Reitschule Bern
A walk on the wild side
Reitschule is a place with a thousand names and a million faces. For some it is the single most important hotspot for alternative culture in the city, probably the county, maybe even the continent -- a rare space without an urge for consumption and with the much needed proof that young people still care for politics and a refuge for people in need.
For others it is an eyesore, a legal vacuum, a marketplace for illegal drugs, a theme park for bullies and the environment where their sons and daughters learn to smoke pot and break windows. Both views might be exaggerated; still the old Tim-Burtonesque riding school is without doubt the most interesting spot in the city. I frequently visit the club in the attic, a fine place to see all kinds of music that never made it to the charts and – beside the restaurant – probably the only place even my parents would dare to go to.
In younger years I made the full tour though – got drunk at the smoky Rössli, watched films at the cinema in the old stables and joined the occasional political demonstration that shakes the local establishment and from time to time would end up in clouds of teargas. Slightly hidden there is also a LGBTI-Club, a printing facility, a bookstore, a theatre etc. etc. So if you plan to go there – which I warmly recommend – breathe in, stay cool, be prepared for anything, kindly refuse everything offered to you and enjoy Bern's wild side!
About this spot
Neubrückstrasse 8
- Tue - Thu 11:30 - 00:00; Fri 11:30 - 02:00, Sat 18:00 - 02:00
CHF
free
313066969
Find your way with 70 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Bern
Kunst StadtBern Spaziergang
Walk on the art side
Explore Bern's Länggasse art: Einstein's brain, clever birds, and more. Start at Grosse Schanze for a memorable journey.
by
Nathalie
Röllin
Space Invaders
Search of extraterrestrial life
Hunt Bern's Space Invaders on foot or bike. Find 29 mosaic pictures by artist Invader throughout the city. Let the game begin!
by
Nathalie
Röllin
La Cucina
High on tea (and spices)
One entire wall of the shop – from bottom to top – is stocked with green tea boxes, filled with a variety of teas, from black to green and herbal tea.
by
Nathalie
Röllin
Botanischer Garten Bern
Bern's green lung
Their programs range from concerts to poetry nights, guided tours, and art workshops. And the garden is beautiful and inspiring itself...
by
Nathalie
Röllin
Spielplatz am Schützenweg
Don't EVER grow up
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...
by
Sebastian
Meier
Eichholz
...and the living is easy
"Eichholz" is the closest thing to a beach Bern has to offer. Sports, sunbathing, fires as night... and swimming/floating in the river!
by
Sebastian
Meier
Alte Feuerwehr Viktoria
Still burning bright
"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!
by
Sebastian
Meier
Kitchener
Hippie goes hipster
"Kitchener" is a legendary fashion store and gift shop in Bern that has its roots in the hippie movement that made the city one of the most progressive...
by
Sebastian
Meier
Fähre Bodenacker
Switch sides
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
Sebastian
Meier
Pusterum
Relaxed place with Scandi vibes
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
Nathalie
Röllin
Veielihubel
Take a time out and breathe
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
Nathalie
Röllin
Heading to Bern?
70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Bern?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 70 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Bern
Get to know our other Spotters from Bern
As featured on:
