Colors of Bern - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle
National holidays remain one of the main features of Bern. Each of them is distinguished by a large number of various traditions and customs. January 2 is the day when the locals celebrate day of St. Berthold (or the Foundation Day of Bern). Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen is considered the founder of the city. This significant event happened in 1191. In order to protect his possessions, the Duke decided to found a city on the bank of the river Aare. The name of the new city was also chosen by the Duke. According to an ancient legend, on the day of the city's foundation Berthold went hunting. He announced that the city would be named after the first animal he manages to hit. Thus, as the first prey of the Duke was a bear, the city got its name from the German word «ber» - a bear. Since then the bear has become the major national symbol. You can easily see its image on the coats of arms and other symbols.
Restaurants of Bern will please their visitors by widest choice of culinary trends and categories. Here you can easily find elite institutions that will be loved by fans of exotic cuisine … Open
Start your observation of the city by visiting the local Historical Museum. It is located in a beautiful building stylized to the antique style. The museum resembles a dark gothic castle. … Open
Internationales Jazzfestival is held in late January. In total, over 200 concerts of jazz music and mixed genres - funk, soul, and blues - take place here during this time. The event is very significant on the world stage and welcomes thousands of jazz fans from around the world every year. This is partly due to the fact that among its participants (in particular, headliners of the festival) are eminent and popular bands and performers, some of whom were awarded Grammy. The venue of the event is Unique Hotel Innere Enge Bern.
Bern is famous for its nightlife. In this city you will easily find discos and nightclubs that suit absolutely every taste. Club Prestige is a popular holiday destination for young people. … Open
Buskers is the name of a 3-day street music festival taking place in early August. Central streets of the capital's historic Old Town serve as a venue for the event. The event invites all fans of improvised performances to listen to high-quality music. Genres that can be heard here suit every musical taste. In addition, you can enjoy some colorful shows - dance, circus and theatrical performances, and a special puppet theater program is prepared for children. The event is completely free.
1. Many restaurants and shopping centers accept payments by credit cards of international standard, so you don’t have to take a lot of cash to the trip. If you need the local … Open
In mid-May, you can witness (or attend, of course) such a colorful sporting event as Bern Grand Prix. It is one of the country's largest marathons. Runners run through the Old Town, which means that besides being good for health, such an event still allows you to enjoy the beauty of the City of Fountains. And in the middle of June, there is another marathon - Swiss Women's Run Bern. Numerous ladies take part in the race and speed walking, and the city center is the primary venue. The event is positioned as a celebration for the whole family.
As for fairs taking place in the capital of Switzerland, Onion Market traditionally held on Bundesplatz at the end of November deserves special mention. Here you can meet its countless varieties, as well as dishes prepared from it, including onion pies, onion sauces, cheeses containing this vegetable. The festival ends with an action interesting for children - throwing confetti. In December, it's time for a Christmas fair in the Old Town. Everything reminds of a festive event - incendiary lights, Christmas singing, the smell of traditional Christmas dishes immerse you in the magical atmosphere. Major city markets are on Munsterplatz and Waisenhausplatz.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Bern and surroundings
Reference information
Cathedrals and basilicas near Bern
♥ Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas, Fribourg, 26.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Notre-Dame, Fribourg, 26.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Bistumskathedrale St. Urs und Viktor, Solothurn (Soleure), 27.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, Neuchâtel, 38.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilika Mariastein, Metzerlen-Mariastein, 58.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basler Münster, Basel, 68.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Christophe, Belfort, 88.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas, Fribourg, 26.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Notre-Dame, Fribourg, 26.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Bistumskathedrale St. Urs und Viktor, Solothurn (Soleure), 27.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, Neuchâtel, 38.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilika Mariastein, Metzerlen-Mariastein, 58.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basler Münster, Basel, 68.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Christophe, Belfort, 88.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
Survived castles around Bern
♥ Castle 'Reichenbach Castle' , 4.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Toffen Castle' , 10.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Schlosswil Castle' , 13.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Grand-Vivy Castle' , 22 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Trachselwald Castle' , 24 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Schadau Castle' , 27.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Château de Gruyères' , 48.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Reichenbach Castle' , 4.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Toffen Castle' , 10.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Schlosswil Castle' , 13.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Grand-Vivy Castle' , 22 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Trachselwald Castle' , 24 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Schadau Castle' , 27.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Château de Gruyères' , 48.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
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Colors of Bern in photos
Search for popular touristic sites on Bern map
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Bern. Learn the best periods to visit Bern to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Bern.