Just to make that crystal clear: There are NO mountains in Bern. Yes, you can see them from afar — but it's still a one-hour train ride to really get to our snowy peaks.
Nevertheless, the Bernese (and the Swiss in general) are closely connected to the alpine world. Therefore, it is a delight that our Alpine Museum has put most of its dusty mountaineer memorabilia in the basement, and it has become one of the most interesting and interactive cultural slash educational spots around the city.
Their current exhibition will not bring you any closer to the Swiss Alps, though. Actually, it's all about Greenland — the largest island on our planet that we hardly know anything about.
The exhibition consists mainly of video statements made by people living, working, travelling, investing, and researching this slowly melting and strategically important part of the world. You get the views of rural whale hunters, urban fashion designers, German tourists, climate scientists, sheep shepherds and even a businessman exporting greenlandic ice for cocktails in Dubai.
None of the statements are more than three minutes long — still, I spent a good four hours in the museum. So be there early and take your time.
The videos are in Greenlandic, German and English with German, French and English subtitles.
Pro Tip: Other great museums are just around the corner, especially the Natural History Museum and the Museum für Kommunikation. Feel free to skip Einstein stuff instead.
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It is like home beyond home: perfectly suitable for burying yourself in a book, a good cup of tea or a relaxing evening beyond your four walls.
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If you think the octagonal building – the first gas tank in the city – is already spectacular from the outside, wait till you see what is inside.
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They have finger-licking-good desserts and great coffee. I order an apple pie – oh, but let me tell you, it is no ordinary apple pie, it is apple heaven.
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"Kellerkino" Bern is a basement cinema with a familial atmosphere. Founded in 1970, it was first independent cinema in the country. Talk about underground!
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"Monbijoupark" is a green oasis in the middle of the city of Bern - you can come here very easily by public transport or on foot!
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In addition to falafel, there is a flatbread with halloumi, makali (grilled vegetables) or shawarma (chicken), as well as tabbouleh and hummus.
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Located in a posh residential area, kind of hidden behind trees and bushes, Egelsee is a calm piece of nature to unwind your mind and observe nature.
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70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters