About
The Federal Palace, also known as the Bundeshaus or Parliament Building, stands on the Bundesplatz at Bundesplatz 3 in Bern, the Swiss capital. It is the seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council, so it is where much of the country's national politics takes place.
Completed in 1902, the building is recognisable by its green copper dome, which rises above the square and is one of the first things visitors notice when they arrive in the city centre. The architecture reflects the period in which it was built and gives the building a dignified, civic presence.
What a visit offers
Guided tours are available and are the best way to see inside. They focus on two themes:
- Swiss democracy, including how the Federal Assembly and Federal Council work together in national government.
- Architecture, showing the interior spaces and the building's design.
Because the palace is an active working building, a tour gives an insight into a parliament in session in a way that a viewing from outside cannot.
The area around it
The Bundesplatz is an open square, and the palace makes a natural starting point for exploring the rest of Bern's old town, which lies a short walk away. Visitors interested in government and civic life may find the building a useful complement to other stops in the city. For practical details such as tour times and booking, you can contact the palace by phone at +41 31 322 85 22.
