Zytglogge & Käfigturm★★★
The Zytglogge (Clock Tower) is Bern's most iconic landmark — and one of the oldest clockworks in the world.
★★★ Zytglogge
The striking tower on Kramgasse dates from the 13th century and has housed an astronomical clock since 1530, which performs a figure parade every hour: A golden rooster crows, bears dance, a jester strikes the bells, and Chronos turns his hourglass. Sounds kitschy? It is — and yet hundreds gather daily in front of the tower to watch the spectacle. The show begins 4 minutes before the hour — be there early!
A tour of the inside of the tower shows the medieval clockwork up close — a masterpiece of mechanics. Particularly exciting: Einstein lived opposite (Kramgasse 49) and is said to have watched the clock while pondering time.
Kramgasse. Exterior view free. Tower tour 20 CHF (registration at Bern Welcome). April–October, several times a week.
★ Käfigturm
The second medieval tower on the main street once served as a prison (hence the name). Today it houses the Polit-Forum Bern — exhibitions on Swiss politics and democracy. Free entry. At the top, a small viewing platform.
