Käfigturm
The western gate tower of the Old Town’s second city wall. It served as a prison after the 17th century and now houses a free exhibition space for political forums.
The Käfigturm (Cage Tower) was built in 1256 and remodelled into its present form in the 1640s. It was used as a prison until 1897, which gave it its name. The arch beneath the tower is the entrance to Marktgasse. Entering the Old Town from the railway station, you pass it first, and in front of it stands the Anna Seiler Fountain. Inside, the tower now houses the federal government’s political forum, which often holds free exhibitions. It is usually visited together with the Clock Tower and Marktgasse.
Opening hours
Exterior open all day; exhibitions open Mon–Fri
Nearby sights
- Federal Palace & Bundesplatz
- Kunstmuseum Bern
- Kornhaus & Kornhauskeller
- Kindlifresserbrunnen & Old Town Fountains
- Zytglogge
- Botanical Garden of the University of Bern
- Kirchenfeldbrücke
- Swiss Alpine Museum