Zytglogge
Bern’s landmark is the clock tower, known as the Zytglogge, right in the centre of the city. It houses a huge clock with oversized numbers. The Zytglogge was Bern’s definitive building in every way: its clock was the main clock of the city, and all other clocks were set by it, long before radio timekeeping existed. Distances from the city were also measured from the clock tower.
www.zeitglockenturm.ch
Federal Palace
This is the seat of the Swiss government (Federal Council) and the parliament (Federal Assembly). Construction of the Bundeshaus began in 1852. A total of 38 artisans from all over the country were responsible for the decorative features of the Federal Palace. It was finished in 1902. When Parliament is not in session, there are regular free tours through the parliament building, providing the visitor with many interesting facts about how Parliament works and the history of the Federal Palace.
www.bundeshaus.ch
Zentrum Paul Klee
The Zentrum Paul Klee, a landscape sculpture by Italian architect Renzo Piano, goes beyond the scope of a traditional art museum: special exhibitions, tours and events such as concerts, theatre performances and readings all underline the appeal of the world’s most important collection of works by Paul Klee. The centre is very close to Schosshalden cemetery, where Paul Klee is buried.
www.zpk.org
BearPark
The BearPark is around 6,000 m2 and stretches from the old bear pit down to the banks of the Aare. Wooded areas, lots of shrubs and a spacious bathing pool parallel to the Aare ensure the bears are able to live as bears should. The bear-friendly BearPark is a landscape where the bears can climb, fish and play, but also just retreat and relax.
www.tierpark-bern.ch