Architecture in Bern Region

The Cité du Temps – French for the City of Time – is nestled in the heart of Biel, the world's watchmaking capital. This special place entirely dedicated to time unites under one roof the playful, cheerful style of the brand Swatch and the luxurious character of Omega offering its visitors an opportunity to explore two different worlds of watchmaking represented in two museums: Omega Museum and Planet Swatch.

Schadau Castle was built between 1846 and 1854 for the Neuchâtel banker Denis Alfred de Rougemont. The location of the castle, on the southern banks of Lake Thun where the River Aare flows out of the lake, and with its views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, is almost as attractive as the architecture itself.

The Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent is the most impressive late-Gothic building in the city and the largest and most important late medieval church in Switzerland. From this highest church tower in Switzerland you may admire a magnificent view.

This extension to the "Bernisches Historisches Museum" (Historical Museum) is sure to amaze with its exhibition hall sunk into the ground and its significant extension programme.

Learn more about Solothurn's walls and their gates and towers.

The «Ambassadors’ Nativity Scene» is a rarity and sure to attract all nativity scene lovers to Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque town.

The medieval castle above the town of Thun is a striking focal point at the entrance to the Bernese Oberland region. This almost completely preserved symbol of power contains the Knights' Hall, one of the few surviving halls of its type from the Middle Ages.

As a hospital, an orphanage or a hostel for craftsmen, Solothurn's Old Hospital has been a venue for people to meet and receive hospitality since it was first mentioned in the 14th century.

Solothurn’s Jesuit Church may stand in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral of St. Ursen, but it is also well worth a visit – and about a hundred years older.

The Halen Estate is embedded into the landscape and fascinates due to its compact structure and modern and diverse interior.

Begun in 1421, Bern's Cathedral took 150 years to complete, and was erected entirely by volunteers. The cathedral was built for the purpose of housing a bishop, but Protestantism reached Bern before its bishop did. The cathedral represents the last major work of late Gothic architecture in Europe.

The Zentrum Paul Klee, which opened in 2005, is dedicated to the person, life and work of Paul Klee (1879–1940). It houses the worldwide largest collection of Klee's works. Paul Klee is regarded as one of the 20th century's most important artists.

With Westside star architect Daniel Libeskind created a new landmark for Bern. The leisure and shopping center combines shopping, swimming and movie theaters as one unique experience.

The Jura waters correction is a unique heritage of human creativity. The Nidau Castle Museum, opened in October 2004, aims to heighten this awareness.

With its 2,500 m2 area and 530 glass panels, the graceful curved canopy of the Baldachin enhances the impact of the Bern station square.

The Congress Centre in the city centre of Biel/Bienne, with its architecture from the 1950s and 60s, renovated in 2001/2002, is a major feature of the city. Under its impressive suspended roof, an amazing range of cultural and commercial events take place, everything from fitness to leisure activities.

The Pasquart is a space for innovative, creative young artists and encourages those with talent to develop new works of art for the exhibitions.