9 Bernese Highlights in May

Some use the old town as a fashion salon, others race alongside the arcades and then there’s some who open the doors to football history: in May, culture and sports are finding their way into the city. And on the home stretch, we only focus on grandiose events, charged excitement and pure culture.

Laufmeter in the Kornhausforum (Granary Forum)

Over the years, Laufmeter has catapulted itself into the heart of Bern’s cultural. If you pass by their fashion salon in the Kornhausforum (Granary Forum), you will be excited to see that their exhibition highlights new trends and currents in the design industry. At the heart of the exhibition are the collection presentations and an uncomplicated exchange with the designers on site. This gives the public the opportunity to find out more about their sources of inspiration and maybe even purchase one or two of their new favourite pieces. And it gets even better: this year they are celebrating their 10th anniversary. You can expect a big surprise, but we can’t reveal what it is yet. So, here’s our tip: keep 6 March free and let yourself be seduced by fabrics, colours, and a tingling sense of anticipation.

To the fashion salon

Theatre Festival auawirleben

Founded in 1982, this theatre festival has crept and danced its way into the hearts of the people of Bern. From the start, the festival has been responding to political and social change with its programme. Topics such as global justice, the definition of normality or communication played an important role in recent editions: last year, a DJ made the visitors dance, but not with the music they could hear. Instead, the dancers could feel the music through the vibrations of the wooden floor because their ears were covered with headphones. By doing that, attention was drawn to how music is perceived by the deaf community. The popular festival will take place in Bern from 10-21 May. The main venues are the Dampfzentrale, the Schlachthaus Theater and the Tojo Theater in the Reitschule.

Take a look at the programme

Das Tanzfest (The Dance Festival)

Imagine this: the floor is shaking underneath your feet; your heart is pumping blood through your veins and your whole body is spinning in circles. The audience is watching in awe until the last beat booms through the speakers – and then breaks out into enthusiastic applause and cheer. At the dance festival in Bern, you can observe these kinds of scenes at every corner and in every park in the city. Each performance is more thrilling than the last one. From 12 to 14 May, various dance crews, duets and individual performers will show off their skills in the federal city. In between the performances, you can shake a leg yourself and demonstrate your moves in one of the professional dance classes. How about a salsa taster course, for example? Or maybe you prefer to observe Bern ballet’s flowy movements from the sidelines?

More about the Tanzfest

YB Jubilee Exhibition

The football club Young Boys has a very special place in the hearts of most people from Bern. This love story began 125 years ago. For a few weeks, yellow and black flags adorned the UNESCO-listed old town to celebrate its big anniversary. Now, the Bern Historical Museum opens its doors to a special exhibition which dives into the football club’s eventful past. The exhibition also makes room for questions regarding the historical context: How did football arrive in Switzerland? Since when have women been playing? In addition to these questions, you will also find many interactive activities: visitors can put their own dribbling, passing, and shooting skills to the test. Mark it in your calendars now: the opening ceremony is on 11 May.

To the Jubilee Exhibition

Grand Prix of Bern

On 13 May, the UNESCO-designated old town will be in a state of emergency – thousands of runners will be racing across the cobblestones, through the charming neighbourhoods and over the famous bridges in Bern. The Grand Prix of Bern is one of the biggest running events in Switzerland. Participants can choose between the so-called «most beautiful 10 miles in the world», a 4.7-kilometre-long run through Bern’s old town, or the «Bear Grand Prix», the 1.6-kilometre-long run for children, families, and beginners. Naturally, the runners will need plenty of encouragement, so the public is also very welcome. Tip: Are you planning on staying in Bern for the weekend during the event? Make sure to book your overnight stay early on, because accommodation in Bern is particularly popular on that weekend.

To the Grand Prix of Bern

Psychiatrie-Museum – Wechselausstellung Gordian Hanemann

«[…] to realise the progress psychiatry has made, the exhibition in the Psychiatric Museum is more than just instructive. It is impressive. […]». This is a quote regarding this unique cultural institution in Bern. There is probably no more brief and apt description for it. In addition to the impressive and (sometimes) somewhat eerie permanent exhibition, the works of Gordian Hanemann are currently on display. The drawings underneath the title «Hanemann’s world as it should be» were created during the artist’s stay in the psychiatric clinic Waldau. Due to his prolonged illness, he had to abandon his studies and go into treatment. If you have the time to look at the drawings and feel their impact on you, you will be able empathise with his story and take away completely new impressions.

To the temporary exhibition

Exhibition Opening: Paul Klee. Everything grows.

Many culture fans and art fanatics have grown fond of the Zentrum Paul Klee. The exhibitions are constantly changing and well-known far beyond the country’s borders. With the opening of their latest collection, «Paul Klee. Everything grows», the centre is presenting an outstanding selection of Klee’s works. The collection shows his examination of the processes and phenomena in nature. Just like nature, he strived to create living forms. This time, not only finished works of art are on display: Paul Klee’s materials from his lessons at the Bauhaus, his plant collection with herbarium leaves, and shells, sea snails and algae he was sketching are also given significant importance.

To the exhibition

Go outside and visit the Zehendermätteli

The birds are twittering, the trees are stretching out their blooming branches and the landscape all around Bern is turning green – you should definitely go for a stroll in nature in May. And what’s the best place to escape from urban life? The Zehendermätteli. The restaurant is idyllically located on the Aare peninsula between Bremgarten and Worblaufen. It’s also the perfect starting point for a 30-minute walk through the adjacent Reichenbach Forest or along the peaceful river Aare. Now that everything is blossoming and crawling again, your children’s exploratory spirit is awakening as well. Luckily, the Zehndermätteli offers drinks and meals made from home-grown food for when you’re in need of refreshments or something to eat. This is the perfect excursion to enjoy with family or friends – but it is just as wonderful on your own.

Visit the Zehendermätteli

  • Tipp

    Do you prefer moving around on a bicycle? These four scenic cycling routes will take you on Bern’s most beautiful paths with breath-taking views, cultural highlights, and legendary stories to discover.

National Parks Market

If you’re a fan of nature and its products, you won’t be able to believe your eyes: on 26 May, the Parliament Square will transform into one big market for regional products where passionate producers can sell their culinary specialties. A little food for thought: asparagus season is about to begin. Make sure you don’t miss out on the freshest produce in the federal city. In addition to the abundance of delicious produce, you will be able to enjoy concerts and various other programme points. After all, the Swiss parks are among the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland. There will be plenty to taste, experience, see and take away as inspiration for your next day trip.

Everything about the National Parks Market

  • Fact

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

14 May is Mother’s Day

Celebrate together with a brunch

The most beautiful places