Cities
Switzerland Bern Bern Square

Bundesplatz

About

Bundesplatz, or Parliament Square, is the vibrant civic heart of Bern, located directly in front of the Swiss Federal Palace. Once a parking lot, the square was transformed in 2004 into a welcoming public space with elegant stone paving and unobstructed views of the Parliament Building. A highlight is the water feature with 26 fountains, symbolizing Switzerland’s cantons, which dance playfully throughout the day. The square hosts weekly farmers’ markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as well as political rallies, concerts, and seasonal events, making it a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Flanked by the Swiss National Bank and the Berner Kantonalbank, Bundesplatz is also a gateway to nearby attractions like the Bundesterrasse promenade and the Marzili district. Whether enjoying a sunny afternoon, attending a public event, or admiring the illuminated Parliament at night, Bundesplatz offers a dynamic and accessible experience in the heart of Bern.

Bern Switzerland
Bundesplatz
Location

Bundesplatz, or Federal Square, is located in the heart of Bern’s medieval Old City, directly in front of the Swiss Parliament building known as the Bundeshaus. This historic square, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features 26 water fountains symbolizing Switzerland’s cantons and is a lively hub for cultural events, markets, and public gatherings. Nearby landmarks include the Käfigturm (a medieval tower), Hollanderturm, Kleine Schanze park, and the bustling streets of Bern’s Old City. The square is also close to the Zytglogge clock tower and the Bern Historical Museum, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Bern’s rich history and vibrant city life. Bundesplatz is well known for its evening light shows projected onto the Federal Palace, enhancing its appeal as a cultural and political focal point in the city.

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 Federal Palace Federal Palace Monument Rose Garden Rose Garden Park Bear Park Bear Park Park University of Bern Botanical Garden University of Bern Botanical Garden Botanical Garden 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