Federal Palace & Bundesplatz
Bundeshaus / Bundesplatz
The seat of Switzerland's parliament and federal government. The domed chamber can be visited on a free guided tour booked in advance, and the rear terrace overlooks the Aare.
The Federal Palace was completed in 1902. Its green copper-roofed building houses the chambers of the National Council and the Council of States, and the stained-glass dome depicts the coats of arms of the cantons. During parliamentary recess, free guided tours can be booked. During sessions, you can sit in on debates, but you must bring your passport for security screening. In front, Federal Square has 26 fountains representing the 26 cantons, and children splash in them in summer. The square hosts a farmers' market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, and the traditional Onion Market (Zibelemärit) is held on the fourth Monday of November. The terrace behind the building offers views over the Aare River and the Marzili district.
Opening hours
Guided tours by reservation; platform open all day
Nearby sights
- Käfigturm
- Kindlifresserbrunnen & Old Town Fountains
- Kornhaus & Kornhauskeller
- Zytglogge
- Kunstmuseum Bern
- Kirchenfeldbrücke
- Swiss Alpine Museum
- Aare River Swim & Marzilibad