The Parliament Building in Bern is the heart of Switzerland’s democracy and is the symbol of politics in Switzerland. Also referred to as the Federal Palace, the place was built between 1894 and 1902 by the architect Hans Wilhelm Auer. The place was officially inaugurated on 1st April 1902 and currently holds all its Federal government meetings. In front of the building is a long terrace and the large Parliament Square, with 26 water fountains representing 26 cantons of Switzerland.
The parliament building is open for public viewing, and you can explore the place and learn about the Swiss Federation and Swiss history. You may opt to join the free group tour of the place for 60 minutes when the parliament is not in session. Learn about the significance of the sculptures and murals from the knowledgeable guide while on the tour. If the parliament is in session, you can go to the public gallery and watch the debates and votes of the session in progress.
Highlights
• Visit the Parliament Building in Bern to learn about the Swiss Federation and its rich history.
• Admire the various artwork present inside the building depicting various aspects of the Federation.
• Explore the Dome Hall, the National Council Chamber and the Council of States Chamber during a 60-minute tour.
• Sit in the public gallery and follow debates and votes while watching a parliament session in progress.
• Feel mesmerised while walking around the 26 water fountains in front of the parliament, representing 26 cantons of Switzerland.
How To Reach
1. By Car: The parliament building is located 4 km from the city centre, it will take around 15 mins via Route 12. You can hire a car, a taxi and ride-sharing services to reach the place from any part of the city.
2. By Tram: Take tram no. 6, 7, 8, and 9 to reach the Parliament Building.
3. By Foot: The Parliament Building is located 4 km from the Bern train station. You can take a train to the station and walk for 10 minutes via Route 10 to reach the destination.
Best Time To Visit
The Parliament Building, Bern, is open to the public throughout the year on all days except Sundays and can be visited at any time of the year.
1. Best season: The best season to visit the attraction is either in Spring from March to May or in Autumn from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and enjoyable for visiting the place.
2. Best day in the week: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the best days of the week to visit the place as it remains very busy on Monday, Friday and Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
3. Best time of the day: The best time of the day to visit is when the parliament tour begins. You may visit a short while before 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 2 pm or 4 pm to take the tour when the parliament is not in session.
Other Essential Information
- Entry to the Parliament Building is free
- When Parliament is not in session, you can avail of free guided tours for a maximum of 60 minutes.
- You may opt for tours in German, French, Italian or English, but you will need to check the schedule for your preferred language before booking.
- The minimum number of people for a group tour is 10 people, and the maximum is 30 people.
- Weekly markets are held in the Parliament Square in front of the parliament on every Tuesday and Saturday
Take a look at the National Council Chamber
Visit the National Council Chamber which is adorned with a spectacular mural, five metres high and twelve metres wide. Observe the beautiful mural which was painted by Charles Giron and has the Rütli meadow – the ‘cradle of the Confederation’ as its foreground and the two Mythen in its background. Witness two seated figures of Gertrud Stauffacher and William Tell on the left and right side of the mural. Above Giron's mural, within the tympanum, see a female figure recounting tales of their forefathers' remarkable achievements to a group of children. Admire the coats of arms of 59 Swiss communes adorning the running around the chamber and arranged by canton.
Walk into the Council of States Chamber
Located just above the main entrance and overlooking the Bundesplatz is another beautiful chamber, The Council of State Chamber. As you walk towards the chamber through a set of arches in the side walls, you will find the room lit by three high-arched windows. Above the side wall, the public gallery is located and on the rear wall of the chamber, there is a set of painted arches. Observe the scenes depicting a precursor to Switzerland’s parliamentary tradition and a people’s assembly in Nidwalden. Take a look at the years on the panels between the art which marks significant dates in the constitutional history of Switzerland. Watch the fresco which was painted by Wilhelm Balmer and Albert Welti.
Admire the Water Fountain
Located right in front of the Parliament Building in Parliament Square are 26 fountains which represent 26 cantons of Switzerland. Spend some time in front of the water display and admire the water spray up to seven metres in the air sometimes randomly and sometimes in rhythm. Watch this unique sight which can rarely be seen in front of any other seats of government. The water fountain show operates daily from 11 am to 11 pm on weekly market days except Tuesday and Saturday.