and the 2009 BärenPark by the old bear pit – an eastern gateway by the river and the city’s emblem.

• Kramgasse and Marktgasse under the arcades – shops, fountains and views toward the Zytglogge.
• The Münster platform terrace over the Aare; optionally ride the Mattelift down to the riverside Matte quarter.
• The Nydegg area by the bridge and the Bear Park on the river slope.

Founded by the Zähringen around 1191 on a naturally defended spur within the Aare loop, Bern retained its longitudinal street grid with cross alleys. Bridges and fortifications followed, and arcades lined the main streets.

The 1405 fire destroyed much of the timber fabric; rebuilding in sandstone and adding 16th-century painted fountains defined the cityscape. In the 18th century façades were refurbished in a consistent “Bernese” style without altering the plan.

In the 19th century, new bridges – including Nydeggbrücke (1844) – tied the Old Town to expanding districts. In 1983 the Old City became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an intact medieval core adapted to a modern city.

Location: Peninsula within the Aare loop; from Bern HB toward Zytglogge and Münsterplatz.

Getting there: From Bern HB it’s a 5–10-minute walk to Zytglogge; trams 6/7/8/9 to Zytglogge or Kornhausplatz, 12 to Bärenplatz, buses to Nydegg.

Access: Cobblestones and gradients; arcades give shelter in rain and shade in heat; the Mattelift links the Minster terrace to the riverside Matte quarter.

Visiting hours: Public streets 24/7; Zytglogge interior and the Minster operate by schedule and/or guided tours.

Visit duration: 2–4 hours for the core; half-day with tower climb and museums.

Best time: Weekday mornings; after rain the arcades are especially practical; summer evenings bring fine Aare views from the bridges.

Notes: Zytglogge tours have limited slots; the Minster tower involves stairs; riverside paths may close during high water.