01.07.2023 - 02.07.2023 Offene Bundesmeile – 175 Years of the Swiss Constitution

In 2023, Switzerland is celebrating the 175th anniversary of its Constitution. Anyone who’s interested has the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of the Swiss government, its parliament, and other institutions in the country’s capital this July.

  • Fact

    Don't forget your ID. Access to federal facilities is only possible with an official document.

The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1848. The Parliament is celebrating our nation’s 175th birthday with various activities, including a themed tour of the Parliament Building and an independent audio tour of the federal city. And the interactive game “Mein Standpunkt” (“My point of view”) offers a great learning opportunity for schools, enabling students to discuss Switzerland’s future in the Council chambers.

 

On 1 and 2 July 2023, the following institutions will be opening their doors to the public:

  • Bernerhof
  • Swiss National Bank
  • Bundeshaus West (west wing of the Parliament Building)
  • Bundeshaus Ost (east wing of the Parliament Building)
  • Parliament Building (main building)
  • Bundeshaus Nord (external north wing of the Parliament Building))
  • Bundeshaus Inselgasse (offices of parliament on Inselgasse street)
  • Bellevue Palace Hotel
  • Der Äussere Stand
  • Der Erlacherhof
  • Media centre

More information on the activities in the jubilee year can be found here.

Entertainment

On the squares around the Federal Palaces, concerts, performances of the cabaret scene and activities for the youngest guests are offered. There are food stalls and the Bundesplatz turns into a meeting zone.

SEE THE PROGRAM

Journey

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are supporting the "Open Federal Mile" with a discounted rail ticket. For 17.50 francs, visitors from all over Switzerland travel to the federal city.

GO TO BERN FOR 17.50

Free guided city-tours

Immerse yourself in the history of the Swiss Federal Constitution on an entertaining walk from the Bundesplatz, past the restaurant "Zum Äusseren Stand" to the Erlacherhof? The city guides take curious people on a free city tour.

CLICK HERE FOR A GUIDED TOUR OF THE CITY

Hotels

A selection of Bern hotels are offering 18% off for 48 hours during the period from Saturday, July 1 to Monday, July 3, 2023. Please quote promo code 1848 when booking.

  • Participating hotels

    Hotel Ambassador
    Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz
    Hotel Goldener Schlüssel
    Harry’s Home Bern-Ostermundigen
    Sorell Hotel Arabelle Enter promo code 1848 at booking
    Alpenblick Bern Enter promo code 1848 at booking

On the new audio tour “1848 – eine unglaubliche Geschichte” (“1848” – an incredible story”), you can listen to 14 short audio recordings with interesting facts and figures about Bern’s Old City and the year 1848. If you want to discover the federal city and the history behind the origin of the Swiss Constitution on your own, the best thing to do is to download the audio app.

 

Further information on the activities in the anniversary year can be found here.

 
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