The tower served as the city's master clock for centuries, dictating the official time for the entire canton of Bern.
The name Zytglogge is Bernese German for 'Time Bell'.
The astronomical dial has been in continuous operation since 1530.
The tower includes a specialized 'Calendar Clock' showing the day of the week, the month, the current season, and the zodiac sign.
The bronze bell at the top, cast in 1405, is one of the oldest in the city.
Albert Einstein developed some of his theories regarding time and synchronization while working nearby, often observing the tower's movements.
The tower's foundation sits on a thick layer of river gravel, which has caused it to tilt slightly over the centuries.
The Zytglogge is a medieval clock tower in Bern serving as the city's western gate from 1218 until 1256. It features an intricate 15th-century astronomical clock that tracks the zodiac, moon phases, and the position of the sun. The tower functions as a monument to medieval timekeeping with a sophisticated mechanical apparatus that triggers moving figures every hour. Originally constructed as a prison and guard tower, it was repurposed into a clock tower after the city expanded. The current mechanism, installed in 1530, remains functional and powers the elaborate display on the tower's east face. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of Bern's Old Town. Guided tours allow visitors to access the interior to view the clockwork mechanism and the original structural beams.
From the middle of the Kramgasse looking west, which captures the entire tower facade.
Book guided tour tickets online well in advance, as group sizes for the interior clockwork are strictly limited.
Arrive at the street level several minutes before the hour to watch the mechanical show from the outside.
Walk around to the back of the tower to see the intricate masonry and ironwork that is less crowded than the main clock face.
Do not attempt to climb the tower stairs without a pre-booked guided tour, as the interior is not open to the general public.
Interior tours operate year-round but may be restricted during national holidays or specific local events.
