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.
A garden festival with concerts, family program, pleasure alley, open doors and more awaits you.
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!
Program 1st August celebration bern
We are currently planning our new program for you. We will announce further details in June 2025.
Discover
Lantern parade and craft room, theater, face painting, play corners and more.
Family program
Lantern parade and craft room, theater, face painting, play corners and more.
City garden
The Bundesplatz is calling! On August 1, there will be a big birthday celebration for Switzerland on Bern’s Bundesplatz. A garden party with Gnussgasse, concerts, family program and more awaits you.
Concerts
There are rousing concerts by local talent throughout the day.
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.