Bern Minster – the Tallest Cathedral Spire in Switzerland

Bern Minster is credited to have the tallest cathedral spire in Switzerland! We walked into it during our self guided tour of old city of Bern.

If you are ever there, allot at least half an hour to soak in the interior. At a height of 100.6m, this minster is famed to be the tallest bell tower of Switzerland and has the largest bell of this country. We heard it ring when we were watching the Zytglogge. It was a short span of sweet cacophony.

Bern Cathedral – Tallest Spire

The church was built in the 15th century; however its tower was only completed in 1893. There are 312 steps to reach the viewing deck. Views of the wonderful panorama from the Old City to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland are absolutely worth the effort.

Bern Münster Switzerland

In the 16th century, the third stage construction of the cathedral came to a halt. The spire was 50m high at that time, so the Minster looked quite different among the surrounding buildings of the Old City. Construction was paused because the ground was not stable and due to financial crunch. Much later the construction gathered momentum and the impressive spire was built in the Gothic style and reached its final height.

Most part of the cathedral was built with Bernese sandstone, with the exception of the top part of the spire. For the last part of construction, sandstone from Lower Saxony was used, as it is very resilient.

It was difficult to get this mammoth monument in a single frame; Bern Minster has been rightly compared to a rocket. Finally, from a spot at a large distance from the cathedral, the spire was framed.

Facade of Bern Münster Switzerland

Bern Cathedral Architectural details

The cathedral is treasure house of priceless artistic stained-glass windows, the choir vault with the stone figurines, the invaluable set of bells (including the largest bell in all of Switzerland) sculptures, frescoes and incredible work of the stonemasons.

The construction of this ecclesiastical building started in 1421 and the spire got its final form in 1893 under the supervision of various builders over the years. The facade was being repaired while we were there in 2011, hence the wrapped up form.

Ceiling of Bern Cathedral

Ceiling of Bern Cathedral

Stained glass windows
The ceiling here was so different from the ones we have seen in other churches. Not too many colors, there was simple patterns in black and white.

Dance of Death Window of Bern Cathedral

The stain glass window of 1441 – 1450 is famous as Dance of Death window. One can see the details of skeletal figures claiming lives of people from all walks of life.

Dance of Death window of Bern cathedral

Dance of Death window of Bern cathedral

Old city of Berne is one of the 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Switzerland.

The church is a mishmash of elements added to an original 1341 building with a well. This old building originally stood within the precincts of the 12th-century castle.

Don’t miss the elaborate work on the arch of west door of Bern Cathedral.

One more tip: Check the timings when the church is open. We lost some precious time here having landed there at some odd time and in the end had to rush. We missed going up this tall spire.

Cathedral Interior

Organ in Bern Minster cathedral in Switzerland

Timings for Bern Cathedral and Tower

(please check once more before you plan)

Monday to Friday Timings
Winter – from 19 Oct. Church – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tower – 12 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Summer – 30. May to 16. Oct. Church – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tower – 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Saturday
Winter from 24. Oct. Church – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tower – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer 30. May to 17. Oct. Church – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tower – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday
Winter from 25 Oct. Church – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tower – 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Summer 30 May to 18 Oct. Church – 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tower – 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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