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
"Casa Novo" is one of the most exclusive and superior restaurants in Bern that I know. Its location by the Aare is special and beautiful...
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"Kaffeehaus Max" in Bern is very cosy & furnished in a hygge style. I like coming here to work on my laptop. They also make healthy, nutritious food...
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Brockenreich in Bern is one of my favorite thrift shops in the city. It's stuffed with everything from coins to clothes, clocks to couches & CDs to toys!
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Bern has a hidden magic garden. Find it halfway up the stairs behind the Münster Cathedral. Who knows how it will be decorated this time?
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"Kramer" is one of my most visited restaurant/bars in Bern. I really enjoy sitting out under the arcades and meeting friends here - or for any occasion!
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The store has a rather small but fine selection of women's and men's clothes: coats, sweaters, shirts, pants, dresses, pyjamas and more.
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"Reitschule" Bern is a controversial place with 1000 names that means a million different things to people. Prepare to taste the city's wild side here...
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"Effinger" Bern is an innovative co-working space. It's very close to the city center somewhere where shops have been empty for years. Great for meetings.
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"Lehrerzimmer" in Bern isa a giant, local open-air bar in an old high school turned into a cultural center. The whole building is also stuffed with art...
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70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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