Berne guide | Berne attractions and things to do
Interestingly, the city sits on a plateau and is built on very uneven ground, which became so when it was carved out by glaciers in the last ice age. Berne was once completely encompassed by the river but in the last few centuries has spread its fingers behind with the help of three bridges. The city is largely medieval and well preserved at that, so much so that it is recognized as a Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has many features that add to its uniqueness, including its famous Zytglogge, a clock tower with moving puppets and the impressive 15th century cathedral dubbed Munster. Nearly 6 kilometers of medieval arcades were transformed into a one of a kind covered shopping centre, one of the longest and oldest in Europe. The town is also rich in cultural events and there is something to suit everyone among all of the theatres, cinemas, nightlife events, museums, festivals and fairs that take place here.
But one of the most attention-grabbing of them all is the 16th century Barengraben, which translates to the "bear pit". Bears, especially Bernese Bears, were captured and kept here so that they didn't bother townspeople. Additionally, bears are an important symbol of Berne culture and can even be found on its royal crest. The Barengraben was a great way for people to see these mythical beasts close up without fear of being eaten or injured. The Barengraben is still around today and filled with beautiful Bernese Bears as part of the Berne Zoo.
January: Horäschlittä-Renä - This exhilarating sled race comes from the age old Alpine tradition of storing hay in mountain side pastures called Finneln over the warmer months. Where the thrill ride comes in is when farmers proceed to fetch the Finneln on giant sleds and then race down the mountainside. Today there are nearly 100 two-man sled teams that fill their sleds to the brim with hay and fly down the mountainside at out-of-this-world speeds. This particular race takes place in Adelboden, just beyond Berne's borders at 12pm on a select date each January. Admission is free.
February: Berne Fasnacht - On the Thursday following Ash Wednesday each year, Berne bids winter adieu with a crazed three day revelry. The celebration kicks off at 8pm when Berne's beloved grizzly bear (not a real one) is released from the Chafigturm prison tower and rolled through the crowds. Friday brings Children's Day with the kids parade Chinderrumzug dancing its way through the city at 2pm. Saturday is the zenith of the fete when another huge parade and hundreds of customary characters flood the city, including jesters, bands, witches and even a live bear or two at 2.30pm. Dancing, music and partying at Monschterkonzart go on into the wee hours of the morn. Admission is free.
March: Museum Night - For one night each March, all the museums around Berne pull out their best stock and projects while keeping their doors open from 6pm - 2am for night owls and art lovers alike. Tickets should be bought ahead of time and include transportation via the shuttle bus network that links to all of the participating museuems.
April: Berne Egg Bash - There is no better way to get out a winter's worth of angst to make room for summer fun than to smash some eggs. Each year on Easter Sunday at 9am the citizens of Berne do just that. Folks bring their painted Eier (eggs) to Kornhausplatz square to see who has the toughest egg in town. Admission is free but you'll have to bring your own eggs.
May: Jungfaur Top Ski Region - This giant ski resort boasts nearly 200km of land and 40 lifts! The mountain tops on the resort of Eiger glaciar, Moench and Jungrau come complete with stunning views. The resort is open from April through November.
June: Berne Dance Festival - Classical and contemporary dance troops from all over the Swiss region come to Bern's Kulturhallen Dampfzentrale to take part in electrifying performances. This particular festival is considered as one of the most famous and important in Switzerland. Many restaurants, bars and other venues collaborate with the festival to give it a fun, easy going air. Hours and admission vary to venue and event.
July: Red Bull Air Race World Series - This high flying, death defying, thrill ride of an event features stunt plane competitions by fearless pilots that delight and terrify crowds all at once. There are several legs to the competition to determine winners and this particular part takes place in Interlaken, just a few miles from Berne. Admission and hours vary.
August: St. Bernard Festival - For three days the small village of Grindelwald, just outside of Berne, is taken over by the loveable, slobbery pooches that hail from the region. The venue, Kliene Scheidegg holds a beautiful procession of St. Bernard's, shows and musical acts. Many famous lifesaving St. Bernard's, like Barry who saved nearly 100 lives, attend. This is a must see for any dog lover. Hours run from Friday 4pm - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 9pm and Sunday from 7am - 2pm.
September: Suisse Romande Heritage Days - Throughout September many of the beautifully preserved buildings that are closed to the public are opened for perusal. This fascinating cultural event not only takes place in Berne but in other Swiss cities along the Le Corbusier trail. Admission is free.
October: Ballenberg Museum - This exclusive open-air museum provides an authentic taste of the Swiss culture to guests by recreating rural life in the 19th century. Over 90 genuine farmhouses from the area were meticulously transported to the museum and reassembled. The museum includes live animals, oil pressing, lace making, a cheese factory, a saddlery and pottery making. The only kicker is that the museum is just open during the warmer months from April through October. The museum is open during those months from 10am - 5pm with the open-air grounds open from 9am - 6pm. Admission ranges from SFr18 for adults, SFr9 for children and SFr40 for a family value ticket.
November: Zibelemarit Onion Market - Each November onions take over Berne from the old city to the Bundezplatz. The amount of onions, with their tasty companions like chives, can literally bring a tear to one's eye. Along with the onion stalls, visitors can sample fare made of the favoured veggie and enjoy live street entertainment by jesters and musical acts. Admission is free.
December: World Snow Festival - For six full days at the end of December into early January, at the foot of the Eiger glaciar in Grindelwald the World Snow Festival takes form. Artists and sculptures from the world over converge here to dream up stunning masterpieces made of snow and ice. Admission is free.
