9 Bernese Highlights in May

Some use Bern’s Old City as a catwalk, others race along its arcades, and then there’s those who step onto the stage to take us on a journey to other worlds: in May, culture and sports find their way into the city.

Das Tanzfest Dance Festival

Imagine this: the floor is shaking underneath your feet, your heart is pounding, 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 Tanzfest dance festival in Bern, you’ll see these kinds of scenes at every corner and in every park in the city. Each performance is more thrilling than the last. From 1 to 5 May, different dance crews, duos and individual performers will show off their skills in the federal city. In between the performances, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your moves in one of the professional dance classes. How about a salsa taster course, for example? Or maybe you prefer to observe the Bern Ballet’s smooth movements from the sidelines?

Dancing through Bern

BEA

Strolling from market stall to market stall and doing some “schnöigge” (browsing) – that counts as movement, too! Like every year, the BEA fair on the BERNEXPO site becomes a meeting place for old and young. From 3 to 12 May, around 800 exhibitors will delight visitors with a wide variety of activities and attractions. This year, for example, you can sew your own upcycled toiletry bag from old parachutes, and there will be a street art and graffiti workshop for street art fans. There are no limits to creativity – have fun experimenting with brushes and spray cans. And, as always, the various animals provide the cuteness factor. If you still have some energy left after all of that, you can jump on a few rides at the funfair.

Stroll and enjoy

“Laufmeter – Modeschau uf dr Gass” Fashion Show

A taste of Paris and New York in Bern: the “Laufmeter – Modeschau uf dr Gass” outdoor fashion show on 4 and 5 May. The participating labels demonstrate what “slow fashion” really means and take a stand for a more conscious approach to fashion with their sustainably produced collections made in Switzerland. And at the Modesalon at the Kornhausforum, you have the opportunity to try on and purchase the garments and have a little chat with the designers. The highlight of the two days of fashion is the “Modeschau uf dr Gass”: on Saturday at 2 p.m., the streets and alleys of Bern’s Old City are turned into a vibrant fashion extravaganza in Switzerland’s biggest fashion show. Access to the Modesalon is free.

Catwalk through Bern

National Parks Market

Everything a nature lover’s heart desires and more: on 16 May, Parliament Square will transform into a huge “Märit” (market) for regional products. Passionate producers from all over Switzerland gather in Bern to offer their handmade culinary specialities. Imagine all the treats! Asparagus, for example, is now in season and just one of many. So off to the federal city, where all the freshest produce and products await. In addition to the wide range of delicacies, there will be concerts and a varied programme with different activities. After all, Switzerland’s parks are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. There’s plenty to try, taste, experience, and discover, and you’ll find lots of inspiration for your next outdoor adventure – a hike in the Gantrisch Nature Park, for example.

Hiking inspo

Grand Prix of Bern

On 18 May, Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old City will be buzzing – thousands of runners will be racing across the cobblestones, through the charming neighbourhoods and over the city’s famous bridges. The Grand Prix of Bern is one of the biggest running events in the country. Participants can choose between the “most beautiful 10 miles in the world”, a 4.7-kilometre run through Bern’s Old City, or the “Bear Grand Prix”, the 1.6-kilometre run for children, families, and beginners. The public is very welcome to watch and cheer the runners on. If you’re planning on staying in Bern for the weekend of the event, make sure to book your overnight stay early on, as accommodation in Bern is particularly sought-after on that particular weekend.

To the Grand Prix of Bern

auawirleben Theatre Festival

This theatre festival, initiated in 1982, holds a dear place in the people’s hearts. Topics such as global justice, the definition of normality, and communication played key roles in previous editions. In one of them, a DJ got everyone moving to the music – not to the sound that people heard, but rather to the vibration of the wooden floor: all guests wore hearing protectors. The aim was to show how deaf people perceive music. Progressive experiences like these can be expected at the auawirleben theatre festival. The popular event will be back from 22 May to 2 June.

Take a look at the programme

  • Tipp

    In the mood for more moving stories? Make sure to stop by the True Story Festival, which takes place from 24 to 26 May.

Disability Rights Days of Action

Dancing to the music in our ears, taking a walk up the Gurten or enjoying the beautiful view from the Rosengarten – many of us take these things for granted. The Disability Rights Days of Action from 15 May to 15 June raise awareness for those who can’t. There will be various topical activities and events throughout Switzerland – including in the federal city. Bern Welcome is offering barrier-free guided city tours on five different days: two guided tours for the blind and visually impaired as well as three wheelchair-accessible city tours. And there will also be many other exciting experiences and activities in Bern during the Days of Action.

Become more aware

Celebrating Spring on the Gurten

Spring is here, and that needs to be celebrated! On 26 May from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the beloved yearly spring festival on the Gurten will take place, an event for the entire family. Bern’s local mountain is transformed into a colourful fairground with all kinds of child-friendly attractions and games: arts and crafts in the Gurtengärtli garden, a bike parcours on the large meadow, and different stations across the park with puzzles, face painting, and snacks. With so much entertainment and activities awaiting in addition to the stunning view and great food, a visit to the top of the Gurten (on foot or by funicular) becomes even more worthwhile!

Fun and games all day long

  • Fact

    Our beloved Gurten funicular is running again, hooray! After an intense renovation period, it will be taking visitors up the mountain again starting on 16 May.

Cycling Tours in Bern

Pop on your helmet, adjust the saddle and get out your sunglasses! The spring brings warm weather and a longing for the outdoors. Be it by Lake Wohlen, in the Gantrisch Nature Park, in the town of Laupen, on the Frienisberg plateau, or in the Emmental valley: If you’re kicking off the cycling season on one of Bern’s Top 10 routes, you can expect plenty of highlights. Every single one of these circular routes has stunning views of the Bernese Alps and characteristic regional features in store for bicycle trekkers.

Blissful moments and breathtaking views

  • Fact

    There are many more events in Bern, so be sure to take a look at our event calendar.

May 12th is Mother’s Day!

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