1st of August
in Bern
2026
The festival for Bern and Switzerland
The Bundesplatz is calling!
On 1st of August, there will be a birthday celebration for Switzerland on Bern’s Bundesplatz.
From 11 a.m. to 11.30 p.m., the Bundesplatz in Bern will be transformed into a lively meeting place for young and old alike. Visitors can look forward to a varied programme packed with music, culture and culinary delights – all in the spirit of community, openness and diversity.
Come along and join in the celebrations!
Highlights
Switzerland celebrated a special anniversary in 2023: 175 years of the Federal Constitution. In 1848, this historic document was signed, transforming Switzerland into the democratic country we know today. At the same time, Bern was chosen as the capital. To mark these two anniversaries, we celebrated for two whole days. In the video, you’ll find some highlights from 31 July 2023. Have fun!
Birthday party
Gourmet Walk
Concerts & Music
Family programme
Discover
Further information
Programme for the 1st of August celebrations in Bern
A place brimming with music, culture and street food– all in the spirit of community, openness and diversity.
Bern’s Bundesplatz is the perfect place for a cosy get-together. There are various spots where you can linger, and play areas provide plenty of fun.
11.00–11.30 am
Opening speech by the head of the City Council Jelena Filipovic
The Speaker of City Parliament Jelena Filipovic will open the celebrations on 1st of August with a speech on Bern’s Bundesplatz.
Concerts & Music
A musical extravaganza featuring local talent
There’s plenty of room for music on the festival stage on Bundesplatz. That’s why there’s such a wide variety of styles and genres on offer – all performed, of course, by local artists.
11.30 am–11 pm
Concerts
Further concerts: Look forward to a varied programme of music featuring local talent.
- 11.30 a.m.–1.30 p.m. SING ALONG! A sing-along concert with BernCityPiano. We’ll be singing dialect hits such as ‘Scharlachrot’, ‘Louenesee’ and ‘Alperose’ together. berncitypiano.ch
- 1.30–2.30 pm CLAUDIO VON ARX, saxophonist, jazz, blues, funk, instagram.com/claudiovonarx
- 3.30–4.30 pm MERLAINE BAND, Singer-Songwriter, merlainemusic.com
- 5.30–6.30 pm TRIO BRAVO, Classics of the Bernese dialect, christiandietz.ch/trio-bravo
- 7.30–8.30 pm DAN MUDD TRIO, Blues, Soul, Rock, Funk, iamdanmudd.com
- 9–11 pm TAKE THIS, Rock, Soul, Pop und Funk, takethis.ch
12 am– 2 pm
Yodelling concert in the cathedral
A harmonious concert of traditional yodelling from 12 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the beautiful Bern Minster.
Contributors:
- Mörschwil SG Yodelling Choir
- Echo vom Glaubenberg Yodelling Club, OW
- Schwenden BE Yodelling Group
- Flüehblüemli Yodelling Club, Därstetten, Bern
- Emmental BE Alphorn Trio
- Presenter: Peter Anken
Details:
- Venue: Bern Cathedral, Münsterplatz 1, 3000 Bern
- Cost: Free admission; a collection will be taken in aid of the performers and the St Vincent’s Foundation of the Bern Minster Parish
- Find out more: bernermuenster.ch
12.30 am –7 pm
Open Piano: An open stage for everyone
Bundesplatz is set to become a musical meeting place. A piano, freely accessible to all, will be available for guests to use. Whether you want to play, sing along or simply listen, everyone is welcome.
BernCityPiano brings a grand piano to the square and invites you to share music. It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying out your first few notes or are already familiar with the keys. As the afternoon progresses, this gives rise to small, spontaneous concerts and special encounters that bring people together and leave a lasting impression.
Find out more: berncitypiano.ch
Family programme
Lantern-making workshop, painting booth, play area, lantern parade
On 1st of August, Bundesplatz will be transformed into a playground for families. Children can make ther very own lanterns for the evening’s lantern parade, let their imaginations run wild with face painting, and enjoy a range of games designed to keep them entertained.
