9 Bernese Highlights in July

Colourful and lively – that’s July in Bern. This month offers something for everyone: go marvel at the athletes at the EuroGames (and take part in BernPride) or dance your socks off at the hip-hop festival SPEX. Oh, and have we mentioned the offene Bundesmeile (175 years of the Swiss Federal) or the cooling hike with Grand Canyon Feeling? Go check it out.

Grand Canyon Feeling in the Schwarzwasserschlucht (Blackwater Gorge)

If the travel restrictions during the pandemic have taught us anything, it’s this: beauty can be closer than you think. Traveling has long since resumed its activity, but nevertheless: why take a long trip when something as beautiful as the Schwarzwasserschlucht is just around the corner? Make it the end point of a hike through Gantrisch Nature Park or an excursion by itself – either way, you will not regret your visit.

Go explore the gorge

SPEX Hip-Hop Festival

While the masses are dancing in the Emmental, in Bern, everybody will be putting their hands in the air on 21 and 22 July for the premier of the SPEX hip-hop festival on the Hyspaplatz on the Bernexpo grounds. And oh boy, SPEX has a very promising programme. Let us just name two of the big-name acts: Alligatoah (Friday) and RIN (Saturday). And the organisers have already made it clear that this is not a one-off. On the contrary, they are already collecting suggestions for the 2024 line-up.

Buy tickets

Vertanzt (Danced) (Nordic Edition)

When the beautiful Emmental is full of people dancing to sounds ranging from boogie-woogie to Zumba and diligently downward-dogging in yoga workshops, it can only mean one thing: Vertanzt has arrived. The festival is dedicated to dances from around the world, and this year the spotlight is on Northern Europe. There’s actually more to the North than moose and camping holidays (although there’s nothing wrong with either). The festival is taking place from 20-23 July in the picturesque Röthenbach and will also focus on the Bal Folk. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

Take a look at the programme and buy tickets

Offene Bundesmeile (175 years of the Swiss Constitution)

Are you interested in politics or just a generally curious person? Well, listen to this: the Constitution is celebrating its 175th anniversary and you get the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of the parliament and other institutions in the capital. Have you always wanted to see confiscated smuggled goods up close, learn about groundbreaking inventions or study (former) intelligence methods? Mark 1 and 2 July in your calendar. On these dates, you will be able to visit the Parliament, the Bernerhof and the Media Centre. And then of course, a satirist will put one or two political celebrities through the wringer live.

Discover the Federal City

BernPride

Here’s yet another reason to take your rainbow flags out of your wardrobe: for the first time in six years, BernPride is back in Bern. And it’s no coincidence that it is the crowning finale of the further down mentioned EuroGames. On 29 July, Bern’s streets will be covered in colour. Hand in hand, people will walk through the federal city, listen to various musicians and marvel at drag queen Paprika on the Bundesplatz. And everybody will be appreciated as they are. Because: Love is Love is Love.

Be a part of it

Marzili Movie

Once all the mermaids and Poseidons among you are emerging from the Aare and the weather is slowly getting too nippy and gloomy for bikinis and swimsuits, the Marzili takes on a completely different vibe: «It’s Movie time!» From 24 to 29 July, for the 20th time, the Marzili Movie is attracting visitors to its openair cinema with a colourful mix of cinematic delicacies. Tickets are available with or without (limited) deckchair rental. Alternatively, you can bring your own folding chair or whatever you deem comfortable, sit back and watch the movie. By the way, thanks to crowdfunding, the outdated screen has been refurbished, giving you an even better movie experience.

Off to the Marzili

  • Fact

    If you want to cool off before going to the cinema, you need the right equipment. The colourful Marzilian bath set is the perfect match.

Festival on the Gurten

From 12-16 July, Bern’s local mountain will get loud again – it’s Güsche (term of endearment for the Gurten) time – for the 40th time. And that is why the festival will be extended into Sunday (again) this year. If you want to party hard for several days, you’d do well to get a good night’s sleep: the Sleeping Zone on the Gurten might be history, but the city still offers many different options for accommodation, spanning form hotels to youth hostels to a campsite on the Aare. There’s something for everyone. Pro-tip: If you book early, you’ll have more to choose from.

Book your overnight stay

Gugus Gurte

Festival yes, Gurten no? The cheerful flag at the foot of the mountain, where people queue for a ride to the top, offers you an amazing alternative. Insiders know: this is another hot spot to dance to live music on the terrace or in the disco inside. And should you get hungry or thirsty, you’ll be well taken care of as well. In short: once the Kulturpalast in Wabern announces the Gugus Gurte, neither locals nor visitors will have to be reminded twice. The event takes place from 12-16 July – yes, you read that right: five days in a row!

Take a look at the programme

EuroGames

At the end of the month, the largest queer sporting event in Europe is taking place in Bern: the EuroGames. Many athletes are still prevented from participating in sports because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, which is why this event was created. The EuroGames takes a stand against that: everyone is welcome to compete in any of the 20 sports disciplines ranging from badminton to minigolf and many more. If you’re not ready to participate, you can still enjoy the varied supporting programme: Did someone say yoga, food stalls and party?

Run off to the EuroGames

  • Tipp

    Of course, there are many more events taking place in Bern. Take a look at our event calendar.

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