Thousands visit parliament buildings

Thousands were prepared to wait for hours to get a glimpse inside the Federal Parliament in Bern and other national institutions.

To mark the 175th anniversary of the modern Swiss Constitution, the doors were flung open so anyone can have a look at parts of the Confederation normally closed to the public. 

70,000 took the opportunity to see the parliament, federal council offices and just next door many managed to get a glimpse in one of the most secretive parts of the country – the Swiss National Bank. 

The main attraction was a gold bullion bar. Although it was highly secured – it was possible to touch it and feel its weight. 

The event was said to be a great success – although organisers did apologise for the long waiting times. 

More from Bitesize News

  • Zurich vote imminent

    Zurich will vote next month on whether Exit and Dignitas should be allowed to operate inside hospitals and rehabilitation clinics

  • Swimmer completes epic challenge

    British long-distance swimmer Neil Gilson has completed a two-year challenge to swim the length of Switzerland's ten largest lakes, finishing at Geneva's Bains des Pâquis on Wednesday

  • Progress on Lausanne tramway

    Switzerland's Federal Office of Transport has approved the second phase of the Lausanne tramway, clearing the way for a 3.1-kilometre northern extension from Renens to Villars-Sainte-Croix

  • Police use new tactic

    Swiss transport police are being handed tasers to tackle rising violence on trains and stations

  • T2 closed at Cointrin

    Geneva Airport has shut parts of its Terminal 2 after a wooden-framed hangar collapsed overnight in mid-July

  • Swiss national missing in Nepal

    A Swiss national is among more than 1,300 people missing after Wednesday's flash floods in Nepal, according to the Tourism Board

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play