Fun and games
There are plenty of games for young and old alike on Bundesplatz and in Bundesgasse. Table tennis, table football, table hockey, marble runs and much more.
1.00–4.00 pm
Children’s theatre with the
Bärner Chachperli-Gutsche
The Bärner Chaschperli-Gutsche, the travelling puppet theatre, takes you on an adventure. Immerse yourself in imaginative stories and get caught up in the excitement.
Performances at: 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm
Location: Under the arbour to the left of the Federal Palace.
Cost: Free admission.
11 am–6.30 pm
Make your very own lantern – a light for Bern
Create your own lantern for the evening parade – paints, paper and other decorations are available free of charge. Just pop round and get started.
6.30–7.30 pm
Colourful lantern procession
Tauche Berns Gassen in ein farbiges Licht – alle Besucher:innen sind herzlich willkommen.
Meet at 6.30 pm on Bundesplatz. The procession will then set off at 6.40 pm and enjoy the scenic route: Bundesplatz, Amthausgasse, Casinoplatz, Münstergasse, Junkerngasse, Gerechtigkeitsgasse, Kramgasse, Hotelgasse, Casinoplatz, Amthausgasse, Bundesplatz
The Eriswil Music Society is providing musical accompaniment for the parade.
Discover
Discover Bern’s sights.
Our beautiful capital city has plenty to offer. Various Bernese landmarks open their doors on National Day. Or would you prefer a sightseeing tour? If so, a rather special mode of transport awaits you.
8.30 am–4.30 pm
Federal Parliament Open Day
Visit the political heart of the Swiss Confederation and set off on a journey of discovery through a building full of symbols that represent the history and diversity of our country and its people. You are free to explore the Dome and the Hall of Representatives, the National Council and Council of States chambers, as well as the Federal Council’s meeting room and the Parliamentary Library.
- Cost: Free admission; doors open until 3.30 pm
- Entrances: Federal Palace, North Entrance, Bundesplatz and South Entrance, Bundesterrasse. Please be aware that there may be waiting times due to security checks.
- Please note: Anyone aged 16 or over, as well as children and young people under 16 who are not accompanied by an adult, will be subject to an identity check and must present official identification to security staff.
For more information: Website parlament.ch
Audio tours of the Federal Palace
Use the ‘Audio Guide to the Federal Palace’ app to explore the Swiss Parliament building and the surrounding institutions in Bern at your own pace.
Programme at the Federal Parliament
Explore the Federal Council’s meeting room
A room like a chalet. An exclusive look inside the Federal Council’s meeting and reception rooms in the Federal Palace West.
8.30 a.m.–4.30 p.m.
Posing in front of the Swiss flag
Capture your visit with a souvenir photo taken in the heart of the Bundeshaus.
Colouring in Wilhelm Tell
There are activities for the little ones at the children’s stand.
Find letters
Go on a discovery tour, find the solution word and win a small souvenir.
Partying without feeling hungry
Enjoy some tasty treats in the cafeteria in the newspaper room. Apple juice bar for the children
Explore the Parliament Building
What is the nature of the debates in Bern, and what is there to discover in the council chambers?
Information provided by staff from the visiting service
Duration: approx. 20 mins
National Council Chamber
- German 9/13/15/16 o’clock
- French 10/14/16 o’clock
- Italian 2 pm
Chamber of the Council of States
German 12 am / 1.30 pm
French 12.30 am / 3.30 pm
Italian 12.30 am
Presiding Officers of the Councils in the Federal Parliament
In discussion with the council presiding officers
Chamber of the Council of States
- The workings of the Council in the smaller chamber
- Insights from Stefan Engler, President of the Council of States
- 10.30–11 am
National Council Chamber
- Pierre-André Page, President of the National Council, and Stefan Engler, President of the Council of States, will be answering questions from visitors.
