Bundesplatz

Bundesplatz is the central square in front of the Federal Palace in Bern and effectively the political heart of Switzerland. Until 2004 it was a plain car park, then redesigned by Stephan Maurer as a stone square with 26 water jets representing the 26 Swiss cantons; on hot days it becomes a popular paddling spot for children. On Wednesdays and Saturdays the square hosts one of Switzerland's largest weekly markets, and in Advent the Bern Christmas market. Political rallies have been allowed again since 2011 when parliament is not in session. From the square you look onto the late-classicist facade of the Bundeshaus and into Bern's UNESCO-listed old town.