Here you will find all you need to know about visiting the Parliament Building when Parliament is in session.
Access
When Parliament is in session, it is only possible to access the Parliament Building if seats in the gallery have been booked.
Cost
Visitors are able to follow debates, meet a council member and visit the Domed Hall free of charge.Visitors’ entrance
The visitors’ entrance is located on the Bundesterrasse on the south side of the Parliament Building. It can be reached from Bundesplatz by taking the steps at either side of the Parliament Building. Pushchairs must be left in the hall of the visitors’ entrance.
access for wheelchair and wheeled walker users
Wheelchair and wheeled walker users are requested to use the entrance on the Bundesplatz side. Please ring the bell.
Sight-impaired visitors
For sight-impaired visitors we have a brief description of the Parliament Building in braille.
Security check
All visitors from the age of 16 are subject to an identity check and are required to present an official ID document to security staff. Acceptable forms of photo ID are: passport, identity card (from CH and EU states), driving licence (from CH and EU states), Swiss foreign nationals identity card, FDFA legitimation card, federal ID card. Visitors then undergo security screening by walking through a metal detector and passing their belongings through an x-ray device.
Photography and filming
Photography (no flash) is allowed inside the building but is not permitted from the galleries. Filming is not permitted at any time.
simultaneous Interpretation
Headphones are available free of charge for simultaneous interpreting of the National Council debates (in German,
French or Italian). Please contact security staff.
Last minute changes to Order of Business
No claims can be made as a result of programme changes, e.g. in the rare event that a Council debate should be
cancelled (at short notice).