- Presenter: Nicoletta Cimmino
- The discussion will be interpreted simultaneously into German, French and Italian.
- 11.15–12.00 am
10am – 5pm
Free of charge City Tours
Explore Bern with Bern Welcome – City Tours Bern.
Discover Bern on one of the free 30-minute taster tours. There are a total of 15 tours to choose from, each offering an insight into different aspects of the federal capital.
The following topics are available:
- Bern for the people of Bern
- Pleasure and Vice
- Guided tour of the town for children
- 1848 – Bern becomes the federal capital
- UNESCO Old Town Guided Tour
- The Frenchman
- All about water
The UNESCO Old Town tour is also available in French and Italian at selected times.
Guided tours can be booked from 10 am directly at the Bern Welcome stand on Bundesplatz. The first tour starts at 11.30 am and the last at 4.30 pm. Tours are available every hour.
Important: A booking is required and can only be made on 1 August in person at the Bern Welcome Stand.
Druckvelo: Get Bern T-shirts printed
A new addition this year is the ‘Druckvelo’. Personalised Bern T-shirts featuring various Bern designs are screen-printed on the spot. The designs can be combined as desired before the T-shirt is produced by a printing professional right at the stand.
There is a wide range of sizes and colours available for children and adults alike. You can watch the creation process unfold live. The result is a truly personal keepsake that you can take home with you straight away.
Adults with a Print Fr. 35.-
Children with a print: Fr. 25.-
Additional prints: Fr. 3.-
Inspiration for Bern as a destination
As well as the guided tours and the pedal-powered printing press, the Bern Welcome team provides information on the wide range of activities on offer in Bern. Whether it’s tips for day trips, places of interest or the region’s most beautiful cycle routes, the stand offers plenty of ideas for your next exploratory trips.
Find out more: bern.com
10.00 am–4.30 pm
Bern Minster
On National Day, Bern Minster is hosting a yodelling concert, a family programme and fascinating guided tours.
Find out more: bernermuenster.ch
The Fascination of the Münster Organ
An audition with the Queen of Instruments. Organ tours with Christian Barthen.
- Times: 3.00–3.50 p.m. and 4.00–4.50 p.m.
-
Tickets will be available on 1 August at the Bern Minster information desk
- Cost: 15 francs for adults, 8 francs for children (aged 8 to 16)
-
The number of participants is limited
2.00–5.00 p.m.
Treasure hunt for families
Go on a discovery tour through and around the cathedral. Along the way, you’ll find exciting puzzles, search tasks and little challenges. If you look closely and put the clues together, you’ll find the solution word at the end.
- For families with children aged 8 and over
- Meeting point: Bern Minster, information desk
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Cost: 5 francs per group
6 –11 p.m.
1 August on the cathedral tower
On the 1st of August, everything revolves around the number one: a public holiday, an hour, a glass of wine, a unique view over Bern.
From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., the cathedral tower opens its doors every hour on the hour to a group of 38 people. Enjoy an hour above the city’s rooftops – with a glass of wine and a unique view of the National Day celebrations.
1 August. 1 hour. 1 glass of wine. 1 view of Bern.
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Classic bus tours of Bern city centre
Explore Bern on a vintage bus from the BERNMOBIL historique Foundation, such as the 101-year-old ‘Schnauzenbus’ from 1924.
- Buses leave approximately every 15 minutes from Kochergasse (next to Bundesplatz); the journey takes about 30 minutes.
- Space is limited; please be prepared for waiting times.
Single journeys:
Adults: Fr. 12.-
Young people up to 16 years old: Fr. 6.-
Children up to 6 years old: free of charge
Tageskarten:
Erwachsene Fr. 20.-
Jugendliche bis 16 Jahre: Fr. 10.-
Kinder bis 6 Jahre: kostenlos
Find out more:
bernmobil-historique.ch
Vehicles belonging to the BERNMOBIL historique Foundation
Schnauzenbus No. 5 (1924)
A 1924 Saurer ‘Schnauzenbus’. At over 100 years old, this is the oldest operational city bus in Switzerland. It runs to Kirchenfeld and the Old Town.
