Felsenburg, Medieval castle in Gryphenhübeli, Bern, Switzerland
Felsenburg is a medieval fortification in Bern built on a rocky outcrop with a rectangular tower containing five residential levels. The structure features progressively thinner walls as they rise, a design characteristic of its period.
The fortification was built between 1260 and 1270 to control the eastern approach to the Untertor Bridge crossing the Aare river. It represented a key defensive position guarding access to medieval Bern from the east.
The name refers to the rocky outcrop on which the structure was built, and visitors can see how medieval builders worked within the natural landscape. This integration of fortification and geology shaped how the eastern approach to the city functioned.
The site lies within walking distance to other historical structures around the Untertor Bridge area. Access is available via established pathways with multiple vantage points to view the surrounding landscape.
The tower walls decrease in thickness as they rise up each floor, allowing builders to save weight on upper levels while maintaining structural strength. This clever approach demonstrates how medieval engineers optimized both resources and interior space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
