Cities
Switzerland Bern Bern Square

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
Kornhausplatz
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.

Bern Historical Museum Bern Historical Museum Museum Zentrum Paul Klee Zentrum Paul Klee Museum Museum of Communication Museum of Communication Museum Kunstmuseum Bern Kunstmuseum Bern Museum Einstein House Einstein House Museum Naturhistorisches Museum Bern Naturhistorisches Museum Bern Museum Alpine Museum of Switzerland Alpine Museum of Switzerland Museum Federal Palace Federal Palace Monument Rose Garden Rose Garden Park Bear Park Bear Park Park University of Bern Botanical Garden University of Bern Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Bundesplatz Bundesplatz Square Zytglogge Zytglogge Historical landmark Münsterplatz Münsterplatz Square Bern Minster Bern Minster Church Bühnen Bern Bühnen Bern Theatre Kornhausforum Kornhausforum Museum National Theater National Theater Theatre Kunsthalle Bern Kunsthalle Bern Theatre Galerie SOON Galerie SOON Theatre Gurten Gurten Mountain Bierhübeli Bierhübeli Music Venue Kindermuseum Creaviva Kindermuseum Creaviva Museum Musée Freimaurer Museum Schweiz Musée Freimaurer Museum Schweiz Museum Tram-Museum Bern Tram-Museum Bern Museum YB Museum YB Museum Museum Kulturmuseum Bern Kulturmuseum Bern Museum Psychiatrie‑Museum Psychiatrie‑Museum Museum Medizinsammlung Bern Medizinsammlung Bern Museum Antikensammlung Antikensammlung Museum Schweizer Schützenmuseum Bern Schweizer Schützenmuseum Bern Museum Klingendes Museum Bern Klingendes Museum Bern Museum Schweizerische Theatersammlung Schweizerische Theatersammlung Museum Das kleine Kunsthaus Das kleine Kunsthaus Museum Berner Generationenhaus Berner Generationenhaus Museum The Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art The Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art Museum Facing History Facing History Museum Museumsquartier Museumsquartier Museum Galerie Kunstreich Galerie Kunstreich Gallery Galerie Bernhard Bischoff & Partner Galerie Bernhard Bischoff & Partner Gallery Galerie Henze & Ketterer Galerie Henze & Ketterer Gallery Sternwarte Gurten Sternwarte Gurten Observatory Schlachthaus Theater Bern Schlachthaus Theater Bern Theatre Theater Matte Bern Theater Matte Bern Theatre Zytglogge Theater Zytglogge Theater Theatre Theater an der Effingerstrasse Theater an der Effingerstrasse Theatre