City Hall

Berne city hall

A stop on the Berne audio-guided tour, the city hall displays a fine facade near the church. When the Berne flag is hoisted on the roof, the politicians are sitting inside. Nicknamed the little brother of the Federal Palace, it hosts the weekly meetings of the Council.

The heart of the Mittelland

The building dates from the fifteenth century and was built in flamboyant Gothic style to welcome foreign delegations, at the time when Berne was becoming the political centre of the Mittelland. This large region of Switzerland includes the cantons of Berne, Fribourg, Jura, Neuchatel and Solothurn. Mittelland means Middle Country, the German name of the Swiss plateau.

What to see

The city hall, the government house, remains the political centre of the canton of Berne. Its flamboyant Gothic facade, its double-staircase perron and its ornaments make it a remarkable building of the old town. Observe the Bernese flag, which signals the presence of the elected officials.

Practical information

Berne city hall is on the Rathausplatz, in the old town. Its facade can be viewed freely from the square; visiting conditions should be checked depending on the season.

What does the flag hoisted on the city hall mean ?

That the elected officials are sitting inside, for the Council's meetings.

When does Berne city hall date from ?

From the fifteenth century, built in flamboyant Gothic style.