What will the Advent markets be like in Bern? Program and important information in one place

Bern may not be as well-known as Zurich or Geneva, but it is still the capital of Switzerland.

The Christmas markets in Bern are also worth a visit.

The old town provides a picturesque historical backdrop and a cozy atmosphere.

See when and where they take place.

Bern Advent Markets

A delicious scent of mulled wine, punch, and delicious food combined with the warm light of decorated streets and arcades. This is the Swiss city of Bern in the run-up to Christmas. In its UNESCO-listed Old Town, several Christmas markets are within walking distance, with stalls selling delicious snacks, regional crafts, and Christmas classics.

Christmas markets on Weisenhausplatz

What can you look forward to?

• impressive Christmas decorations
• magnificent Christmas tree
• numerous stands with a diverse assortment
• traditional specialties
• rich accompanying program

When and where does it all take place?

Bern Advent Market Program

The Christmas atmosphere is available at three locations in the city center, each with its own unique character.

Weisenhaussplatz

The Bern Christmas Market on Weisenhausplatz has been held for over 20 years and is considered one of the best Advent markets in the city.

This market, with more than fifty wooden huts selling a variety of typical foods and gifts for Christmas markets, continues for a few days after Christmas as the “Old Year’s Market”, so it is also a great choice for visitors who are going to celebrate the arrival of the New Year in Bern.

Special opening hours:

• December 24, 2024: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• December 27 – December 30, 2024: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• December 31, 2024: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• January 3, 2025: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• January 4, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• December 25, 2024; December 26, 2024; December 29, 2024; January 1, 2025; January 2, 2025: Closed

Münsterplatz

Other Bernese Advent markets can be found on the Münsterplatz square in front of the iconic Bern Minster – the Berner Münster Weihnachtsmarkt has been taking place since 1984. This year it takes place from Saturday, November 30 to Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

Here, artisans from Bern and the surrounding area sell their handmade products against beautiful buildings. There is also a special craft market on the second and fourth weekends of Advent.

Kleine Schanze

From November 21 to December 28, 2024, the Kleine Schanze city park will host more than 80 stalls that make up the Berner Sternenmarkt, one of the city’s newest Christmas markets.

This market focuses on handcrafted gifts and delicious food from around the world. It also features a large fondue hut and weather-resistant lounges. Families with children will certainly appreciate the Christmas village with carousels and other attractions.

The following video will also give you a closer look at the atmosphere of the Bern Christmas market.

Christmas Markets in Bern, Switzerland

Interesting places in Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, the country’s political center, and a popular tourist destination. The old town, Altstadt, became a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” in 1983 and enchants visitors worldwide. Take time to stroll around the Bern Christmas markets.

Zytglogge

When wandering through the old town, one will sooner or later find oneself on one of the most beautiful stretches of the central street, Marktgasse, along Spitalgasse, where the famous “Clock Tower” stands. It is one of the most characteristic symbols of Bern and a representative of the precision that is inherent in all Swiss people.

The tower was built in the 12th century and was the main entrance to the city. Its astronomical clock today attracts visitors from all over the world to the spectacle it provides every hour. In the last ten minutes, before each bell rings, the area in front of the tower fills with people to enjoy the spectacle of bears, clowns, and other mechanical figures coming to life.

Munster

The silhouette of Bern Cathedral rises majestically between the roofs of the old town. More than 100 meters high, the bell tower is an unmistakable symbol of Bern.

The church’s foundation stone was laid in 1421 by Matthaus Ensinger on an older medieval church called the “Leutkirche”. This church remained practically untouched during the construction, while the new church bypassed it in a clockwise direction. Several generations of artists took turns on the walls of the cathedral during the almost 150 years it took to complete this masterpiece.

Part of the cathedral was completed in 1500, but the bell tower was only 50 meters high at that time, and its appearance was completely different from what we see today. However, the construction site was interrupted at some point due to the instability of the subsoil and for economic reasons. It was not until 1893 that the tower was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style to its final form.

Einsteinhaus

Albert Einstein, the scientist, moved into this house no. 49, more precisely, on the second floor, he moved in with his wife in 1903. They lived there for several years, the apartment has now become a small museum, which offers visitors the opportunity to admire old photographs, notes and various documents that reconstruct part of the scientist’s life.

Conclusion

During Advent, the scent of gingerbread, candied almonds, and caramel wafts through Bern’s festively decorated streets and alleys. From trendy Christmas markets and winter pop-up bars in Bern’s old town – all within walking distance from one another – to the historic Advent atmosphere at Burgdorf Castle to pure romance at the Christmas market in Huttwil, here are the must-sees.