Bern’s Christmas Markets – Practical Information

Where can I find public toilets, how do I get home safely, and which market is worth a visit even in bad weather? We’ve compiled a list with the answers to those and many other frequently asked questions.

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Getting there

Bern’s Christmas Markets can easily be reached by public transport – it takes only one hour by train from Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Lucerne. The different markets in Bern’s Old City are all within walking distance from one another. If you’ve done some heavy Christmas shopping and need a quick break, just hop onto a BernMobil streetcar or bus and have it take you to the next location. The Christmas experiences in the entire destination Bern can be reached comfortably thanks to the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and the BLS (Bern and Central Switzerland regional trains).

Useful links
- Bernmobil
- SBB
- BLS

When can I do some Sunday shopping in Bern?

On 27 November 2022, the shops in the lower part of the Old City are open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the context of the 1st of Advent event, with many festive surprises in store (no pun intended). The official “Sonntagsverkauf” (Sunday shopping) in Bern takes place on 11 and 18 December 2022. On these days, many Bernese shops are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

What are the opening hours of Bern’s Christmas Markets?

If you follow the scent of candied almonds and gingerbread, it will take you to inviting markets and little winter wonderlands. Not all Christmas markets have the same opening hours. Take a look at the overview for the different opening hours.

MORE INFO

Which hotel in Bern can I stay at?

If you’re coming from further away and would like to enjoy several days of Bernese Christmas magic, you can profit from attractive winter offers from Bern’s hotels.

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Where in Bern can I use the restroom for free?

There are several free “Nette Toilette” (“friendly toilets”) in Bern in addition to the free public toilets. They are existing restrooms in restaurants, bars, and cafés that you’re allowed to use, marked as a “Nette Toilette” by a red sticker at the entrance

To the city map

Where in Bern can I park?

If you’re not travelling by public transport, you can park at one of the over 3,500 parking spaces in Bern’s parking garages. The interactive Parking Guide shows you where the nearest parking garage is and if there are free spaces there (in real time). Or you can call 0800 727 536 free of charge to find out where there are free spaces.

To the Parking Guide

Bern’s parking garages
- Bahnhof Parking
- Parkhaus Metro
- Rathaus Parking
- Parking City-West
- Mobiliar Parking
- Parking Casino
- expo Parking
- Park + Ride Neufeld

Where can I find shelter if the weather turns?

Several of the Christmas markets have covered and, in some cases, heated areas, so neither rain nor snow can stand in the way of a festive outing. You can find shelter at the Sternenmarkt on the Kleine Schanze, the Christmas markets on Waisenhausplatz and Münsterplatz squares, the Chalet Alpenland on Kornhausplatz square, and Øscår Elch in Ringgenpärkli park, as well as in the restaurant of the ice rink on Bundesplatz square and in Bern’s numerous other restaurants and cafés.

To our favourite cafés

Where can I find roasted chestnuts?
Fans of roasted chestnuts, you’re in luck: in Bern, there are numerous stalls that sell the tasty winter speciality.
- Bahnhofplatz square, on the corner of the LOEB department store, Bulloni AG
- Bahnhofplatz square, west side of the Heiliggeistkirche church, Bulloni AG
- Neuengasse street, entrance to the train station, Marroni Tricolore SA
- Bärenplatz, Maletti Marco
- Waisenhausplatz square near Zeughausgasse street, Marroni-Import Gysi & Strazzini AG
- Below Zytglogge (Clock Tower), Zytglogge Marroni GmbH, Bajrami Zudi