UNESCO Heritage
UNESCO Old Town
Six centuries of perfectly preserved medieval architecture
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 inscribed it on the World Heritage List (site #267) for its exceptionally coherent planning concept and architectural unity spanning six centuries—citing in particular the 15th-century arcades and the 16th-century fountains that still define its streets.
Built on a peninsula formed by a sweeping meander of the Aare River, the Old Town developed organically while keeping remarkable consistency. The city grew westward in stages from the river end, which is why the layout reads like a clear backbone of broad streets stepped down from the cathedral hill toward the station. Today, locals still live, work, and shop in these historic buildings, which makes this a genuine city rather than an open-air museum—and it’s the everyday life among the monuments that gives Bern its particular charm.
The whole core is compact and almost entirely walkable, and because the Aare wraps three sides of the peninsula, you’re never far from a viewpoint over the river. The best way to “do” the Old Town is not to tick off a list but to walk its spine slowly, drop into a cellar or a courtyard when something catches your eye, and let the arcades and fountains set the pace.
The Famous Arcades
Around six kilometers of covered arcades make Bern’s Old Town unique. These covered walkways—rebuilt in sandstone after a major fire in 1405, when the city required buildings to extend their upper storeys over the street—create what’s often called 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 vaulted ceilings, hidden courtyards, and cellar entrances to restaurants and wine bars. Many buildings work on several levels—street-level shops, arcade-level boutiques, and basement establishments down the famous slanted cellar hatches. We cover them in depth in our dedicated arcades (Lauben) guide.
Main Shopping Streets
- • Kramgasse: Most famous street, home to Einstein’s apartment and the Zytglogge clock tower
- • Marktgasse: Luxury shopping, department stores, high-end boutiques
- • Gerechtigkeitsgasse: Artisan shops, galleries, unique finds and the Justice Fountain
- • Münstergasse: Antiques, bookshops, quiet exploration by the cathedral
The Fountain of Justice — one of the 16th-century painted masterpieces
The Historic Fountains
Bern’s Old Town is dotted with fountains, including eleven spectacular painted allegorical fountains, most carved by Hans Gieng around 1545. These weren’t just decorative—they provided drinking water and broadcast Bern’s wealth and civic values—and they’re part of what UNESCO cites in the 1983 inscription. Several still run with potable water today. For the full story, see our historic fountains guide.
Most Famous Fountains
- Zähringerbrunnen: A bear in armor, honoring the city’s founding dynasty
- Kindlifresserbrunnen: The “Child-Eater Fountain”—an ogre devouring a child, its meaning still debated
- Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen: The “Fountain of Justice” with a blindfolded Lady Justice
- Mosesbrunnen: Moses with the tablets of the Ten Commandments
- Samsonbrunnen: The biblical hero Samson wrestling a lion
Must-See Landmarks
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
The Old Town’s most iconic landmark began as the city’s western gate around 1218–20 and later gained its great astronomical clock. Four minutes before each hour, moving figures—a crowing rooster, a parade of bears and the jester—perform a free street show on the Kramgasse side. Guided tours climb inside to the medieval mechanism; see our Zytglogge tour guide.
Bern Minster (Cathedral)
Switzerland’s tallest cathedral, the late-Gothic Münster took centuries to complete and its tower rises to roughly 100 metres. The nave is free to enter; you can climb the tower for a small fee and a sweeping view, and the celebrated Last Judgment portal is one of the finest of its kind. See our cathedral tower guide.
Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
Switzerland’s parliament building anchors the Bundesplatz with its domed Renaissance-revival architecture and mosaic interiors. Free guided tours reveal the workings of Swiss democracy (book ahead, ID required), and the square’s choreographed fountains are a summer highlight. See our Federal Palace tour guide.
Kramgasse leading to the Zytglogge — Bern's most iconic street
How to Walk the Old Town
The Old Town almost walks itself. Start at the railway station and head east along the arcaded spine—Spitalgasse, Marktgasse, Kramgasse—letting the shops, squares and fountains guide you toward the Zytglogge and on to the cathedral quarter. From there you can drop down to the historic riverside Matte district and the Aare, cross to the Bear Park, and finish at the Rosengarten viewpoint for the classic photo back over the rooftops. For a step-by-step version, use our Old Town walking tour, or fit it all into a one-day itinerary.
Exploring Tips
- • Best time: Early morning (7–9am) or evening (after 6pm) for fewer crowds and better light
- • Walking: The entire Old Town is walkable in 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace—and it’s flat along the main spine
- • Hidden gems: Step off the main streets into side alleys and inner courtyards for the quietest corners
- • Cellars: Many bars and restaurants occupy medieval cellars—venture down the slanted hatches below street level
- • Cover: The arcades keep you dry, so a rainy day is no obstacle here
- • Markets: Tuesday and Saturday mornings bring market stalls to the Bundesplatz and Bärenplatz area
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bern’s Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
UNESCO inscribed it in 1983 (site #267) for its exceptionally coherent medieval planning and architectural unity across six centuries—singling out the 15th-century arcades and the 16th-century painted fountains. It’s one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city cores, and crucially still a living, working city.
How long do I need for the Old Town?
A relaxed loop of the main spine takes 2–3 hours. Allow a full day if you want to add tower climbs, a museum or two, lunch in a cellar restaurant and a riverside-and-viewpoint finish.
Is the Old Town free to visit?
Yes. The streets, arcades, squares and fountains are all public and free. You only pay for things like tower climbs, museum entries, guided tours, food and shopping. See our free things to do guide.
What’s the best time of day to explore?
Early morning (roughly 7–9am) or evening (after 6pm) for the quietest streets and the warmest light. The arcades also make midday and rainy weather perfectly pleasant.
Can I see it on a rainy day?
Absolutely—the roughly six kilometres of covered arcades mean you can wander, shop and café-hop while staying dry. Bern is one of the best European Old Towns for bad weather. See Bern in the rain.
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