Federal Palace

Bundeshaus which includes a square or plaza, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Federal Palace showing street scenes, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Bundeshaus which includes a sunset, heritage architecture and a city
Bundeshaus featuring a sunset, heritage architecture and street scenes
Bundeshaus


Browse a market, play in the fountain or go ice-skating beside this iconic political hub, before taking a guided tour through its historic halls.

The Bundeshaus is the impressive building housing the Swiss Parliament. It is easy to recognize in the Bern skyline with its remarkable large green dome at its center and two smaller versions on either side. Walk through the grand rooms of this structure, built between 1894 and 1902, and learn about its political and architectural importance.

When you arrive at the site, marvel at the elegant façade with columns, a large pediment and green limestone domes protruding from the roof. Capture photos of the building and its fountain, which shoots jets of water from holes in the floor. Try not to walk through it accidentally. In winter, visit the ice rink in the square. See the building and its fountain in the evening, when they are lit up in fluorescent colors. 

Free guided tours of the historic structure are available when parliament is not in session. Learn from the docent about the works of art decorating the walls. Find out the significance of each hall and see the place where Swiss Parliament reaches decisions that shape the future of the country. Walk through the main lobby and the debating chambers.

The central location and spacious plaza of the Bundeshaus make it an ideal space to meet friends. Attend the Christmas Market and other bazaars that fill the square with excited shoppers throughout the year. 

Practice your language skills watching a political debate from the public galleries. Learn about the grandiose building’s history. Swiss-Austrian architect Hans Auer designed it at the end of the 19th century, before it opened in 1902.

Tours in English are available on Saturdays. Check specifics on the official website.

Find the Bundeshaus in the historic region in the center of the city. It is just north of a bend in the River Aar and near many historic landmarks, such as the French Church. Use one of many modes of transportation to get to the parliament building, including bus, tram and funicular.

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Reviews of Federal Palace

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
32
" "5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
22
" "4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great views off the back verandas just left of the main entrance.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Pretty and pleasant part of the Altstadt Old Town) in Bern. Had lunch in a nearby cafe. It was closed on Sunday so we didn't get inside.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice part of town. Good architecture. Beautiful view of river and town from the rear. Lots of cafes around. Saw a soccer rally go by, and arrival of a head of state as we sat at a cafe and had lunch.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

take tram no 9

3/5 - Okay

Tom

did not see

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