UNESCO Old Town

A Living Medieval City

Founded in 1191 by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, Bern's Old Town remains one of Europe's best-preserved medieval urban centers. In 1983, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site for its exceptionally coherent planning concept and architectural unity spanning six centuries.

Built on a peninsula formed by a meander of the Aare River, the Old Town developed organically while maintaining remarkable consistency. Today, locals still live, work, and shop in these historic buildings, making this a living city rather than an open-air museum.

The Famous Arcades

Six kilometers of covered arcades make Bern's Old Town unique. These 15th-century covered walkways create Europe's longest weather-protected shopping promenade. Rain or shine, you can explore boutiques, cafés, and historic buildings while staying dry.

The arcades (called "Lauben" in Swiss German) feature stunning vaulted ceilings, hidden courtyards, and cellar entrances to restaurants and wine bars. Many buildings have multiple levels – street-level shops, arcade-level boutiques, and basement establishments.

Main Shopping Streets

• • Kramgasse: Most famous street, home to Einstein's apartment and Zytglogge clock tower
• • Marktgasse: Luxury shopping, department stores, high-end boutiques
• • Gerechtigkeitsgasse: Artisan shops, galleries, unique finds
• • Münstergasse: Antiques, bookshops, quiet exploration

The Historic Fountains

Over 100 fountains dot the Old Town, with eleven spectacular 16th-century allegorical fountains featuring colorful statues. These weren't just decorative – they provided drinking water and demonstrated Bern's wealth and moral values.

Most Famous Fountains

• Zähringerbrunnen: Bear in armor, honoring the city's founder
• Kindlifresserbrunnen: "Child-Eater Fountain" – mysterious and unsettling
• Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen: "Fountain of Justice" with blindfolded Lady Justice
• Mosesbrunnen: Moses with the Ten Commandments
• Samsonbrunnen: Biblical hero Samson fighting a lion

Must-See Landmarks

Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

Built in the 13th century, this astronomical clock performs a charming show every hour featuring moving figurines, roosters, bears, and jesters. The intricate mechanism dates to 1530 and still functions perfectly. Guided tours available to see the clock works.

Bern Cathedral (Münster)

Switzerland's tallest cathedral (100.6 meters) took four centuries to complete. Climb 344 steps for spectacular views. The Last Judgment portal features 234 detailed 15th-century figures. Gothic architecture at its finest.

Federal Palace

Switzerland's parliament building features stunning Renaissance Revival architecture, mosaic domes, and beautiful chambers. Free guided tours reveal the workings of Swiss democracy and the building's artistic treasures.