Federal Palace (Swiss Parliament)
Federal Palace (Swiss Parliament) features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Bern. Give it roughly ~60 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type monument
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Bern Bern guide
About Federal Palace (Swiss Parliament)
Switzerland's magnificent parliament building (1902) above the Aare, the seat of the Federal Assembly and Federal Council, with a dome visible from across the city and free public tours.
The Federal Palace, Bundeshaus in German, Palais Fédéral in French, is the seat of Switzerland's Federal Assembly (parliament) and Federal Council (executive). Completed in 1902 and designed in a grand Renaissance Revival style by architect Hans Wilhelm Auer, the building features a magnificent central dome 64 metres high clad in copper green, visible from throughout Bern and from the surrounding hills. The interior is equally impressive: the National Council chamber, the Council of States chamber, and the grand rotunda beneath the dome are decorated with murals, sculptures, and mosaics representing Swiss history and the cantons. Switzerland's direct democracy means the Federal Palace is central to civic life, federal referendums and popular initiatives are processed here. The building is open for free guided tours outside parliamentary sessions.
Did you know? Switzerland has 26 cantons, each represented by a water jet in the famous Bundesplatz fountain in front of the Federal Palace.
How long is a visit to Federal Palace (Swiss Parliament)?
Set aside roughly ~60 min for Federal Palace (Swiss Parliament). That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Federal Palace (Swiss Parliament) worth your time?
Federal Palace (Swiss Parliament) is among the 22 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Bern, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Bern
Hear the story of Federal Palace (Swiss Parliament)
Preview the Bern tour free in the Gingerguide app.