“Alte Feuerwehr Viktoria” is part bar slash restaurant, part community center, part idea factory. I often come here just to have a well-prepared drink, a local beer or a decent meal at Löscher. The restaurant is located in a former garage for firefighters. When they moved away from the city centre a couple of years ago, the building was turned into a diverse spot with all sorts of pop-ups and start-ups.
But before the boxing school, the bicycle shop and the restaurant moved in, before Radio Blind Power built a studio on-site, before Adriano’s started roasting its coffee in the micro roasting establishment before artistes moved into the hose-drying-tower and a library of things was inaugurated - before all that, the place was a cramped refugee camp.
In the midst of the “refugee crisis” in 2015 the top floor was inhabited by Syrians and Afghans, Sri Lankis and Eritreans. But other than in some rural communities where refugees have been “welcomed” with fear and anger, at Alte Feuerwehr Viktoria they were soon part of an urban testing field for new ideas of cooperation and cultural exchange.
The refugees are not there anymore since the migration problem has been successfully shifted (not solved) elsewhere by European politics. What has remained is an open-minded, local laboratory for all kinds of arts, handcrafts and new forms of sustainability. Still, if you want to have a taste of the multi-cultural past: go visit the delicious Gastwerk just next door.
Explore Bern like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Bern guide.
Fähre Bodenacker is a ferry upstream the river Aare just outside Bern, where there's also a nice family restaurant, right in some beautiful nature...
By
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.
By
The Veielihubel is a great place to have a quick recharge on a busy day and relish the quiet, the sun or the view – whatever you need at the time.
By
And unlike other vintage stores, everything is curated by the team of The New New Bern themselves. Their handpicked selection is hip, urban and always in style. There will definitely be no holes in the clothes.
By
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.
By
This is not your casual flower shop. You could easily miss the stairs that lead to the cellar, where they create the most beautiful bouquets of Bern...
By
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.
By
"Kellerkino" Bern is a basement cinema with a familial atmosphere. Founded in 1970, it was first independent cinema in the country. Talk about underground!
By
"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!
By
In the Zweiblatt Concept Store, you will find many different things. From colorful socks and trendy clothing to jewelry, mugs and drinking bottles.
By
In addition to falafel, there is a flatbread with halloumi, makali (grilled vegetables) or shawarma (chicken), as well as tabbouleh and hummus.
By
70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters