August 1st
in Bern
2025
The festival for Bern and Switzerland
The Bundesplatz is calling!
On August 1, 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. You can expect you a varied program full of music, culture and culinary delights – all in the spirit of community, openness and diversity.
Come along and celebrate with us!
Impressions
Switzerland celebrated a special anniversary in 2023: 175 years of the Federal Constitution. In 1848, this special document was signed and Switzerland became the democratic country we know today. At the same time, Bern was chosen as the capital. In honor of these two anniversaries, we celebrated for two days. Watch the video for some impressions of July 31, 2023. Have fun!
Birthday party
Pleasure mile
Concerts
Family program
Discover
Further information
Program 1st August celebration bern
A place full of music, culture and culinary delights – all in the spirit of community, openness and diversity.
Bern’s Bundesplatz invites you to enjoy a cozy get-together. Various corners invite you to linger and games provide the necessary fun.
11.30-11.45 a.m.
Opening speech by City Council President Tom Berger
City Council President Tom Berger opens the celebrations on August 1 with a speech on Bern’s Bundesplatz.
Concerts
Musical fireworks from local talents
There is plenty of room for music on the large stage on the Bundesplatz. That’s why there are so many different styles and genres, all by local artists, of course.
11.30-23 h
Concerts Bundesplatz
Other concerts: Look forward to a varied music program with local talent.
- 12-13h Family concert “Roland Zoss & Jimmy Flitz-Band” 25 years of Bernese children’s songs, jimmyflitz.ch
- 14-15h JOSUA ROMANO with KATHARINA MICHEL, Soul/Singer & Songwriter, josuaromano.com
- 16-17h JULIA LEON, Pop, julialeonmusic.com
- 18-19h TOTAL MINIMAL, cover band
- 20-21h NICO BRINA, boogie and blues, brina.ch
- 21.30-23h AU REVOIR LEGS, party/80stribute band, aurevoirlegs.com
5pm-2pm
Music in the Bundesgasse
- DJ Jeanne Bizarre, Vinyl DJ – Soul/Funk/Oldschoolrap, @jeannebizarre
12-14 h
Yodeling concert in the cathedral
Harmonious concert by the Stadtbernische Jodlervereinigung from 12 noon to 2 pm in the beautiful Bern Cathedral.
Contributors:
- Joint yodel choir Bärgblueme Bern
- Berna Bern Yodeling Club
- Lorraine-Breitenrain Yodeling Club
- Yodeling club Bärner Mutze
- Edelweiss-Grauholz Yodeling Club
- Bärner Heimatchörli
- Small alphorn group Aarelouf
- Guest: Jodelklub Flüehli Oberbottigen
Details:
- Venue: Bern Minster, Münsterplatz 1, 3000 Bern
- Costs: free admission, collection
- More on the topic: bernermuenster.ch
Family program
Lantern workshop, painting studio, face painting, play corner, lantern parade
On August 1, Bundesgasse is transformed into a playground for families. Children can make lanterns for the evening lantern parade, let their imaginations run wild with face painting and enjoy a variety of fun games.
Fun and games
There are numerous games for young and old on the Bundesplatz and in the Bundesgasse. Ping pong, table football, table field hockey, ball track and much more.
11.15-17.15
Children’s theater with the
Bärner Chachperli-Gutsche
The Bärner Chaschperli-Gutsche, the rolling puppet theater, takes you on a journey of adventure. Immerse yourself in imaginative stories and join in the excitement.
Performances at: 11.15, 13.15, 15.15 and 16.15.
Costs: Free admission.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Lantern making – a light for Bern
Make your own lantern for the evening parade – paints, paper and other decorative items are available free of charge. Just drop by and get started.
7-8 p.m.
Colorful lantern parade
Immerse Bern’s alleys in a colorful light with us – all visitors are welcome.
Assembly at 6.45 pm on the Bundesplatz. The procession then starts at 7 pm and takes the following route: Bundesplatz, Amthausgasse, Casinoplatz, Münstergasse, Junkerngasse, Gerechtigkeitsgasse, Kramgasse, Hotelgasse, Casinoplatz, Amthausgasse, Bundesplatz
The Tambourenverein Bern will provide the musical accompaniment to the procession.
2-5 p.m.
Puzzles in Bern Minster
With an illustrated puzzle sheet, you set off on a search for clues through the cathedral. Can you find all the signs?
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For families with children aged 6 and over
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Meeting point: Bern Minster, information point
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Duration: 30 minutes
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Cost: 1 franc per group
Find out more: bernermuenster.ch
2-5 p.m.
Search game in Bern Minster
Bern Minster hides many secrets – can you uncover them all? A tricky puzzle and exciting tasks await you.
- For families with children aged 8 and over
- Meeting point: Bern Minster, information point
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Cost: 5 francs per group
Mehr dazu: bernermuenster.ch
Discover
Experience the sights of Bern.
