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
The owner (from California) wanted to bring yummy, healthy Californian-Mexican soul food from back home to Switzerland. And let me tell you, he did!
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Nature is claiming back the city - a powerful image. The mural was painted by Paul Stämpfli in 1987, way before the world was discussing climate change.
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"Kopflos" ('headless') at Casinoplatz in Bern is my favourite piece of art in the city's public space. I love its four fingers!
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Hop on "Tram Nr. 8" at the main station for a 25min ride through the post-war urban planning history of Bern. It gets interesting around Europaplatz...
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"Chindlifresser" in Bern is a gruesome 500-year-old statue of a 'child-eater', but it's also one of my favorite cold-water providers in the whole city!
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"Zytglogge-Pissoir" in Bern is a place for gents to pee around the clock on the medieval watchtower. Where else can you pee on a 500-y.o UNESCO site?
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"La Chouette" Bern is a small, cozy, woody restaurant that makes the best crepes around! Make sure to try both sweet & salty! Open until late on weekends.
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Who doesn't love brunch? At Ô Capitaine in Bern you'll find everything your heart desires and more! I really like the variety of the food here...
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I especially like that they have about a dozen bottles by the glass and that they offer you to try several wines before you settle for a good drop.
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70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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