Zibelemärit
Fourth Monday of November
Bern's famous onion market — the old town fills with onion braids, confetti and mulled wine from 5am.
- Where
- Bern old town
- Arrival
- Bern station
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Bern · Travel guide
Language: GermanCapital: Bern Guest card GoldenPass Express (Interlaken–Montreux)
Top sights
Jungfraujoch
Jungfrau region
Rail connections bring visitors to a high-alpine world of glacier views and mountain exhibitions. The journey itself passes through spectacular Bernese Oberland scenery.
Visitor tip: Check rail availability, weather and altitude guidance in advance; reserve where required.
Plan your visitLauterbrunnen valley
Lauterbrunnen
A deep glacial valley framed by steep cliffs and waterfalls makes Lauterbrunnen one of Switzerland’s signature landscapes. Village paths and transport links help visitors explore at different paces.
Visitor tip: Use signed paths, check waterfall access and avoid going near cliff edges or unstable terrain.
Plan your visitBern old town
Bern
UNESCO-listed arcades, fountains and the Zytglogge clock tower make the old town rewarding to explore on foot. The Aare bends around the historic centre below the cathedral.
Visitor tip: Pick up a city map from Bern Welcome and check seasonal access for tower visits.
Plan your visit
Festivals & celebrations
The celebrations Bern is known for — confirm exact dates on the official agenda before travelling.
Gurtenfestival
Mid-July
Four days of international music on Bern's local mountain with city views.
- Where
- Gurten, Bern
- Arrival
- Wabern station / Gurtenbahn
Berner Fasnacht
February/March
The bear is woken from its winter sleep to open three days of parades and Guggenmusik.
- Where
- Bern old town
- Arrival
- Bern station
Christmas & winter lights
Bern Christmas markets
Late November–December
Markets on Waisenhausplatz and Münsterplatz below the cathedral, plus the magical Münster terrace lights.
Dates, programme & ticketsBefore you go
Dates above are typical periods, not confirmed schedules. Check opening hours, admission, age limits and accessibility with the organiser. Book popular concerts and accommodation early; public transport is usually the simplest way to reach busy town centres.
Summer spots
Lauterbrunnen valley
Lauterbrunnen
Waterfalls drop from sheer cliffs into this glacial valley, where Lauterbrunnen village and the valley floor are linked by walking paths and rail.
Visitor tip: Use signed paths and keep clear of cliff edges; check seasonal access to waterfall viewpoints and mountain transport.
Plan your visitLake Thun & Lake Brienz
Bern
Two lakes frame the Bernese Oberland: Lake Thun’s castles and vineyards contrast with Lake Brienz’s turquoise water and steep mountain shore.
Visitor tip: Choose a single lakeside section or check boat timetables before planning a crossing; services vary by season.
Plan your visitBern old town
Bern
Bern’s UNESCO-listed arcades, fountains and Zytglogge clock tower make a compact historic centre to explore, with the Aare looping below.
Visitor tip: Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled lanes and hills; check access times separately for the cathedral tower and clock-tower tours.
Plan your visit
Winter spots
Jungfraujoch
Jungfrau region
A high-altitude rail journey reaches the Jungfraujoch, with glacier viewpoints, an ice palace and exhibitions above the Bernese Oberland.
Visitor tip: Check train connections, weather and altitude advice before booking; dress warmly even in summer and reserve if required.
Plan your visitBern old town
Bern
Bern’s UNESCO-listed arcades, fountains and Zytglogge clock tower make a compact historic centre to explore, with the Aare looping below.
Visitor tip: Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled lanes and hills; check access times separately for the cathedral tower and clock-tower tours.
Plan your visitLauterbrunnen valley
Lauterbrunnen
Waterfalls drop from sheer cliffs into this glacial valley, where Lauterbrunnen village and the valley floor are linked by walking paths and rail.
Visitor tip: Use signed paths and keep clear of cliff edges; check seasonal access to waterfall viewpoints and mountain transport.
Plan your visit
Check local weather, trail conditions and transport timetables before setting out. Mountain lifts and seasonal attractions may close; snow is not guaranteed.
Getting around
Hotel guests in the city of Bern receive the Bern Ticket for free public transport — check current conditions.
Scenic train: GoldenPass Express (Interlaken–Montreux)
Quick answers for visitors
- When is the best time to visit Bern?
- Summer: Hiking around Grindelwald and Mürren, swimming in the Aare, lake cruises. Winter: Skiing in Grindelwald, Wengen, Adelboden and Gstaad.
- Which festivals is Bern known for?
- Zibelemärit (Fourth Monday of November) · Gurtenfestival (Mid-July) · Berner Fasnacht (February/March)
- Is there a Christmas market in Bern?
- Bern Christmas markets — Late November–December
- Is there a guest card in Bern?
- Hotel guests in the city of Bern receive the Bern Ticket for free public transport — check current conditions.
Have a question about Bern?
Ask locals and expats in the community forum — from guest cards to festival tips.
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