Zytglogge

The Zytglogge is Bern’s medieval clock tower and one of the city’s principal landmarks, located in the heart of the Old City. The tower dates to the early 13th century and its ornate astronomical clock mechanism and painted dial date from the early 16th century.

The tower originally served as a gate and watchtower in Bern’s medieval fortifications and later became the city’s main clock. The 16th-century clockwork includes an astronomical dial and a mechanical procession of carved figures that move at the hour.

Today the Zytglogge is a major focal point in Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old City; the tower can be viewed from the surrounding square and guided interior visits explain its historical functions and the clock mechanism.

It sits on Kramgasse in central Bern, within the compact, pedestrianised old town.

• Age and UNESCO status: Built in the early 13th century and refurbished with the current clockwork around 1530, it forms a focal point of Bern's UNESCO-listed Old City.
• Hourly clock show: A mechanical show of carved figures plays each hour and is best seen from the pavement in front of the tower at the top of the hour.

What to See #

• Astronomical clock: The astronomical clock mechanism with its painted dial and moving figures dates to the early 16th century and performs a short animated sequence on the hour.
• Viewing level and watchtower: The tower interior includes a staircase and viewing level that historically served as a city gate and watchtower in Bern's medieval defences.