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Whether it’s the National Bank or the Federal Council chambers: the population gets an exclusive insight into the federal state of Berne at the weekend.
Anyone who wants to look behind the scenes of the historic federal buildings should make a pilgrimage to Bern this weekend. The Swiss Confederation is celebrating the 175th anniversary of the federal constitution with the “open federal mile”. These are the most important points:
Which buildings are open? Whether the National Bank, the Federal Palace, the sophisticated Bernerhof or the “Salon Royal” of the luxury hotel Bellevue: they all open their doors at the weekend. Get a taste of history at the Hotel Bellevue: During the Second World War and the Cold War, Bern developed into a hub for international espionage. During this time secret agents, diplomats and politicians came and went in the Bellevue, the hotel bar became an information center and world famous. This is where government decisions are made: if you want, you can even visit the «Chalet féderal», the meeting room of the Federal Council. There are exhibitions and films to see in all the buildings – and talks with politicians.
Legend:
A festival mile and not a parking lot like in 1960: Bundesbern opens its doors at the weekend.
Keystone/Archive Photopress
What events are taking place? The program includes a “National Council Comedy Show” by satirist Michael Elsener. In talks, he also puts Federal President Alain Berset and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider in the pincers. There are also countless smaller events. If you want, you can also watch the customs service dogs in action.
Legend:
Federal President Alain Berset appears in Parliament. But not with Viola Amherd.
Keystone/Peter Klaunzer
What’s happening outside? Outdoors, the federal mile becomes an entertainment zone. Musicians, orchestras and storytellers perform on different stages. There are also numerous food stands and activities for children, such as crossbow shooting. This also on the federal terrace.
Legend:
Comedian Michael Elsener offers a “National Council Comedy Show” in the Federal Palace
Keystone/Peter Klaunzer
How strict are the access controls? Attention: If you want to enter the federal mile, you need an ID and have to endure baggage checks like at the airport.
Who guides through the exhibitions? The “1848 – an unbelievable story” app takes the listener on an audio tour through the old town of Bern with 14 short audio pieces and gives an insight into the incredible year 1848 in Switzerland. Director Liliana Heimberg developed the smartphone guide. “Extremely little is known about this period today. For example, as the Bernese politician Ulrich Ochsenbein tried to avert the impending division of the Confederation with a brilliant speech in the Heiliggeistkirche, »she says to SRF.
Legend:
Soldiers celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Federal Constitution in 1948.
Keystone/Photopress
Why are we celebrating at all? Switzerland is celebrating 175 years of the constitution this year. The federation of states of the old Confederation became a federal state on September 12, 1848 when the federal constitution came into force and thus became the first modern-day democracy in Europe. The most important pillars of the Swiss constitution were: the Federal Council as the executive branch, the Federal Assembly with its two chambers, the National Council and the Council of States, the principle of the separation of powers, the federal division of tasks between the Confederation and the cantons, free elections and the fundamental rights of citizens.
You can find the whole program at 1848-parl.ch