Kitchener is a fashion store and a gift shop as well as a long-lived trendsetting Bernese institution with a rich history. Founded in an old town basement in the turbulent '60s, the shop supplied the hippie movement with then-provocative clothes, artsy posters, psychedelic records from London and all kinds of ethno stuff from the hippie trail. The store supplied, supported and inspired the transformation from the boring city of bureaucrats to one of the country's most open-minded and progressive cities. The hippie groove is long gone though, as well as the skate and surf era that followed it in the '70s and '80s.
But until today, Kitchener has been a very well-curated concept store I want to come back to over and over again. And just how many times I have returned to buy a sweater, a drybag, a backpack made of old truck tarps or a pair of jeans can easily be counted by the number of "Kitchenersäckli" in my collection. Since you'll get one of these iconic bags for free when you buy something, it has become a stylish icon not only for the store itself but also a symbol for the city and its inhabitants.
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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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.
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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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