Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche)
Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche)
Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche)
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Located in the center of the Old Town, this 15th-century cathedral sports a towering 328-foot-tall spire that dominates the city skyline.
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Bern Station • 9 min walk
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661 within 5 kms
Attractions
147 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- permia40,642 contributionsInspiringIn the great Gothic style its build commenced in 1421 and it has been a treasured landmark ever since. A greater than 100 metre tower which has marvellous carvings in stone was only completed hundreds of years later, being unveiled in 1893. Within is expansive and gives an awe-inspiring vista along the central nave. Vibrant stained glass form a glorious backdrop to a simple altar, with all crowned by an exquisite ribbed ceiling. An imposing ornate organ is in the balcony at the rear.Visited October 2022Written 13 December 2022
- RamblinRoesMedia, Pennsylvania220 contributionsLovely stained glassThis is a beautiful cathedral with striking stained glass throughout. The woodwork and other features are well worth a stop. The small square outside was hosting a small Christmas market during our visit which made it even more charming. Lovely spot.Visited December 2022Written 15 December 2022
- SGITexasTexas50 contributionsWorth seeingVery good experience. Well maintained and very impressive. The Architecture is striking and the stained glass was well preserved. We always enjoy vising cathedrals and churches in Europe. Makes one pause and reflect on how much work went into the construction ( without the help/aid of modern tools and techniques ) Worth the visitVisited March 2022Written 14 January 2023
- GarryausPsPrincess Anne, Maryland3 contributionsPeace prayer at the MuensterWith the Fasenacht around the church yard , there was a peace prayer with the attendance of all major denominations of Switzerland. This was a single event to remember the day of the occupation of the Ukraine . The church was packed and the organization of this service went like clockwork A very inspiring hour with much to think about Thanks the commitee which organized this prayer hour . Keep on doing the good work for peace in the world.Visited February 2023Written 24 February 2023
- WhittlesfordHaselbury Plucknett, United Kingdom596 contributionsAn important buildingAs a cathedral, this one isn't really in the top league but it occupies a very impressive position overlooking the Aare. Slightly crimped at the moment by restoration scaffolding both inside and out. Some good stained glass - particularly the modern window. There may be more behind the scaffolding. The cathedral was stripped of much of its finery at the Reformation and some impressive pieces of statue feature in the Historical Museum over the river. They were found having been used as rubble to extend the terrace. A sad understated chapel recording all the dead in the Napoleonic invasion.Visited February 2023Written 27 February 2023
- ZitatravelLondon, United Kingdom799 contributionsWow the view from the top of the tower is amazing - 312 steps is worth itWow what a view. The Cathedral of Berne is the largest and the most important late gothic building in Switzerland. You have to do the climb up the spire -CHF 5 for an adult. The spire is open every day and the climb is 312 steps very narrow up to the top. You actually go 222 steps to the first gallery past the bells . Then a quick rest and some great photos take the next 90 steps to the Octagonal galley. The view of the snow covered mountains and the UNESCO world cultural site of the old town is a highlight. The stairway is very narrow and is one way so you go and down different stairways. Wow so glad we made the climb . The church in side is very beautiful with some stunning stain glass windows.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2023
- NorCal-traveler08Orangevale, California1,910 contributionsHuge Spire, Amazing EntranceWe were in Bern for the Christmas Markets and there was a small Christmas market right next to the Munster. The Munster wasn't open the day we were there but it is amazing from the outside. You can see it from all over the city(I believe it is the tallest spire in Switzerland) and behind the church is a park like area where you can sit and it has views of the river.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 May 2023
- Harry WDurham, North Carolina1 contributionWelcome to HogwartsWelcome to Hogwarts. The cathedral has such a great charm, it looks like a movie, I can image Harry and his friends around the corners. Windows are finely decorated, you will find different styles and pieces of art, but the central area is pure magic.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
- Jason S70 contributionsIf you're feeling fit climb the tower for the best old town views.Historic and well maintained, the Cathedral is well worth a visit. The stained glass windows are beautiful. The depictions of Heaven and Hell above the main door are ornate and in great condition for their age. The tower climb is quite steep but there's a one way system so you avoid awkward encounters with folks coming the opposite direction. The views from the top are amazing!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 July 2023
- gfsc5Perth, Australia1,472 contributionsGothicWe visited the cathedral as part of a walking tour but didn't get the chance to go inside hence I can't give it 5 stars because of that unknown quality. That said, the outside is spectacular with the wonderful spire and some amazingly detailed stonework above the cathedral entrance. I am biased a bit because I love Gothic architecture but I'd defy anyone not to be impressed. Go take a look.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,138 reviews
Excellent
570
Very good
458
Average
96
Poor
8
Terrible
6
Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,038 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I have not seen the church close up but seeing it from across the river, standing out from the buildings was such a sight to behold! While I was hiking along the side of the river, the bells started ringing and the sound produced was music to my ears. It perfectly complements the quiet stroll along the riverwalk and that is a vibe in itself.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
donnaddl
Niagara Falls, New York13 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Beautiful cathedral; stained glass windows were lovely. Some work was being done outside (scaffolding) and inside which blocked the ceiling but it is still well worth a visit!
