On first sight, Bern's Käfigturm (cage tower) is just the less attractive sister of the grand Zytglogge a bit further down the road. But while the famous clock tower is only accessible by guided tours, the cage tower is open for the public and free to enter. Sometimes I come here just to enjoy the view onto the busy cobblestone main street down there in the canyon of medieval houses.
But the cage tower (yes, it was once the city prison) is much more than a fancy viewpoint. It actually is an information bureau for everyone interested in the Swiss political system with regular discussions about current policy issues and sometimes very interesting exhibitions (in German, French and English) shown on the top floor. So if you are interested in figuring out why the Swiss are voting about banning minarets, six weeks of holidays, how many horns a cow is supposed to have and why bicycles should be mentioned in the constitution - you're at the right spot!
Marktgasse 67
CHF
free
313102060
Find your way with 70 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Explore Bern's Länggasse art: Einstein's brain, clever birds, and more. Start at Grosse Schanze for a memorable journey.
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Hunt Bern's Space Invaders on foot or bike. Find 29 mosaic pictures by artist Invader throughout the city. Let the game begin!
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Uncover the convenience of Coop: fresh food, coffee, drinks, snacks, and a wine and beer shop. Cheers to easy shopping!
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Their programs range from concerts to poetry nights, guided tours, and art workshops. And the garden is beautiful and inspiring itself...
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It's a shame that I didn't know of "Spielplatz am Schützenweg" in Bern when I was a kid. But now I love this playground for its vitality & creative vibe...
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"Alte Feuerwehr Viktoria" Bern used to be the city's firetruck garage; now it's a cultural centre complete w/ restaurant, library of things & bicycle shop!
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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...
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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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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.
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70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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