Our beautiful capital city has a lot to offer. Various Bernese landmarks open their doors on the national holiday. Or would you prefer a round trip? Then a special mode of transportation awaits you.
8.30-16.30
Open Federal Palace
Visit the political center of the Swiss federal state and embark on a journey of discovery through a building full of symbols that represent the history and diversity of our country and its people. You can visit the domed hall and lobby, the National Council and Council of States chambers, the Federal Council meeting room and the parliamentary library free of charge.
- Cost: free admission, admission until 3.30 pm
- Entrance: Bundeshaus, north entrance, Bundesplatz and south entrance, Bundesterrasse. Waiting times are to be expected due to security checks.
- Please note that persons over the age of 16 and children and young people under the age of 16 who are not accompanied by an adult will be subject to an identity check and must present official identification to the security staff.
Find out more: Website parlament.ch
Audio tours of the Federal Palace
The app provides you with interesting background information about your visit.
Council presidencies in the Federal Palace
Council of States Chamber
- The Stöckli as seen by Andrea Caroni, President of the Council of States.
- Moderation: Philipp Burkhardt, Head of the SRF Federal Parliament Editorial Office.
- 12-12.30 p.m.
National Council Chamber
- National Council President Maja Riniker and Council of States President Andrea Caroni answer questions from visitors.
- Moderation: Philipp Burkhardt, Head of the SRF Federal Parliament Editorial Office.
- The conversation will be simultaneously translated into French and Italian.
- 13.00-13.45
Information on the Parliament building and Council operations
National Council Chamber
- German 9/11/15 o’clock
- French 10/14/16 h
- Italian 2 pm
Council of States Chamber
German 9.30 am / 2.30 pm
French 11.30 am / 3.30 pm
Italian 11.30 am
Music from the cantons of the Council Presidencies
Traditional folk music with the Swiss band Trionettli from the canton of Aargau
- National Council Chamber 11.30 /12.30 a.m.
- Council of States Chamber 9 a.m.
Appenzell formation
- National Council Chamber 3.30 p.m.
- Council of States Chamber 10.30 a.m. / 2 p.m.
Children’s program in the dome hall
Competition, create tattoos and buttons
10-17 h
City tours
Explore Bern with Bern Welcome – City Tours.
From the city’s landmarks to its secret corners: Our city tours are as varied as Bern itself.
On August 1, Bern Welcome is offering 21 exclusive free guided tours on various topics: UNESCO Old Town Stroll, Bern for Bernese, Lust and Vice, 1848 – Bern Becomes a Federal City and Children’s City Tour.
The guided tours are offered in German, French or Italian.
- Start: From 11.30-16.30 every half hour, 3 guided tours take place at the same time.
- Duration: 30 minutes each.
- Costs: The guided tours are free of charge
- Participants: Max. 20 persons
- Registration: On August 1 from 10 a.m. directly at the Tourist Information on the Road on Bundesplatz
Read more: bern.com
10-16.30
Berner münster
Bern Minster offers a yodelling concert, a family program and exciting guided tours on the national holiday.
Mehr dazu: bernermuenster.ch
Guided tours of the bells of Bern Minster
Discover seven of the impressive cathedral bells up close and hear interesting stories about the cathedral bells. To top it all off, you can enjoy the unique view from a height of 46m and 64m. A magnificent view of Bern’s old town awaits you, and even the Bernese Oberland and the Jura mountains in good weather.
- Times:
- 11.15-12 a.m.
- 14.15-15 h
- 15.45-16.30
- Duration 45 minutes
- Cost: Adults Fr. 16.- incl. tower ticket, children from 8 to 17 years Fr. 8.- incl. tower ticket
- Meeting point: Bern Minster information point
Special tour of the bells of Bern Minster followed by a full peal
See the impressive cathedral bells up close and learn how the bells are made to ring and the tower to vibrate. The final highlight of the tour is experiencing the ringing of six bells on August 1st.
- Times
- Guided tour: 19.15-20 h
- Ringing on August 1st 8-8.15 p.m.
- Descent 8.30 pm
- Duration 60 minutes
- Cost: Fr. 20.- incl. tower ticket
- Meeting point: Bern Minster information point
- Registration: Registration at the Bern Minster Information Office is necessary, space is limited
- Attention: Please bring hearing protection
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stadtberner vintage bus tours
Explore Bern on a bus from a bygone era, for example the “Schnauzenbus” from 1924.
- Departure every 20 minutes from Kochergasse (next to Bundesplatz), one trip takes approx. 30 minutes.
- Space is limited, waiting times are to be expected.
- Single trips:
- Adults Fr. 12.-
- Adolescents up to 16 years: Fr. 6.-
- Children up to 6 years: free of charge
- Day tickets:
- Adults Fr. 20.-
- Adolescents up to 16 years: Fr. 10.-
- Children up to 6 years: free of charge
More information: bernmobil-historique.ch
Vehicles
Snout bus number 5 (1924)
Saurer type Schnauzenbus from 1924. At over 100 years old, this is the oldest operational city bus in Switzerland. Travels to Kirchenfeld and the old town.
