Bern Political Walking Tour with a Diplomat
Overview
Your expert local guide (former diplomat and development expert) will show you selected parts of the capital city and put emphasis on unique features of the Swiss political system, explain why it is working and compare it to other systems. While walking through the city you will be able to see most of the main attractions but on top you will get a unique insight into the way Switzerland works. As an example, you will learn about the social peace agreement, the role of chocolate and the importance of outstanding and integrative personalities like Henri Dufour and Ernst Bloch. Furthermore, you will learn about the key elements of the history of Switzerland's famous neutrality. The focus of this tour is to see the city from a local perspective while learning about the bright and also the less bright sides of the political exception Switzerland. Points of special interest can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tour guide (a former diplomat)
- Walking tour (fully customizable and private)
✗ Not Included
- Tickets for public transport (not necessary as it is a walking tour)
- Gratuities
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
Bern’s Old City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, wowing visitors with its impressive sandstone buildings and incomparable charm. Also typical for the city are its quaint alleys and the six kilometres of arcades.
2
Stop 2
The Parliament Building in Bern is the heart of Switzerland’s democracy: the parliament holds its meetings under the grand dome, the west and east wings house parts of the federal government and administration.
3
Stop 3
Bern’s typical streets, lanes and buildings have exciting stories to tell, and in the midst of them all in the Old Town one of the city’s best-known landmarks stands high above the rest: the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). Once a city gate, the Clock Tower now attracts spectators from all over the world.
4
Stop 4
In the past, Käfigturm was where criminals were interrogated and locked up, today it is a space for political discussions. The former city gate at the upper end of Marktgasse is an important landmark of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bern and home of the Polit-Forum Bern (Political Forum Bern).
5
Stop 5
The Von Wattewyl House is considered by some to be perhaps the most important place for Swiss policy-making, representing a significant historic patrician house connected to Bern's political past and influential families. (Note: Primarily an administrative building, interior access typically not public).
6
Stop 6
The Bernese Minster has the highest church spire in all of Switzerland and is one of the most important landmarks of the capital. There are 344 steps to reach the viewing deck – but the wonderful panorama from the Old City to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland is absolutely worth it.
7
Stop 7
The Fountains of Bern are distinctive landmarks scattered throughout the Old City. Characterized by colourful figures, skillfully crafted pillars, and detailed decorations, these Renaissance fountains serve as both historical art pieces and practical water sources. (e.g., Zähringerbrunnen, Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen).
8
Stop 8
The Weltpostdenkmal (Universal Post Monument) is a symbolic monument commemorating the founding of the Universal Postal Union in Bern. It features allegorical figures representing the global communication and collaboration facilitated by postal services.
9
Stop 9
Ländtetor is a minuscule historical site, often unknown by most tourists, representing the location of Bern's ancient river port. This site, restored with federal and local resources, offers a glimpse into Bern's past as a trade hub along the Aare River.
10
Stop 10
The Bern bear pit is an attraction that is known far beyond the borders of Switzerland. Since 2009, the Bern bears have primarily had a modern, 6,000 square meter park at their disposal, which they reach through a tunnel – the BärenPark.
11
Stop 11
The magic of cherry blossom in spring, around 250 varieties of roses in bloom in summer, a blaze of colour in the autumn months and the cosy fondue veranda of the Rosengarten restaurant in the winter season make a visit to the rose garden something special at any time of year.
12
Stop 12
It seems that “all” of Bern meets up at the Marzili. On peak days, over 10,000 visitors descend upon what is considered to be the most beautiful riverside pool in Switzerland, right below the Parliament Building.
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
Meet your guide at the Zytglogge glock tower.
🏁
End Point
Meet your guide at the Zytglogge glock tower.
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Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels