Visit the Zytglogge, the famous clock tower, and experience a tour of the first Western city gate (1218 - 1256) in Bern's old city. Visit the clockwork and follow a puppet show step by step.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
Duration 1 hour: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: German, English, French

Highlights

Visit the Zytglogge in the old city of Bern and learn more about the impressive tower from the 1300s
Discover the first Western city gate and enjoy an incredible view of everything from the city to the Alps
Admire the golden inner workings of the clock and see an incredible puppet show

Full description

Conceived in the 1300s, the clock tower is one of the remainders of Bern's first city walls. For over 600 years, the clock has struck on the hour. Inside, time seems to stand still and cool solitude awaits. The reliable ticks of the Middle Age technology impart a steadiness to visitors. Approximately 130 steps to the top of the spiral staircase lead you to a lookout platform. From here, see the roofs of the old city and maybe even the Alps. Visit the clockwork with your guide and follow the puppet show step by step until the famous rooster crows.

Includes

Guide

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

Know before you go

The tour takes place in one or two languages
Please note your preferred language when booking

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 256 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Value for money
4.4/5
Service
4.6/5
Organization
4.6/5

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Amazing views

Well organised, lovely guide, very informative. 58 circular stone steps to start with, then wooden staircases plus wooden/steel ladder - easy access actually & on our tour there were children plus elderly people & everyone was able to access easily. Clock workings were so interesting & the city views from both sides were amazing. Definite thumbs up & well worth doing this tour

September 26, 2019

Fun and informative tour on Bern's Zytglogge

Interesting and informational behind the scenes look at Bern, Switzerland's iconic clock in the old city. You'll get a history lesson on the city, and the clock tower, as they go through their constructive history. In addition, you'll get to see the clock mechanism and its functionality. Be aware that to access the clock, stairs are the only way and some of it are narrow and steep. But it was fun and informative tour if you have an hour to spend in Bern.

April 30, 2019

We thoroughly enjoyed our informative tour of Zytglogge Clock Towe

Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and explained in great detail the way this amazing clock worked. You should know there are winding stairs and steps like ladders, but we were able to do this climb. The city views at the top made it all worthwhile. I highly recommend making a reservation for this tour!

June 4, 2018

Bern: Zytglogge - Tour through the Clock Tower

Bern: Zytglogge - Tour through the Clock Tower

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Amazing views

Fun and informative tour on Bern's Zytglogge

We thoroughly enjoyed our informative tour of Zytglogge Clock Towe