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Zytglogge
The Zytglogge in Bern is a medieval clock tower dating back to the early 13th century and stands as one of the most famous symbols of the Swiss capital. Originally built as the first western gate of the city's fortifications, it lost its defensive role as Bern expanded westward. Its current fame is largely due to the extraordinary astronomical clock installed by Caspar Brunner in 1530. This intricate mechanism displays the time, the position of the sun, moon phases, and zodiac signs. Every hour, a mechanical puppet show delights onlookers, featuring a crowing rooster, a parade of bears, and the figure of Chronos, the god of time. Historically, the tower also served as a women's prison and was the official timekeeping reference for the entire canton. Legend has it that Albert Einstein, who lived nearby while developing his theory of relativity, was inspired by the movements of this very clock. Today, the Zytglogge is a cornerstone of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Old City of Bern.
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A postcard from Zytglogge
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Create a postcard- Location: Switzerland
- Highlights: Clock Tower · Zytglogge-Theater · Granary
- Nearby: Zollikofen (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 62 | 80 | 83 | 130 | 117 | 121 | 127 | 83 | 94 | 82 | 87 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The tower was built around 1218 as part of Bern's first city wall.
- The current clock mechanism was created by Caspar Brunner in 1530.
- The astronomical clock indicates the sun's position and lunar cycles.
- The puppet show begins exactly four minutes before the strike of the hour.
- The Zytglogge tower stands at a height of 54.5 meters.
- Following a major fire in 1405, the tower underwent extensive rebuilding.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Zytglogge (10)
SOON
Gallery in Bern exhibiting contemporary art.
Casino Bern
Cultural centre in Bern hosting concerts and events.
The french Church
Church building in Bern used by the French-speaking community.
Klingendes Museum Bern🏛 museum
Musical instrument museum in Bern with historical exhibits.
Moneyverse🏛 museum
Museum in Bern exploring money and finance.
Stadttheater
Theatre and opera house in Bern with a diverse repertoire.
Münzterrasse
Viewpoint in Bern overlooking the old town and the Aare river.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When does the puppet show at Zytglogge take place?
Can you visit the inside of the tower?
What does the astronomical clock show?
Where exactly in Bern is the tower located?
How old is the Zytglogge?
Zytglogge: where is it located?
Zytglogge: what is there to see?
Zytglogge: when is the best time to visit?
Zytglogge: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
