Käfigturm, Bern

Tower in Bern

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Maksym Kozlenko

Standing proudly along Bern's main street, the Käfigturm is more than just an architectural landmark—it's a living symbol of the city's transformation from medieval stronghold to modern democracy. Originally built in 1256 as a gate tower in Bern's second city wall, the Käfigturm was completely rebuilt in 1640 in the Baroque style and today remains one of the top attractions in Bern. Over the centuries, it has served as a fortification, prison, clock tower, and civic meeting place, earning its place as a Cultural Property of National Significance and part of the UNESCO-listed Old City of Bern.

Today, the Käfigturm forms a striking passageway along Marktgasse, where locals and visitors alike walk beneath its arched portal. The tower's graceful sandstone façade and copper-plated spires make it a highlight of any walking tour of Bern, while its upper floors house exhibitions and events run by the Polit-Forum of the Confederation—a fitting evolution for a building that has always stood at the crossroads of Bern's civic life.

History and Significance of Käfigturm
Things to See and Do in Käfigturm
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Käfigturm
Is Käfigturm Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Käfigturm
Nearby Attractions to Käfigturm

History and Significance of Käfigturm

The first Käfigturm was constructed in 1256 during Bern's westward expansion, serving as the city's western gate and second line of defense after the Zytglogge Tower. The original structure was a simple, hollow square tower with a small platform at the top, guarding the road leading out of the Old City. After Bern's third expansion in 1345, the gate lost its military importance but gained new roles—first as a watchtower, then as a prison following the devastating fire of 1405. The term “Käfig,” meaning “cage,” soon became synonymous with confinement, giving the tower its lasting name.

By the early 17th century, the medieval structure had deteriorated. A new tower was commissioned in 1638 and completed between 1642 and 1644 under master builder Antoni Graber. The design reflected the Baroque taste of the era—solid sandstone walls, balanced proportions, and a steep roof crowned by a copper spire. A neighboring building was integrated into the complex to expand the prison, while the tower’s bell, captured during the Thirty Years’ War in 1643, was installed and still rings today.

Over the following centuries, the Käfigturm adapted to Bern's evolving needs. Its prison cells remained in use until 1897, when inmates were moved to a new facility. The tower then became an archive, later an information center, and, since 1980, a civic and cultural venue. Today, as the home of the Polit-Forum of the Confederation, it hosts exhibitions, public debates, and lectures on democracy and politics—a fitting continuation of its historic role as a symbol of order and governance.

Things to See and Do in Käfigturm

The Käfigturm's commanding presence makes it one of the must-see places in Bern for those exploring the Old City's architectural and historical layers. From the outside, its square structure, 9.8 meters wide and nearly 50 meters tall with pennant, is unmistakable. Look closely at the early Baroque details—the rectangular windows, five spires, and the copper-plated roofs that shimmer in the light. The clock faces, added in the late 17th century, continue to mark the passage of time above the busy streets below.

Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions curated by the Polit-Forum, often focused on democracy, civic life, and social change. These displays bring the tower’s past and present into dialogue, reflecting Bern’s evolution as Switzerland’s political heart. Occasional guided tours allow visitors to see remnants of its old prison cells and to learn more about the tower’s function through the centuries. Standing beneath the archway at street level, one can appreciate how this once-feared “cage” has become a gateway of ideas.

How to Get There

The Käfigturm is located on Marktgasse, right in the center of Bern's Old City. It's just a 5-minute walk from Bern train station, heading east along Spitalgasse toward the Zytglogge Clock Tower. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If arriving by car, parking is available at Metro Parking Bern or City West Parking, both a short stroll from the Old City’s pedestrian zone.

Practical Tips on Visiting Käfigturm

Best time to visit Käfigturm: Year-round; the exterior and archway are most photogenic in morning or late afternoon light.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry to the tower and exhibitions.
Opening hours: Typically open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00–17:00 (subject to exhibition schedules).
Official website: https://www.polit-forum-bern.ch
How long to spend: 30–60 minutes depending on exhibitions.
Accessibility: Street-level access; upper floors reached by stairs.
Facilities: Restrooms, exhibition rooms, and nearby cafés along Marktgasse.
Photography tip: Capture the tower from a low angle near the arch for dramatic perspective against the skyline.
Guided tours: Occasionally available through Bern Tourism or the Polit-Forum.
Nearby food options: Try Lötschberg or Café des Pyrénées, both within a short walk.

Is Käfigturm Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Käfigturm perfectly encapsulates Bern's layered history—from fortress to prison to forum. It stands not only as a fine example of Baroque civic architecture but also as a living reminder of how the city's structures have adapted to changing times. For those interested in Bern's political and cultural evolution, it's one of the best places to visit in Bern and a natural stop along any exploration of the Old City.

FAQs for Visiting Käfigturm

Can you go inside the tower?
Yes, the interior hosts free exhibitions and public events organized by the Polit-Forum.

Was the Käfigturm really a prison?
Yes, it served as Bern’s main city prison from the 15th century until 1897.

Is the tower open every day?
It’s generally closed on Sundays and Mondays; check the Polit-Forum website for updates.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, though not daily—tours can be arranged through Bern Tourism.

What does the name Käfigturm mean?
It translates to “Cage Tower,” referencing its long history as a city jail.

Nearby Attractions to Käfigturm

Zytglogge Clock Tower – Bern's iconic medieval clock with animated figures and hourly chimes.
Bern Historical Museum – Switzerland's second-largest museum, home to the Einstein Museum.
Bundeshaus – The Swiss Parliament Building, symbol of the nation's democracy.
Bern Minster – The city's Gothic cathedral with panoramic views from its spire.
Kornhauskeller – A grand vaulted cellar offering traditional Swiss dining in a historic setting.

The Käfigturm appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bern!

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