Zytglogge
Bern
The Zytglogge is a landmark medieval clock tower located in the Old City of Bern, Switzerland. Built between 1218 and 1220, it originally served as a gate tower for Bern's western fortifications. Throughout its 800-year history, it has functioned as a guard tower, prison, clock tower, and civic monument. After a devastating fire in 1405, the tower was rebuilt and transformed into a clock tower featuring one of Switzerland's oldest astronomical clocks, dating back to the early 15th century. The clockwork was rebuilt in the early 16th century by Kaspar Brunner, incorporating a complex mechanism with an astrolabe dial and a figurine show that animates on the hour. Architecturally, the tower has undergone multiple renovations, notably in the late Gothic period and the Baroque era, giving it its present appearance with richly painted facades. Visitors can climb about 130 steps inside the tower to enjoy panoramic views over Bern's UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town and the Bernese Alps on clear days. The hourly figurine show, featuring dancing bears, a jester, the golden rooster, and Chronos-the god of time-draws crowds and delights visitors of all ages. The Zytglogge remains a vital cultural symbol of Bern and a testament to medieval engineering and urban history.
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Tip: To fully experience the Zytglogge, join a guided tour that allows access inside the tower and explains its medieval clockwork and history. The best time to visit is just before the full hour to witness the famous figurine show. Tickets for guided tours should be booked in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The tower is illuminated after dusk from Easter to October, offering a magical evening view. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the stairs inside the tower.
Interesting facts
- •The Zytglogge houses one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Switzerland, dating to 1405/06.
- •Its name means 'time bell' in Bernese German, referring to the clock's bell that marked the hours for the city.
- •The clock's figurine show includes dancing bears, a jester who rings the bell early, a golden rooster, and Chronos, the god of time.
- •The tower served as a women's prison in the 14th century, notably housing women convicted of relations with clerics.
- •The clock mechanism consists of five combined works: timekeeping, two striking works, and two for the figurine play.
- •The astronomical clock displays geocentric depictions of the sun, moon, stars, and zodiac, reflecting medieval cosmology.
History
Constructed between 1218 and 1220 as part of Bern's western city defenses, the Zytglogge initially served as a gate tower.
Around 1270, it was heightened to overlook the expanding city.
By the mid-14th century, it was converted into a women's prison.
After a major fire in 1405, the tower was rebuilt and repurposed as a clock tower with an astronomical clock installed shortly thereafter.
The clockwork was extensively rebuilt in 1527–1530 by Kaspar Brunner, adding the intricate mechanical figurines.
The tower underwent significant stylistic renovations in the late 15th century, the Baroque period (1770–1771), and further facade redesigns in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The most recent restoration in 1981–1983 restored the tower largely to its 1770 appearance.
Place Guide
Astronomical Clock and Figurine Show1405–1530
This 15th-century astronomical clock features an astrolabe dial showing the positions of celestial bodies according to the medieval geocentric worldview. The clockwork animates a figurine show every hour, including dancing bears, a jester who prematurely rings the bell, a golden rooster, and Chronos, the god of time, who turns his hourglass. The golden figure strikes the hour bell in sync with Chronos's scepter.
Tower Interior and Viewing Platform
Visitors can climb approximately 130 spiral stone steps inside the tower, passing through medieval stone walls and wooden beams. The viewing platform at the top offers panoramic views over Bern's UNESCO-listed old town, its rooftops, terraces, and narrow streets, extending to the Bernese Alps on clear days.
Contact
Phone: 031 328 12 12
