Zytglogge

Visiting the Zytglogge was a highlight of my trip to Bern. This 13th-century clock tower is not just a beautiful landmark, it’s a piece of living history. I arrived a few minutes before the hour and was amazed by the mechanical figures and the precise chime—it feels like stepping back in time. The surrounding Old Town streets are charming, full of cafés and little shops, making it a perfect spot to explore after watching the show. Whether you love history, architecture, or just a great photo opportunity, the Zytglogge is a must-see in Bern.

Zytglogge in Bern is one of those places that catches your eye even if you’re not looking for it. It’s an old clock tower right in the middle of the old town, and the first time I saw it, I just stood there staring for a bit—it’s that striking. The big astronomical clock face, the golden details, and the little figures that move when the hour strikes—it all has this old-world charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. What I loved most was how it’s just part of the street, not tucked away or behind gates. Locals walk by like it’s nothing, but as a visitor, you really appreciate how much history is packed into that spot. The street around it is full of arcades, little shops, cafés, and those classic Bernese buildings with red roofs and green shutters. I caught the clock show on the hour, and though it’s short and simple, it was fun to see the mechanical figures come to life. If you're wandering through Bern, you’ll probably pass it anyway, but it’s worth pausing for. Zytglogge isn’t just a landmark—it’s a lovely little moment of Bern’s character and history.

Old Town Bern is picturesque both in the day and night. Can take Bus 12 from main square to Bear Park and return. If you stay in hotel, can get activation code for free bus ride in Bernapp. Else, can park at Casino car park but it's expensive.

Its a big old clock. There is some entertaining bits on the west side every hour but dont expect anything dramatic like a giant cuckoo clock. Pretty cool though for an 800 year old piece of work.

Zytglogge is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the old town of Bern, Switzerland. With centuries of history behind it, this ancient clock tower is not only a stunning piece of architecture but also a living testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. One of the most fascinating features is the mechanical show that takes place every hour — a charming spectacle of bells and figures that draws the attention of visitors and locals alike. Surrounded by cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved medieval buildings, the area around Zytglogge feels like stepping back in time. Zytglogge is more than just a photo spot — it’s a place where you can truly feel the heartbeat of history in the middle of the city. If you visit Bern, this landmark is absolutely worth seeing.

🕰️✨ Stepping Back in Time at Bern’s Zytglogge Clock Tower! ✨🕰️** Just witnessed the **Zytglogge**—Bern’s iconic medieval clock tower—come to life, and it’s like watching history dance before your eyes! 🎭⏳ Dating back to the **13th century**, this UNESCO gem isn’t just a pretty face; its **astronomical clock** (built in 1530!) puts on a mesmerizing show every hour with jousting knights, dancing bears, and a crowning rooster. 🐻⚔️ Climb the **130+ spiral steps** for a behind-the-scenes peek at the **intricate clockwork mechanism**—a marvel of medieval engineering! From the top, soak in 360° views of Bern’s red-roofed Old Town and the Aare River’s turquoise embrace. 🌊🏰 **Pro tip**: Time your visit for the **hourly show** (stay for the *full 4 minutes!*), or book a guided tour to unlock secrets of the tower’s role as a prison, guard post, and even a fire lookout! 🔥🗝️

"I absolutely loved the street where Zytglogge is located—it's like walking through a living postcard. The architecture is stunning, with beautifully preserved facades that truly capture the charm of Bern. The colorful flags hanging above the street aren’t just decorative—they represent the Swiss cantons and Bernese heritage, adding a strong sense of identity and history to the atmosphere. A must-see for anyone who appreciates culture and architecture. ❤️❤️❤️

Very interesting if you can see things moving, video below 👇 would be nice to have more information about what it was used for, but overall good experience. Busy but not difficult for a picture!