Bern Minster

Overview

The Bern Minster (Berner Münster) is Switzerland's tallest cathedral, soaring 100.6 metres above the Old Town. This late-Gothic masterpiece took over 400 years to complete and is famous for its elaborately carved main portal and the breathtaking panoramic views from its tower.

Highlights

• Main Portal: A stunning depiction of the Last Judgment with 234 individually carved figures, completed around 1495.
• Tower Climb: 344 steps lead to an observation platform offering 360-degree views of the Old Town, the Aar, and the Bernese Alps on clear days.
• Stained Glass Windows: The late-medieval choir windows, including the rare Dance of Death motif, are among the finest in Switzerland.

History

Construction began in 1421 under Matthäus Ensinger and was not fully completed until 1893 when the upper portion of the tower was finished. The cathedral served as both the city's principal church and a symbol of Bern's power within the Old Swiss Confederacy. During the Reformation in 1528, most of the interior art was destroyed, but the exterior portal survived intact.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The tower climb is only accessible April through November; arrive early in summer to avoid queues.
• Tip 2: Combine the tower visit with a stroll on the Münsterplattform terrace directly adjacent.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.