Kornhausplatz

About

Kornhausplatz is a historic square in the heart of Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, offering a blend of medieval charm and vibrant city life. Originally a defensive ditch surrounding the first city wall, it was transformed into a public plaza after the Great Fire of 1405. The square takes its name from the Kornhaus, or granary, built between 1711 and 1715, which now houses the elegant Kornhauskeller restaurant in its vaulted cellar. A standout feature is the Kindlifresserbrunnen, or “Child Eater Fountain,” a 16th-century sculpture by Hans Gieng that adds a touch of folklore to the square’s atmosphere. Kornhausplatz is ideally located near the Zytglogge clock tower and the Kornhausbrücke, making it a central point for exploring Bern’s historic core. With its rich history, striking architecture, and lively surroundings, the square invites visitors to pause, explore, and experience the cultural heartbeat of the Swiss capital.

Bern Switzerland

Location

Kornhausplatz is located in the middle of Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, surrounded by well-preserved medieval buildings and forming a central hub in the city’s historic core. The square is home to the striking Kornhaus (former granary), now housing a library, cultural spaces, and the famous Kornhauskeller restaurant. At its center stands the Kindlifresserbrunnen (Child Eater Fountain), a 16th-century public fountain and one of Bern’s most memorable landmarks. Kornhausplatz is adjacent to the Zytglogge clock tower, a few minutes’ walk from the Käfigturm and close to the Bern City Theater and the Kornhausbrücke, which connects the Old Town to the northern neighborhoods. The square is surrounded by shops, cafes, and historic arcades, making it a vibrant spot for both locals and visitors in Bern’s city center.