Rear-engine bus number 91 (1956)
A 1956 Saurer bus, ‘rear-engine’ model. Travels across the Kirchenfeld Bridge to Ka-We-De Burgernziel – Bärengraben.
Low-floor bus number 157 (1965)
A 1965 FBW-type bus, ‘underfloor engine’ model. It travels across the Kirchenfeld Bridge to Ka-We-De – Burgernziel – Bärengraben or to Elfenau.
Gourmet Walk
Barbecue Market and ‘Gnussgass’
Of course, good food is an essential part of any birthday party. You can find delicious, seasonal ingredients from the various local caterers.
11am–11pm
Get grilling
Switzerland loves barbecuing – and so do we. That’s why there’s a large barbecue on Bundesplatz for all our guests to use. The idea is to barbecue together and socialise. The bratwurst and bread are available right there on the spot.
11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Local Food
Local restaurateurs will treat you to a varied and delicious selection of dishes.
Mit dabei sind:
- Al Toque – homemade Empanadas
- Bierhübeli – refreshing drinks and cold beer
- Bratorama – barbecue streetfood
- imKlee – local wines
- Johnys Road Kitchen – Hungarian Streetfood
- Kalte Lust – refreshingly fair ice cream
- Label 7 – Softice with a twist
- Moorewurster – handmade sausages for the grill
- Outlawz Food- plant based streetfood
- Roh & Nobel – Loaded Fries
Information about 1 August
Fireworks ban
For many people, fireworks are an integral part of the festive season. However, there isn’t enough space in the narrow streets of Bern’s city centre, and it’s too dangerous. Please help us to ensure: «Ir Stadt fiire statt füüre!».
Do you like colourful lights? Then let’s head to the lantern parade.
Protection of minors
We take the protection of minors very seriously. No alcohol will be sold or served to anyone under the age of 16 at the festival. The sale of spirits, alcopops and similar drinks to under-18s is prohibited. Stallholders will carry out age checks where necessary. Beer and wine will only be served to those aged 16 and over.
Reusable
The festival uses only reusable tableware with a deposit system. After use, you can return your tableware to the stalls and get your deposit back straight away.
Sustainability
To ensure that Switzerland can continue to celebrate many birthdays in the future, we are organising the celebrations to be as sustainable as possible. We are using reusable items, working with local partners, offering food that is as regional and seasonal as possible, communicating mainly online, and doing without fireworks this year.
Celebrate nicely
Partying together is more fun. So be kind and friendly to one another, show respect for people, animals and the environment, keep the noise down at night, dispose of your rubbish properly and spread good cheer.
Weather
Ein bisschen Regen trübt die Festivitäten keineswegs. Bei starkem Regen, Sturm oder ähnlichem findet die 1. Augustfeier nicht oder nur eingeschränkt statt. Wir informieren über via Instagram @ideebern or on Facebook @bundesfeierbern regarding the organisation. We reserve the right to make changes to the programme.
First aid
You can find the Samaritans on Bundesplatz. In an emergency, please contact:
Ambulance service | T 144
Police | T 117
International emergency number | T 112
Fire brigade | T 118
Follow us
Do you enjoy the 1 August celebrations? Then why not follow us on Instagram or Facebook too? We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you very much!
Organised by
Hauptpartnerin
Special thanks to
Bären Elektro
Bearbeat
BERNMOBIL
Bern Welcome
The Burgergemeinde of Bern
Felsenau Brewery
Peter Gaffuri AG
Leu Sound
Parliamentary services
Regional transport Bern-Solothurn
Taktvoll Sicherheitskultur
With the active support of
Bern Minster
BernCityPiano
passive attack ag
Swiss Alpine Club SAC
