Old Town (Altstadt)

Bern’s Old Town (Altstadt) sits on a narrow hill encircled by the Aare River, its medieval street plan largely unchanged since the 12th century. Founded in 1191 by Duke Berchtold V, the district’s layout unfolds from the original Nydegg Castle site, expanding westward over centuries to include landmarks like the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and Käfigturm (Prison Tower). The Old Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkably preserved sandstone buildings and historic urban fabric.

A devastating fire in 1405 destroyed much of the original wooden city, prompting a rebuilding mandate that gave Bern its signature sandstone architecture. The arcades, constructed after the fire, now stretch for kilometers along the main streets, offering shelter from sun and rain and housing shops, cafes, and workshops. Renaissance fountains punctuate the squares, while Switzerland’s tallest minster and several historic churches rise above the rooftops.

Street signs in the Old Town display distinctive colors—a tradition dating to the French occupation in 1798, when colored signs helped soldiers navigate the winding alleys after dark. Today, visitors stroll beneath the arcades, cross centuries-old bridges, and discover a lively blend of history and daily life. The Old Town also serves as the seat of Swiss federal, cantonal, and municipal government, adding a sense of living heritage to its atmospheric streets.