Built in the 13th century, the Zytglogge is one of Bern’s oldest landmarks. It once served as a city gate and prison, but today it’s famous for its astronomical clock and hourly mechanical show featuring figurines. It’s the perfect starting point to explore Bern’s historic center.
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What is this place
The Zytglogge is Bern’s medieval clock tower at the end of Kramgasse. First built c. 1218–1220 as the western city gate, it gained its present late-Baroque outline after the 1770–1771 refurbishment.
Key features
- Astronomical clock by Kaspar Brunner 1527–1530 – one movement drives the dials and automata.
- Hourly show on the east front – roughly 4 minutes before the hour: the rooster crows, the bears parade, the jester strikes, Chronos marks time.
- Total height 54.5 m – the landmark axis of Kramgasse–Marktgasse.
- Roles over time: gate tower, women’s prison in the 14th c., then a timekeeper after the 1405 fire with the first clock and “time bell”.
- Large façade dials 1607–1610; major restoration 1981–1983 to the 1770s appearance.
What to see
- The automata performance just before each full hour on the Kramgasse side.
- Inside on tour: the still-running 16th-century movement and a ~130-step climb to the lookout.
- The astronomical dial with time, moon phase, weekday and zodiac displays.
History
Erected c. 1218–1220 as Bern’s west gate, heightened 1270–1275, and repurposed as a women’s prison after the fortifications moved outward 1344–1346. The 1405 fire gutted the tower; repairs brought the first clock and the great bell.
Kaspar Brunner rebuilt the movement in 1527–1530. Big dials were added 1607–1610, and the late-Baroque makeover 1770–1771 defined today’s silhouette. The 1981–1983 restoration returned the façade to its 18th-century look.
Practical information
Location: Kreuzung Kramgasse/Marktgasse, 3011 Bern – UNESCO Old City.
Getting there: 5–10 minutes on foot from Bern HB; trams 6/7/8/9 to Zytglogge, tram 12 to Bärenplatz.
Access: Outside anytime; inside by Bern Welcome guided tour only. Spiral stairs ~130 steps, no lift; sturdy footwear recommended.
Visiting hours: Streets 24/7. Public tours run year-round; for 2025 typical slots: Mon/Fri/Sat 13:15–14:15; Sun/Wed 15:15–16:15.
Visit duration: 10–15 minutes for the street show; ~60 minutes for the interior tour.
Best time: 5–10 minutes before the hour on the east side; clear days reward the climb.
Notes: Tour prices: adults CHF 20, seniors/disabled CHF 15, children 6–16 CHF 10; max 19 per group; languages DE/EN/FR/IT. Always recheck the schedule.
