Independent Activity

The Zytglogge is a historic landmark in the heart of Bern’s Old Town, built around 1218–1220 as part of the city’s fortifications. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including as a guard tower, prison, and civic memorial. Today, it’s famous for its intricate astronomical clock and the hourly mechanical display. The tower’s clock, added in 1530, is one of the most complex in Europe. It not only tells the time but also provides astronomical information, such as sunrise and sunset times, moon phases, and the positions of the stars. Every hour, on the hour, a rooster crows, signalling the start of a whimsical puppet show featuring dancing bears, a mischievous jester, and Cronos, the god of time, turning his hourglass. To see the clock’s full performance, it’s best to arrive at least five minutes before the hour. The Zytglogge is illuminated during the Advent season and from Easter to the end of October, adding to its charm.