Federal Palace

Federal Palace

Introduction Bern is the capital of the Swiss Confederation and the seat of the Swiss government and the Federal Assembly (comprising the National Council and the Council of States). Visitors who enter the assembly halls to tour this historic building, constructed in 1848, can enjoy a 45-minute guided tour.

The interior is richly decorated, with statues of the founding fathers of Switzerland, and a large chandelier made up of 214 bulbs set against a colorful glass dome. There are also fountain shows in the square in front of the building.

Tours are suspended during parliamentary sessions, public holidays, or special events, but the public galleries are open during the four annual parliamentary sessions, allowing visitors to observe the proceedings. Free guided tours of the interior of the Parliament Building are available with a guide, though it was closed for renovation until January 2008. Transportation

It is a 5-minute walk from the train station along Spitalgasse. Tickets / Opening Hours Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 09:00–11:00 and 14:00–16:00 (on the hour), and until 20:00 on Thursdays. Closed during parliamentary sessions, public holidays, and special events. A passport is required. The tour lasts 45 minutes. Please arrive at the security checkpoint on the east side of the Parliament Building 30 minutes before the scheduled hour.

Bern, Switzerland