ZYTGLOGGE

Situated in the capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is the Zytglogge Astronomical Clock Tower, known to be the masterpiece of mediaeval clockmaking. The name Zytglogge translates to ‘time bell’, or Zeitglocke in German: meaning a primitive timekeeping device that included a clock mechanism with a hammer striking a bell every hour. The astronomical clock gained the significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and overlooks the streets of the old town.

The clock is installed in one of the city’s oldest monuments, which was built in 1191 as a tower. The working clock was added in 1530 and was the authoritative clock in Bern from the 16th to 19th century. This popular landmark has played different roles for the city of Bern over the centuries. Know how a devastating fire destroyed the tower in 1405 and how the structure was rebuilt and given a new identity.

Till date, the clock is functioning and captivates its visitors who gather five minutes before each and every hour to watch its nearly one-of-a-kind performance. At the strike of each hour, the mechanical figures of bears, a joker, a golden rooster and Chronos, the God of Time, perform and enthral its spectators.

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Highlights

• Get a chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed site, the Zytglogge Clock Tower, located in Bern.
• Learn the history of the old tower and how it played a diverse role in the history of Bern.
• Be in time for the clock's hourly performance and watch the incredible puppet show.
• Take a tour of the clock tower to learn about the inner workings of the clock.
• Take Home a Miniature Clock Tower from the tower’s tourist information counter.

How To Reach

• By Train/ metro: Take a train from Line 7 or 8 toHirschengraben station which is 300 metres away from the museum. You can reach the activity location from the train within a 5-minute walk. 
• By Foot: The Clock Tower Bern is located in the heart of the city, so you don’t have to walk much to reach this place.

Best Time To Visit

Clock Tower Bern is open throughout the year, so you can plan a visit to this place at any time of the year. 

• The summer season from April to September is the best season to plan your visit. 
• Choose a weekday, like Wednesday or Thursday to plan your visit as these are the days when the crowds around the clock are less.
• The best time will be in the opening hours of the clock as the crowds at that time will be relatively less.

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Other Essential Information

1. To get to the top of the tower, you will have to climb a spiral staircase of 130 steps, so be prepared accordingly.

2. Guided tours may usually happen in multiple languages, so choose the one you are comfortable with. 

3. Don’t miss out on the puppet show that happens inside the tower.

4. Look closely to notice the hours, moon phase, and the dawn/dusk times throughout the year on the dial of the clock. 

5. When the weather is good, you can even see the peaks of the Alps mountains and the roofs of buildings nearby.

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