The tower served as the city's prison from the mid-17th century until the end of the 19th century.
The name 'Käfigturm' literally translates to 'Cage Tower' due to its former function as a detention facility.
The current structure was built to replace a previous gate tower that had become insufficient for the city's growth.
The astronomical clock on the tower was added in 1691 and displays celestial information alongside the time.
The tower is located exactly at the intersection of Marktgasse and Bärenplatz, marking a historic transition point between old and new city districts.
The Käfigturm is a 17th-century fortification tower located at the western entrance to Bern's Old Town. Originally constructed in 1641, it replaced an earlier gate tower from the 13th century. It served as a prison for centuries, which gave rise to its name, meaning 'Cage Tower'. The structure features an ornate astronomical clock on its western facade. Historically, it functioned as part of the city's second defensive line. Today, the interior is often utilized for political exhibits and public discussions hosted by the Polit-Forum Bern. The building remains a central architectural landmark of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bern.
From the Bärenplatz side looking upward toward the clock face.
Visit the Polit-Forum exhibitions on the upper floors for a perspective on Swiss political culture.
Walk around the exterior to view the detailed astronomical clock mechanisms from different angles.
Observe the tower from the nearby Bärenplatz square for the best architectural perspective.
Do not mistake the Käfigturm for the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), which is located further east along the same street.
Interior exhibits are typically closed on Mondays.
