Information
Landmark: Federal Palace of Switzerland (Bundeshaus)City: Bern
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Federal Palace of Switzerland (Bundeshaus), Bern, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
The Federal Palace of Switzerland-known as the Bundeshaus in Swiss German, Palais fédéral in French, and Palazzo federale in Italian-houses both the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council, its stone façade catching the afternoon light in Bern.In Bern, Switzerland’s capital, the Federal Palace rises in pale stone, serving as the nation’s most important political building.It’s both a symbol of Switzerland’s federal system and a living proof of its democratic values, with the grand dome and stone halls housing the nation’s main legislative and executive offices.Number one.The Federal Palace sits in the heart of Bern, on Bundesplatz, just steps from the cobbled streets of the Old Town and looking out over the blue-green curve of the Aare River.This well-known city landmark is easy for visitors to reach, just a short walk from the main square.The Federal Palace itself rose in stages between 1852 and 1902.They built it to become the new home of Switzerland’s federal government, which until then had been gathering in a patchwork of borrowed rooms.After the Swiss Civil War in 1847, the building went up as a clear sign that power was shifting to a more centralized federal government-its stone walls and tall windows making that change hard to miss.The building showcases the Renaissance Revival style, a look that swept through the late 19th century with its grand arches and ornate stonework.Blending stately columns with sleek modern lines, the Federal Palace rises as both a show of authority and a practical seat of government.At its main entrance, a grand portico stands in the sun, its row of stone columns casting long, cool shadows.Allegorical figures line the facade, each telling a piece of Switzerland’s story-its history, ideals, and institutions.Above it all, a great copper dome gleams in the light, soaring 60 meters (197 feet) into the air.The dome stands as a proud symbol of Swiss unity and government.Step inside the Federal Palace, and you’ll see walls alive with paintings, sculptures, and centuries-old artifacts that tell the story of the nation’s political and cultural heritage.Inside the Federal Palace, you’ll find the chambers of both houses of the Swiss Federal Assembly-the National Council and the Council of States-where sunlight spills through tall arched windows, and visitors are welcome to join public tours; it’s here that Switzerland’s bicameral legislature meets and carries out its work.Switzerland’s parliament has two chambers.The first is the National Council (Nationalrat), the lower house that speaks for the people - imagine 200 members debating under the bright lights of the Bern chamber.It has 200 members, all chosen through proportional representation.The Council of States, or Ständerat, serves as the upper house, giving each canton its voice.There are 46 members, with every canton-big or small-sending two representatives.The seven-member Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive branch, also meets inside the stone halls of the Federal Palace.The Council carries out the laws approved by the Federal Assembly and keeps the federal government running smoothly, right down to managing daily affairs.Switzerland’s political system stands out for its steadfast neutrality and its habit of settling decisions through careful consensus.The Federal Palace stands as the heart of Switzerland’s political system, where the voices of its people and cantons meet under one roof.Visitors are most drawn to the chambers of the National Council and the Council of States, where debates echo off polished wood and stone.Both chambers boast striking architecture, from carved stone arches to rich, intricate trim.In the National Council chamber, seats curve in a wide circle to draw people into debate and conversation.The Federal Palace welcomes visitors for guided tours, where they can step inside these rooms, trace Switzerland’s political history, and study exhibits that show how the government runs.You can take tours in several languages-German, French, English, or Italian.Inside the Federal Palace, sunlight falls across marble statues and vibrant paintings that capture key moments in Switzerland’s history.They feature allegorical scenes of Switzerland’s federal system and its people’s unity.The Federal Palace stands at the edge of Bundesplatz, a broad stone square where crowds gather for concerts, rallies, or open-air exhibitions.The square draws locals and visitors alike, offering clear views of the Federal Palace and the graceful buildings around it.Out front, a fountain splashes beside a bronze Helvetia, Switzerland’s proud national figure.The fountain stands as a proud symbol of Swiss unity, its water catching the sunlight in a fine spray.Just across the square, the Federal Palace hums with debate, shaping laws and crafting the policies that steer the nation.Several times a year, the Swiss Federal Assembly gathers here to debate and pass new laws.Inside the Federal Palace, the seven ministers of the Federal Council-the country’s executive branch-carry out policies, handle foreign affairs, and oversee the day-to-day running of the government.The building also serves as a hub for referenda and direct democracy, a cornerstone of Switzerland’s political life.Swiss citizens are often asked to vote on measures that could reshape laws or even amend the constitution, making the Federal Palace central to how the country governs itself.Visitors can join guided tours there-about an hour long-to wander its grand halls and hear the echo of past debates.On these tours, you’ll uncover stories from Swiss political history, see how the government is organized, and notice details like the cool echo of footsteps in its grand halls.The guides know the Swiss political system inside and out, ready to explain its unusual style of governance-even quirky details, like how referendums work.You can wander the Federal Palace’s grand exterior or step into Federal Square, both open to visitors all year.You can usually step inside the Federal Palace’s chambers and offices only on a guided tour or during special events, when its halls might hum with conferences, art exhibitions, or public hearings.These events offer a chance to dive into Swiss politics and history, while the Federal Palace-its green dome catching the afternoon light-stands as a striking 19th‑century blend of Renaissance Revival and Baroque, touched with a modern flourish.The building’s design mirrors the political hopes of a newly united Switzerland, highlighting democracy, unity, and neutrality.Rising with a quiet confidence above Bern’s skyline, its grand yet graceful form stands as a symbol of the nation’s stability and democratic spirit.Address: Bundesplatz 3, 3011 Bern, Switzerland.Opening hours: visitors are welcome at the Federal Palace on select weekdays.Guests are urged to take note, like hearing a quiet announcement over the hum of the crowd.
