Bern Clock Tower (Zytglogge)

The basics

Knowing nothing about the Zyglogge won’t dilute your experience, but it’s fun to have a bit of trivia on your mind. You’ll hear a rooster caw to start the performance, followed by dancing bears and a jester. Finally, the god Chronos turns over the hourglass, and the statue of Hans von Thann strikes the hour on the dot. Visit for the performance, but stay after so you can appreciate the detail of the astronomical calendar clock.

Things to know before you go

• Guided tours of the astronomical clock are available for a fee.
• Tours are limited in winter.
• The interior has only steps, no elevators.

How to get there

The Bern Clock Tower is located on the Zytgloggelaube, which runs perpendicular to Kornhausplatz and Kramgasse. The Zytglogge transit stop around the corner serves multiple buses and trams. The best way to access the Clock Tower is on foot; it’s a few minutes walk west of the Einsteinhaus.

When to get there

The Zytgloggelaube Clock Tower is one of the most popular attractions in Bern; it’s also a landmark in a public square so you can visit it around the clock. The area around the clock is busiest at the start of each hour, as crowds gather to see the clock’s performance. Try to arrive around 15 minutes before the top of the hour to get a closer view.

Find more ways to keep time in Bern

The Zytglogge isn’t the only tower in Bern with a clock face. The Käfigturm is another historical site with a working clock. The original tower was built on this site in the 1200s; it was replaced with the current Käfigturm tower in the 1600s. You can reach the Käfigturm from the Zytglogge by walking west down Marktgasse.