Bern Political Walking Tour with a Diplomat

Bern’s Old City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, wowing visitors with its impressive sandstone buildings and incomparable charm. Also typical for the city are its quaint alleys and the six kilometres of arcades.

The Parliament Building in Bern is the heart of Switzerland’s democracy: the parliament holds its meetings under the grand dome, the west and east wings house parts of the federal government and administration.

Bern’s typical streets, lanes and buildings have exciting stories to tell, and in the midst of them all in the Old Town one of the city’s best-known landmarks stands high above the rest: the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). Once a city gate, the Clock Tower now attracts spectators from all over the world.

In the past, Käfigturm was where criminals were interrogated and locked up, today it is a space for political discussions. The former city gate at the upper end of Marktgasse is an important landmark of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bern and home of the Polit-Forum Bern (Political Forum Bern).

ace for Swiss policy-making, representing a significant historic patrician house connected to Bern's political past and influential families. (Note: Primarily an administrative building, interior access typically not public).

e of the most important landmarks of the capital. There are 344 steps to reach the viewing deck – but the wonderful panorama from the Old City to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland is absolutely worth it.

Characterized by colourful figures, skillfully crafted pillars, and detailed decorations, these Renaissance fountains serve as both historical art pieces and practical water sources. (e.g., Zähringerbrunnen, Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen).

ng the founding of the Universal Postal Union in Bern. It features allegorical figures representing the global communication and collaboration facilitated by postal services.

enting the location of Bern's ancient river port. This site, restored with federal and local resources, offers a glimpse into Bern's past as a trade hub along the Aare River.

Since 2009, the Bern bears have primarily had a modern, 6,000 square meter park at their disposal, which they reach through a tunnel – the BärenPark.

summer, a blaze of colour in the autumn months and the cosy fondue veranda of the Rosengarten restaurant in the winter season make a visit to the rose garden something special at any time of year.

On peak days, over 10,000 visitors descend upon what is considered to be the most beautiful riverside pool in Switzerland, right below the Parliament Building.