Bundeshaus

Overview

The Bundeshaus is the federal palace of Switzerland, located in the capital city of Bern. It houses the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council.

The Bundeshaus is a symbol of Swiss democracy and federalism, and it is one of the most important political landmarks in Switzerland.

Historical Site Architectural Landmark

Location

Address

Bundesplatz 3, Bern, Switzerland

Neighborhood: Kirchenfeld District

Coordinates

46.946200, 7.454100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

sunday Closed

Admission

Adults

Free (guided tours may have a fee)

Children

Free (guided tours may have a fee)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and better light for photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

• spring blooms
• outdoor guided tours

summer

warm to hot

• extended opening hours
• outdoor concerts

autumn

cool

• fall foliage
• photography opportunities

winter

cold

• holiday lights
• indoor exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Guided tours must be booked in advance
Dress appropriately
Check for temporary closures

What to Bring

essential

ID or passport Comfortable shoes Camera

seasonal

Warm clothing in winter Umbrella or rain jacket Hat and sunglasses in summer

not allowed

Large bags or backpacks Weapons or dangerous items Food and drinks in certain areas

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate, as there is some walking involved

• Uneven surfaces in some areas, stairs in the building

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (CHF), Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Typical Costs

entry Free (guided tours may have a fee)

guided tour $15-$20

souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

Modest, respectful clothing, Comfortable shoes for walking, layers for changing weather, Comfortable walking shoes, Inappropriate or revealing clothing, Hats or caps worn indoors

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week in advance for guided tours
• Official website or through authorized tour operators
• 48 hours in advance for refund on guided tours
• Available for pre-booked guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Bundeshaus Bern

Size: 30 MB

Features: Interactive map of the building and grounds, Audio guide with information about the history and significance of the Bundeshaus, Ticket booking for guided tours, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Public spaces inside the building

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Bern Airport

Distance: 7 km

Travel Time: 15 minutes

taxi

$30-$40 15 min

public_transport

$5 25 min

From City Center

Distance: 1.5 km

tram

$2.50 10 min

bus

$2.50 12 min

taxi

$10-$15 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The Bundeshaus is a symbol of Swiss democracy and a historic landmark that locals are proud of

Historical Significance: Important political events and decisions have been made within its walls, and it is a testament to Swiss federalism

Insider Tips

Free entry to the building is available outside of guided tour hours
The best food and coffee can be found at the nearby Café Fédéral
Special events and exhibitions are often held in the building, so check the schedule in advance

Local Recommendations

• Try a traditional Swiss lunch at the nearby Café Fédéral
• Ask for a guide who speaks multiple languages for a more detailed experience
• Visit the nearby Rosegarden for a peaceful stroll

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Grüezi

thank_you Merce

where_is Wo isch...?

how_much Wie vil?

beautiful Chüechli

ticket Billett

Guide Languages: German, French, Italian, English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Federal Palace steps

Best Time: Golden hour in the late afternoon

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the grandeur of the building

Result: Stunning architectural photos

#Bundeshaus #Bern #SwissArchitecture

Bundesplatz

Best Time: Early morning or late evening

Tips: Low-angle shots to emphasize the height of the building

Result: Impressive cityscape photos

#Bundesplatz #Bern #Switzerland

Parliament building interior

Best Time: Anytime during guided tours

Tips: Use available light and capture details of the interior design

Result: Beautiful interior shots

#ParliamentBuilding #Bern #InteriorDesign

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Public spaces inside the building during guided tours

prohibited areas Restricted areas, offices, and private spaces

flash photography Not allowed inside the building to preserve artifacts

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Restricted, only with special permission

selfie sticks Allowed in outdoor areas, not allowed inside the building

Nearby Attractions

Zytglogge

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Clock Tower

Bern Minster

Distance: 800m

Walking: 12 min

Type: Cathedral

Rosegarden (Roseninsel)

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Park

Bear Park (BärenPark)

Distance: 1.2km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Zoo

Reviews

4.5

Based on 1,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book guided tours in advance, especially during peak season"
"Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds"
"Don't miss the stunning views from the Bundesplatz"

Contact Information

+41 58 462 30 11

info@parlament.ch

www.parlament.ch

Social Media

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