The Berne Clock Tower

Wait! Are we looking at a clock tower in Bern, Switzerland, or Berne, Indiana? Alright, clearly there’s no real comparison—but if you find yourself in Berne, Indiana (population 4,257), you can’t miss their beautiful clock tower, a tribute to the Zytglogge in Bern, Switzerland.

Located in Muensterberg Plaza, the Berne Clock Tower stands 160 feet tall (48.77 meters) and cost approximately $3.5 million (2,784,574.80 Swiss francs). It was dedicated in July 2010. In the warmer months, there is a daily glockenspiel show at noon, 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. The figures, each 5.5 feet tall (1.67 meters), perform the town’s history to music.

Berne was originally settled by Swiss immigrants in the 1850s and has retained that connection—today, it is a sister city with Trachselwald, Switzerland. The town also has a large Swiss Amish population who speak a distinct Bernese German dialect. Berne’s shops, bakeries, and architecture proudly showcase the Swiss influence on the community. Each July, the town celebrates its heritage with the Swiss Days festival.

Nearby, you’ll also find a one-of-a-kind attraction in the United States: the Berne Canton Tree. The front side of the tree features the coat of arms of all 26 Swiss cantons, along with those of the United States, Switzerland, Indiana, Berne, Bern, and Trachselwald. The back side displays a map of Switzerland showing the location of each canton.

If you have the opportunity to visit Berne, come for the glockenspiel—but stay for the bakeries.