Rear bus number 91 (1956)
Saurer bus from 1956, rear-engined design. Travels over the Kirchenfeld bridge to Ka-We-De Burgernziel – Bärengraben.
Underfloor bus number 157 (1965)
Type FBW bus from 1965, “underfloor engine” design. It travels over the Kirchenfeld bridge to Ka-We-De – Burgernziel – Bärengraben or to Elfenau.
Pleasure mile
Grill market and “Gnussgass”
Of course, good food is a must at a birthday party. The delicious and seasonal ingredients are available from the various local caterers.
11-23 h
Big barbecue
Switzerland loves barbecues – and so do we. That’s why a large barbecue is available for all guests on the Bundesplatz. The motto is grilling and meeting together. Suitable barbecue food is available at the stalls all around.
11-23 h
Local gastronomy
Included are:
- Al Toque – homemade empanadas
- Bierhübeli -Atmospheric bar
- FUFU – Vegan, honestly cooked
- Gastro Collective – Hot Dogs creations
- Hope`s Grill – Delicacies from the grill
- Johny’s Road Kitchen – Hungarian street food
- Cold pleasure – refreshing fair glaces
- Label 7 – the other Softice
- bog sausages – handmade Bernese sausages
- Green Gastro Club – Kebab naturally
- Raw & Noble – Bärner Fries with that certain something
- Sicula – Pizza in Pala at its best
- Taste of Paradise – tasteful exoticism
- Taste Of Orient – Vacations on a plate
- Tenz – Fine momos
- Terravigna – Wine bar, pleasure in a glass
- Thach Gastro – Asia as a guest in Bern
Further information
from 6 p.m.
Bundesfeier Bern West
There is also a national celebration in the west of Bern. The Bümpliz-Bethlehem QBB neighborhood commission invites you to celebrate on the national holiday from 6 pm in Brünnengut. There will be a big bonfire, lantern-making followed by a lantern procession, a speech by the Vice President of the City Council, food and drink and music by local musicians.
More about the celebration in Bern West: www.qbb.ch
Information on August 1
Arrival
We recommend traveling by public transport. Bundesplatz will be closed to traffic due to the celebrations, bus routes 10 and 19 will be diverted.
Fireworks ban
Fireworks are a must for many people, especially on public holidays. However, there is not enough space for this in the streets of Bern’s city center and it is too dangerous. Help us to take care: “Ir Stadt fiire statt füüre!”.
Do you like colorful lights? Then let’s go to the lantern parade.
Protection of minors
We attach great importance to the protection of minors. No alcohol is sold or served to persons under the age of 16 at the festival. The sale of spirits, alcopops and similar drinks to young people under the age of 18 is prohibited. The stand operators will carry out age checks if necessary. Beer and wine are only sold to persons over the age of 16.
Reusable
Only reusable tableware with a deposit system is available at the festival. After use, you can return your crockery to the stands and receive the deposit amount back straight away.
Sustainability
To ensure that Switzerland can continue to celebrate many birthdays in the future, we are focusing on the most sustainable celebration possible. We are using reusable packaging, working with local partners, offering regional and seasonal food wherever possible, communicating mainly online and this year we are also doing without fireworks.
Celebrate nicely
Celebrating together is more fun. So be nice and friendly to each other, have respect for people, animals and the environment, keep a good night’s sleep, dispose of your garbage and spread a good atmosphere.
Weather
A little rain does not spoil the festivities at all. In the event of heavy rain, storms or similar, the August 1st celebrations will not take place or will only take place to a limited extent. We will inform you via Instagram @ideebern or Facebook @bundesfeierbern about the implementation. We reserve the right to make changes to the program.
First aid
You will find the Samaritans on the Bundesplatz. Contact them in an emergency:
Medical police | T 144
Police | T 117
International emergency call | T 112
Fire brigade | T 118
Follow us
Do you like the August 1st celebration? Then follow us on Instagram or Facebook. We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you very much!
Organized by
Main partner
Special thanks to
Bearbeat
Bern Welcome
BernPride
Bierhübeli
BLS LTD.
Burgergemeinde Bern
Energy Water Bern
Felsenau Brewery
Peter Gaffuri AG
GastroStadtBern and surroundings
Leu Sound
Parliamentary services
Regional transport Bern-Solothurn
With the active support of
Bern Minster
passive attack ag
Swiss Alpine Club SAC
BERNMOBIL historique Foundation
It’s better together; that also applies to partying. That’s why we have joined forces with Bierhübeli Bern and Bern Pride. We share infrastructure, other resources and a common goal: Bärn läbt!
More about Bärn Läbt baernlaebt.ch
SENS UNIK
Bundesplatz, Thu, July 31, 2025
The Bierhübeli comes to the Bundesplatz
BERN PRIDE
Bundesplatz, Sat, August 2, 2025
Colorful. Loud. Berne.
