Cities
Switzerland Bern Bern Monument

Federal Palace

About

The Federal Palace in Bern, known as the Bundeshaus, is the political heart of Switzerland and home to the Swiss Federal Assembly and Federal Council. Completed in 1902, the building was designed by architect Hans Wilhelm Auer in a striking Neorenaissance style, featuring a grand central dome that symbolizes the unity of Switzerland’s linguistic regions. Inside, visitors can admire richly decorated halls, including the Hall of Columns and various artworks that reflect the country’s democratic heritage. The Federal Square in front of the palace is a lively public space, hosting markets, events, and political gatherings throughout the year. Guided tours are available in multiple languages, offering insights into Swiss politics, architecture, and history. Located in the city center, the Federal Palace is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to experience the workings of Swiss democracy in an architecturally impressive setting.

Bern Switzerland
Federal Palace
Location

The Federal Palace of Switzerland is located on the south-western edge of Bern’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, specifically at Bundesplatz, overlooking the Aare River from the Federal Terrace. The building is flanked by the former Hotel Bernerhof to the west and the Hotel Bellevue Palace to the east, and stands next to the Swiss National Bank and the cantonal bank building on Bundesplatz. The Marzili Funicular’s upper station is nearby, providing access down to the Marzili district and the river. The surrounding area features Bern’s historic cobblestone streets, Parliament Square with its fountains and markets, and is within walking distance of landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower, the French Church, and the Bern Historical Museum. The location is central and easily accessible, making it a focal point for both government and tourism in Bern.

Bern Historical Museum Bern Historical Museum Museum Zentrum Paul Klee Zentrum Paul Klee Museum Museum of Communication Museum of Communication Museum Kunstmuseum Bern Kunstmuseum Bern Museum Einstein House Einstein House Museum Naturhistorisches Museum Bern Naturhistorisches Museum Bern Museum Alpine Museum of Switzerland Alpine Museum of Switzerland Museum Rose Garden Rose Garden Park Bear Park Bear Park Park University of Bern Botanical Garden University of Bern Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Bundesplatz Bundesplatz Square Zytglogge Zytglogge Historical landmark Kornhausplatz Kornhausplatz Square Münsterplatz Münsterplatz Square Bern Minster Bern Minster Church Bühnen Bern Bühnen Bern Theatre Kornhausforum Kornhausforum Museum National Theater National Theater Theatre Kunsthalle Bern Kunsthalle Bern Theatre Galerie SOON Galerie SOON Theatre Gurten Gurten Mountain Bierhübeli Bierhübeli Music Venue Kindermuseum Creaviva Kindermuseum Creaviva Museum Musée Freimaurer Museum Schweiz Musée Freimaurer Museum Schweiz Museum Tram-Museum Bern Tram-Museum Bern Museum YB Museum YB Museum Museum Kulturmuseum Bern Kulturmuseum Bern Museum Psychiatrie‑Museum Psychiatrie‑Museum Museum Medizinsammlung Bern Medizinsammlung Bern Museum Antikensammlung Antikensammlung Museum Schweizer Schützenmuseum Bern Schweizer Schützenmuseum Bern Museum Klingendes Museum Bern Klingendes Museum Bern Museum Schweizerische Theatersammlung Schweizerische Theatersammlung Museum Das kleine Kunsthaus Das kleine Kunsthaus Museum Berner Generationenhaus Berner Generationenhaus Museum The Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art The Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art Museum Facing History Facing History Museum Museumsquartier Museumsquartier Museum Galerie Kunstreich Galerie Kunstreich Gallery Galerie Bernhard Bischoff & Partner Galerie Bernhard Bischoff & Partner Gallery Galerie Henze & Ketterer Galerie Henze & Ketterer Gallery Sternwarte Gurten Sternwarte Gurten Observatory Schlachthaus Theater Bern Schlachthaus Theater Bern Theatre Theater Matte Bern Theater Matte Bern Theatre Zytglogge Theater Zytglogge Theater Theatre Theater an der Effingerstrasse Theater an der Effingerstrasse Theatre