Clock Tower (Zytglogge)

The Zytglogge, or Clock Tower, is one of Bern’s most recognizable landmarks and a central point in the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Originally built as a city gate, the tower now stands as a symbol of Bern’s medieval heritage and ingenuity. Located in the lower old town, the Zytglogge is open daily, with the exterior and its famous hourly puppet show accessible around the clock.

Every hour, crowds gather to watch the animated figurines—dancing bears, a jester, a golden rooster, and Cronos, the god of time—perform above the clock face. Inside, guided tours offer a closer look at the tower’s thick stone walls, solid wooden beams, and the intricate medieval clock mechanism, which has been marking time for centuries. Visitors can climb about 130 steps to reach the top, where panoramic views stretch across Bern’s red rooftops and, on clear days, to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

Public tours are available for CHF 10 per person, with private tours also offered. Tours are accessible and can be conducted in multiple languages. The Zytglogge’s blend of history, craftsmanship, and city views makes it a must-see for anyone exploring Bern. Whether you’re drawn by the hourly show or the chance to step inside a piece of living history, the Clock Tower offers a memorable experience in the heart of Switzerland’s capital.