Prison Tower (Kafigturm)

Overview

The Prison Tower, or Kafigturm, is a historic tower in Bern, Switzerland, originally built as a prison. It now serves as a museum showcasing the city's history and offering panoramic views of the old town.

One of the oldest buildings in Bern, offering insights into the city's medieval past.

History Architecture

Location

Address

Coordinates: 46.94836205714082, 7.443987612061866

Neighborhood: Old Town

Coordinates

46.948362, 7.443988

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

12 CHF

Children

6 CHF

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

• Blooming flowers
• Outdoor exhibits

summer

Warm

• Extended opening hours
• Outdoor performances

autumn

Cool

• Fall foliage
• Harvest displays

winter

Cold

• Holiday decorations
• Indoor exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Check opening hours
Wear comfortable shoes

What to Bring

essential

Valid ID Printed tickets Comfortable shoes

seasonal

Jacket Umbrella Sunscreen

not allowed

Large bags Food and drinks

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Narrow staircases

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Typical Costs

entry 20 CHF

parking 5 CHF

food 15 CHF

souvenirs 20 CHF

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable shoes, Walking shoes, Inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks
• Official website
• 48 hours
• Available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Bern Tourism App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Maps, Audio guides, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Bern Airport

Distance: 6 km

Travel Time: 15 minutes

Taxi

25 CHF 15 min

Public transport

5 CHF 20 min

From City Center

Distance: 1 km

Walking

15 min

Bus

3 CHF 10 min

Taxi

10 CHF 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Rich history and cultural significance

Historical Significance: One of the oldest buildings in Bern, once used as a prison

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning
Best views from the top

Local Recommendations

• Try local Bernese cuisine
• Visit nearby Zytglogge clock tower
• Explore the Old Town

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hallo

thank_you Danke

where_is Wo ist

how_much Wie viel kostet das

beautiful Schön

ticket Eintrittskarte

Guide Languages: German, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Top of the tower

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide-angle shots for panoramic views

Result: Stunning cityscape

#Bern #Switzerland #Kafigturm

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Common areas

prohibited areas Exhibits, Private areas

flash photography Not allowed in exhibits

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Zytglogge

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Clock tower

Bern Cathedral

Distance: 400m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Cathedral

Reviews

4.5

Based on 1,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book online in advance"
"Visit early in the morning"
"Enjoy the panoramic views"

Contact Information

+41 31 311 71 11

info@kafigturm.ch

www.kafigturm.ch

Social Media

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