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Solo
They don't allow solo travelers on the tower. I found this outrageous. No other church I visited in the world had this ridiculous rule.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lukas N
17 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Do you like Harry Potter? Welcome to Hogwarts :D The cathedral has such a great charm. Make sure to add this to your visit.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gfsc5
Perth, Australia1,472 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We visited the cathedral as part of a walking tour but didn't get the chance to go inside hence I can't give it 5 stars because of that unknown quality. That said, the outside is spectacular with the wonderful spire and some amazingly detailed stonework above the cathedral entrance. I am biased a bit because I love Gothic architecture but I'd defy anyone not to be impressed.
Go take a look.
Go take a look.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
szymon096
Zamosc, Poland10 contributions
Jul 2023
Very calm beautiful church in the old city.very beautiful church from the outside to the inside.Amazing gothic architecture.
Beautiful photos
Beautiful photos
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma M
11 contributions
Jul 2023
Imrpressive inside and out and as far as I know the oldest in Switzerland. Climbing the tower is possible for CHF5. Worth it but steep though.
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liam A
11 contributions
Jul 2023
It is definitely worth a visit. The stained glass windows are very nice and the organ is beautifull.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akshaya S
Noida, India432 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The cathedral is beautiful not just from the outside (facade and area above the entrance) but also from the inside. We did not climb up the tower but were able to feel a lot of peace and serenity inside the cathedral.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
70 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Historic and well maintained, the Cathedral is well worth a visit. The stained glass windows are beautiful. The depictions of Heaven and Hell above the main door are ornate and in great condition for their age. The tower climb is quite steep but there's a one way system so you avoid awkward encounters with folks coming the opposite direction. The views from the top are amazing!
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dustin S
Grimsby, Canada73 contributions
Approximately how long does it take to climb up and down the steps for an average person?
The Swiss Nomad
Lugano, Switzerland3,144 contributions
Very quick if you are an average person. For us, it took between 5 and 10 mins and we stopped several times to take pictures. It's a steep but rather short climb, you will easily make it. Enjoy :)
Mike M
Naples, FL2 contributions
How much does a ticket cost for general admission, and/or the bell tower?
louisellebryan
Nashville, TN176 contributions
I don't remember whether we entered for free because we had Swiss Travel Passes, but I'm pretty sure the nave is open to the public.
gdinla
Los Angeles, CA4 contributions
Hi, Do you know when the restoration will be finished? thanks
FadiSamaan
Cairo, Egypt416 contributions
only God knows haha.
there wasn't any signs given about that.
Stefania A
Corteolona, Italy2 contributions
Il costo grazie
Diciamolecosegiuste
Zurich, Switzerland437 contributions
6.- a persona (adulta)
Dimpy S
Detroit, MI
Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche) - open hours in April 2015 ?
tourist_gi
Girona74 contributions
Yes! Opens from 10:00 to 17:00 ;)
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche)
- Hotels near Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche):
- (0.15 km) Heart of Bern
- (0.27 km) Bern Backpackers - Hotel Glocke
- (0.34 km) Bellevue Palace
- (0.24 km) Hotel Goldener Schlussel
- (0.21 km) Live in Bern's Old City, only steps from the city's main attractions
- Restaurants near Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche):
- (0.11 km) Wein&Sein mit Haerzbluet
- (0.09 km) Einstein cafe & bel etage
- (0.15 km) Metzgerstuebli
- (0.16 km) Restaurant zum Zähringer
- (0.14 km) Tredici Aroma & Wein