【World Heritage Site】Old Town of Bern｜A Medieval City Surrounded by a Curving River and Cobbled Streets

The Old Town of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Switzerland, is a stunning medieval city embraced by the U-shaped bend of the Aare River. The red-brown tiled rooftops are uniformly colored, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. This historic town is filled with charming sights such as the famous Clock Tower (Zytglogge), the Bear Park—home to the animal that inspired the city’s name, and the distinctive arcaded streets known as Lauben.

Let us now take you on a journey through the timeless beauty of the Old Town of Bern, a World Heritage treasure.

What is Bern Old Town? (UNESCO World Heritage Site in Switzerland)

Bern Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was established in 1191 by the Zähringen family, the local rulers who cleared the surrounding forest to build the town. The townscape of Bern Old Town retains its medieval stone architecture nearly unchanged since it was rebuilt after the great fire of 1405, making it an exceptionally valuable historical area.

Designated as a World Heritage Site, Bern Old Town showcases a charming medieval atmosphere with its uniform red-brown tiled roofs and stone buildings. It is renowned for its 6-kilometer-long arcades, winding alleys that resemble cloisters, and its unique historical layout. Attractions include the iconic Clock Tower with animated figurines, the grand Cathedral, and numerous fountains scattered throughout the old town.

Thanks to the region's abundance of water, there are over 100 fountains and public water sources. Among them, the 16th-century fountains lining the main streets are especially striking, featuring symbolic sculptures such as the Bear (the heraldic symbol of Bern), the Child-Eating Ogre, the Bagpipe Player, and the Goddess of Justice. These masterpieces bring the rich heritage of Bern’s medieval past to life.

Most of the fountains offer fresh, drinkable Alpine spring water. However, some are not safe to drink from, so be sure to read the posted signs before drinking.

Access to Bern Old Town (A UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Bern Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is easily accessible from major cities in Europe.

By air, you can reach Bern in approximately 1 hour from Munich, Germany.
By train, it takes about 1 hour from Zurich Main Station to reach Bern.

If you're traveling from Geneva by train, it takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Geneva Cornavin Station.

From Basel, the train ride to Bern takes about 1 hour.

Enjoy the stunning night views of Bern Old Town, a beautiful blend of history and charm under the city lights.

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Recommended Spot in Bern's Old Town ①: The Arcades (Lauben)

The "Lauben," or arcades, are one of the most iconic features of Bern’s medieval Old Town. These historic structures form covered walkways on the ground floor of the buildings, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping and sightseeing even in the snowy Swiss winters. Stretching approximately 6 kilometers, this arcade promenade is considered the longest covered shopping street in Europe.

While the buildings retain their authentic medieval exteriors, reflecting why the Old Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the interiors have been renovated with modern amenities for a pleasant shopping experience. Today, the arcades are home to a wide variety of shops, including boutiques, artisan studios, galleries, antique stores, and handmade craft shops. Take a stroll and immerse yourself in Bern’s charming blend of history and creativity.

Recommended Spot in Bern’s Old Town ②: Drinking Fountains (Historic Water Fountains)

Did you know there are over 100 public fountains—often referred to as “drinking fountains” or “springs”—scattered across Bern’s Old Town? Among them, 11 historic fountains built in the 16th century can be found along the main streets and are especially iconic.

The most famous of these is the Zähringer Fountain, which features the flag of the Zähringer family. At first glance, it may look like a knight, but look closer—it's actually a bear, the beloved symbol of Bern! Don’t miss the chance to spot this unique detail.

The Justice Fountain represents the concept of justice, with the statue of Lady Justice (Justitia) shown blindfolded, holding a sword in her right hand and scales in her left—a powerful symbol of law and fairness.

The Bagpiper Fountain honors the memory of poor medieval musicians, showcasing a bagpiper playing his traditional instrument. It’s a charming tribute to the city’s cultural past.

There are also many other unique fountains throughout the Old Town, such as the Anna Seiler Fountain, Knight’s Fountain, and Samson Fountain, ranging from playful and whimsical designs to those with more dramatic or eerie figures.

Take a stroll through Bern’s Old Town and see how many of these 11 historic fountains you can discover!

Recommended Spot in Bern’s Old Town ③: The Clock Tower (Zytglogge)

Located at the heart of Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) is an iconic landmark of the city. Locals refer to it by its original name, “Zytglogge,” and it has long served as an astronomical clock that has stood the test of time.

While the exact date of its construction remains unknown, historical records show a repainting renovation in 1444, confirming that the tower already existed by then.

The clock tower's main attraction is its mechanical astronomical clock, crafted between 1527 and 1530 by master clockmaker Kaspar Brunner. At the top of every hour, charming mechanical figures like a parade of bear soldiers and royalty figures spring to life in sync with the chimes, offering a delightful show for visitors.

The clock face represents a geocentric (Earth-centered) astronomical design, with Earth placed at the center. Just like how we observe the sky, you’ll see the Sun, Moon, and 12 zodiac constellations gracefully rotating around the Earth—a spectacular sight for history and astronomy lovers.

◎ Bern Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Switzerland

Bern’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming medieval cityscape that makes you feel as though you've traveled back in time. With its well-preserved architecture and nostalgic atmosphere, simply walking through the cobblestone streets of Bern offers a journey into the past.

The Aare River, fed by the melting snow of the Alps, flows crystal clear around the city. In summer, locals can be seen enjoying a refreshing swim in its pristine waters. Whether you’re admiring the blue shimmer of the Aare or soaking in the historic charm surrounded by lush nature, Bern’s Old Town is a must-visit gem in Switzerland.

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【World Heritage Site】Old Town of Bern｜A Medieval City Surrounded by a Curving River and Cobbled Streets