Käfigturm

Käfigturm is a 13th-century gate tower anchoring Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Rebuilt in the 1640s, it once served as a prison; today it hosts exhibitions and civic events that illuminate Bern’s history and politics. Its clock, sandstone façade, and position on Marktgasse make it a natural stop on a walking tour between Zytglogge and the Federal Palace. While there’s no panoramic view, you’ll appreciate its layered past, accessible displays (often free), and context for Bern’s medieval fortifications. Ideal for travelers interested in urban history and architecture rather than spectacle.