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Swiss National Library
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The Swiss National Library (NB) in Bern is the country's cultural memory and is dedicated to collecting and preserving all publications related to Switzerland. Founded in 1895, it moved in 1931 to its current architecturally significant building in the Kirchenfeld district, which is considered a milestone of Swiss modernism in the 'Neues Bauen' style. The institution's core mission is the documentation of so-called 'Helvetica', which encompasses all works published in Switzerland, authored by Swiss individuals, or having Switzerland as their subject. The library houses over five million documents, including books, periodicals, maps, posters, and valuable special collections such as the Swiss Literary Archives. Through regular exhibitions and scientific services, the National Library promotes discourse on the cultural identity and linguistic diversity of the Confederation. The building impresses with its clear, functional formal language and has been modernized in recent decades to meet the requirements of the digital age.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Das Theater an der Effingerstrasse · National · Heilsarmee Bern
- Nearby: Muri bei Bern (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 62 | 80 | 83 | 130 | 117 | 121 | 127 | 83 | 94 | 82 | 87 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Hallwylstrasse 15, 3003 Bern
Hours
Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat 09:00-16:00
Entry
free
Website
Transit
Tram 6, 7, 8 or Kirchenfeld bus 19 to Helvetiaplatz stop.
Parking
Blue zone in the district or Casino parking garage.
Accessibility
Fully accessible.
Photos
Keep quiet in reading rooms; photography only allowed discreetly.
Best time
Saturday morning for architecture enthusiasts.
Audio guide
no
Geography
Facts
- The National Library was founded on May 2, 1895, in Bern.
- The current building opened in 1931 according to plans by architects Oeschger & Kaufmann.
- The holdings now comprise more than five million media units.
- The library systematically collects all publications on the subject of 'Helvetica'.
- The Swiss Literary Archives have been part of the National Library since 1991.
- The building is protected by the Confederation as a cultural asset of national importance.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Swiss National Library (10)
Synagogue
Synagogue in the city of Bern, Switzerland.
Trinity Church
Basilica, part of the ensemble 'Katholische Dreifaltigkeitskirche mit Pfarrhaus und Pfarreiheim La Prairie', KGS no. 698.
Florapark🌳 park
Small public park in the city of Bern, Switzerland.
Kleine Schanze🌳 park
Small historic rampart and park in the city of Bern, Switzerland.
Cerny Inuit Collection
Gallery in Bern.
SAPA Foundation🏛 museum
National memorial institution for Swiss dance and theater culture.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Swiss National Library open to the public?
Yes, the reading rooms can be used by anyone free of charge.
Where is the library located?
It is located in the Kirchenfeld district in Bern.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for visitors.
What kind of media are collected here?
All publications related to Switzerland (Helvetica).
Can books be borrowed for home use?
Yes, most works can be borrowed after registration.
Swiss National Library: where is it located?
Swiss National Library is located in Switzerland.
Swiss National Library: what is there to see?
Highlights include Das Theater an der Effingerstrasse, National, Heilsarmee Bern.
Swiss National Library: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Swiss National Library: why is it worth visiting?
The Swiss National Library (NB) in Bern is the country's cultural memory and is dedicated to collecting and preserving all publications related to Switzerland.
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