Zähringerstadt, Medieval district in Bern, Switzerland
The Zähringerstadt is a medieval district in Bern with three parallel main streets that run about 750 meters between Nydegg Castle and the Zytglogge clock tower. Covered arcades line these streets and define the entire urban space, creating a continuous sheltered walkway.
Duke Berthold V of Zähringen founded this part of the city in 1191, creating a settlement that formed the basis of modern Bern. This establishment was crucial to the city's early development and shaped its structure for centuries to come.
The street names themselves tell the story of who lived where: Kramgasse refers to merchants selling goods, while Junkerngasse housed the wealthy families of the time. This layout reflects how medieval society organized itself by trade and social rank within the urban space.
The covered arcades make the district walkable in any weather, providing shelter and comfort while exploring the area on foot. The three parallel streets are easy to navigate and allow visitors to cross between different zones without getting lost.
The original width and orientation of the three streets have remained unchanged since their creation, allowing visitors to read the medieval urban design directly. This unchanged layout makes it possible to understand exactly how the city was conceived and built more than 800 years ago.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
