The Zytglogge is Bern's oldest landmark, built around 1218-1220 as the city's western gate tower and famous for its astronomical clock (astrolabe), rebuilt in 1527-1530 by Kaspar Brunner, and its hourly puppet performance. Just before the hour a golden rooster crows, a jester strikes the bell, a procession of bears dances round, and Chronos, the god of time, turns his hourglass - automata that have run for nearly 500 years. It sits at the heart of Bern's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as of 2026 the show still plays every hour while the interior is open only by pre-booked guided tour. Stand on the southeast (Kramgasse) side a few minutes before the hour to catch the small figures in motion.
The astrolabe astronomical clock of c.1530, showing the zodiac, moon phase, sunrise and sunset, and the date on a single dial
The hourly puppet show that begins about four minutes before the hour: crowing rooster, bell-striking jester, dancing bears, and Chronos turning the hourglass
The roughly 130-step climb to the top for sweeping views over the Old City's red rooftops and the distant Alps
Kaspar Brunner's 500-year-old original clockwork mechanism amid thick stone walls and heavy wooden beams
The World Heritage streetscape of arcades (Lauben) running down Kramgasse from the tower
Good to know
SafetyCrowds press in beneath the tower to watch the show on the hour, so keep an eye on pickpockets and wear your bag in front.
SeasonWinter footing can be cold and icy, while summer peak season brings a crowd every hour; the puppets are best seen from the southeast (Kramgasse) side.
RulesThe tower interior can only be entered on a small (max ~19) pre-booked guided tour of about 60 minutes; watching the puppet show from outside is free.
MannersTrams and traffic pass right beside the tower - do not step onto the road or tracks while filming, and honor Swiss punctuality by arriving a few minutes before the hour.
CautionSwitzerland uses Swiss francs (CHF), not euros; paying in euros gives poor rates and change may come back in euros, so use local currency or a card.
RulesTour times and prices change with the season and operations, so confirm the latest details through official channels before booking, and check whether a Swiss Travel Pass or Bern visitor pass applies.
Practical info
The tower is about a 10-minute walk from Bern's main station (Bern Bahnhof), at the head of Kramgasse in the Old City, with a tram/bus stop (Zytglogge) right beside it. Watching the hourly show from the street is free while the interior opens only for pre-booked guided tours; always confirm the latest opening times, tour schedule and ticket prices.
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