Gorgeous views from Bern’s Minster tower – Switzerland’s tallest cathedral spire

Last month, my husband and I were on a trip to Zurich. The weather was perfect, and we decided to take a daytrip by train to Switzerland’s capital – Bern. I’ve already written about our visit to the interesting Paul Klee Museum, built by Italian starchitect, Renzo Piano.

We enjoyed the whole city, but one of the things I insisted on was climbing the belltower of Bern’s Minster. Apparently, it’s Switzerland’s tallest cathedral spire. I’m a big fan of finding the tallest point of medieval towns to better understanding the layout of the town from on high.

It was tough work to get these fabulous views. I’m always happy to dig out my German when I travel to German-speaking countries. When I reached the top of the tower and was asked to show my ticket again, I said I had to catch my breath after those 340 steps. The guard, with perfect Swiss precision, corrected me, saying it was actually 344 steps. Believe me, I felt each and every one!

But the views were …. spectacular.

Bern is such a picturesque city, and it takes on a clear shape from that perch. The streets are all perfectly laid out in clear rows, and the Aare River meanders picturesquely around the town. In the distance, the Alps punctuated the bright bue sky.

Construction on the cathedral began in 1421, but its tower was only completed in 1893. It stands at an impressive 100.6 m (330 ft), so yes, the views you’ll enjoy from the top are well worth the sore calves.

We were there at Christmastime, so after we descended, we joined the Minster Christmas market for a well deserved Bratwurst and Gluehwein as we enjoyed views up to that impossibly high tower we’d just ascended and descended.

Don’t miss out on those tower views when you’re next in Bern… well worth the effort!