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The picture shows a lively theatre scene with performers holding up various signs with messages. The atmosphere is engaging and passionate, and the performance could address social and political issues. The set design is creative and colourful.

The Bucket List for Music and Live Performances

Published: 14.05.2024

Concerts by the pop avantgarde at the Dampfzentrale, cultural gems in the Emmental and wildly dancing youth at the Gaskessel in Bern: the various performances in the canton of Bern are always cheerful and atmospheric, and «öpe die» (from time to time) even humorous.

The Bern Welcome tourist information at Bern main station is an official presale office for Seetickets. This is ideal if you prefer a physical ticket.

Dampfzentrale

The former hydroelectric power station is located directly on the River Aare in the Marzili neighbourhood, only 17 minutes from Bern main station. The venue regularly puts on contemporary shows, dance performances, and concerts by the pop avantgarde. The plant was used to produce electricity until the 1980s, when it was turned into a cultural centre. That’s how the Dampfzentrale became a meeting place for artists and their audiences – a place for lively experimentation, debate and discovery. By the way: The Dampfzentrale’s story was the inspiration behind the song «Hansdampf» (jack-of-all-trades) by the Bernese cult band Züri West.

Gaskessel

This youth and cultural centre is one of the oldest of its kind. The Gaskessel has been providing a platform for young people for almost 50 years, and everything here is organised by the just over 200 young people helping out. The site is located on the old gas reservoirs in the Marzili neighbourhood, hence its name Gaskessel (gas boiler). It sits a little further back than the Dampfzentrale and is only 18 minutes by foot from Bern main station. The cultural programme here is just as varied as the visitors themselves: hip hop concerts, techno parties and poetic readings all have their place here.

Heitere Fahne

The second you walk through the garden arch, your gaze will wander, and your eyes will begin to light up at the sight of the large, leafy terrace, hidden wooden niches, whimsical sculptures and the odd glittering curtain. This inclusive cultural centre creates a certain joie de vivre that words cannot describe. You’ll have to experience it for yourself. Contributors are committed to cooperative and incredibly creative ideas as well as offering people with special needs a daily structure. Plays, jazz concerts or roller discos, fun is guaranteed here, and the cultural performances are accompanied by culinary happenings such as pizza evenings or Sunday brunches.

Old Capitol

People used to munch on popcorn here and go wide-eyed because at the suspense. Nowadays, you’ll hear the Swiss rap greats spitting verses, rock bands shredding on their guitars and pop singers using their angelic voices. If you want to attend a specific concert, it’s best to check their online programme. If you’re looking for a laugh, you’ll also be able to attend a comedy show «öpe die» (from time to time). If you don’t live nearby, you can stay at the Meilenstein and maybe pass some time in the hotel’s car and Formula 1 museum.

Casino Theatre Burgdorf

Small and atmospheric is how theatre connoisseurs describe this cultural gem in the heart of the old town in Burgdorf in the Emmental valley. The theatre was built in 1870 and with its renovation, it has received a whole new look and contemporary identity. The programme offers everything from classical to modern art, with performances ranging from musical theatre to drama and concerts. There are no limits to the wide range of cultural productions at this venue. The Casino Theatre Burgdorf does not have its own ensemble, but it always puts on different works, contributing to the wealth of productions at this venue.

Corporate offer: Scenic city tour by Stattland

City tours in Bern are not just about chasing a Swiss flag. The scenic city tours organised by Stattland offer a special experience. For example, the tour "Bern top secret - of dangerous secrets": Among other things, the group explores the questions of why a patrician woman became an agent of France and what the CIA has to do with Bern's most famous spy. On this entertaining tour of the city, we learn more about the history of espionage and secret communications in Bern. And one thing is guaranteed: The conversations during the breaks afterwards won't just be about the weather for the coming weekend.

Restaurant recommendation: Vierte Wand

The restaurant Vierte Wand is located in the heart of Bern, behind Kornhausplatz and the Stadttheater. From Monday to Friday, it invites guests to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and enjoy its creative and relaxed atmosphere and tasty food at the longest table in Bern. If you like brunch, pop in on a Sunday morning and indulge on a buffet filled with delicious breakfast classics and inspiring new interpretations. A diverse audience meets at the theatre bistro (its name, by the way, means “the fourth wall”) to spend the evening together, philosophise about the current plays at the Stadttheater, or dance the night away on the historic parquet that was once the Stadttheater's stage floor. It’s clear that the Vierte Wand is a gem, and not just for fans of the theatre.

Tips for overnight stays: Kreuz Herzogenbuchsee

In 1890, Amelie Moser initiated the purchase of today’s Kreuz Herzogenbuchsee with the local women’s association. She wanted to create a meeting place where men would not drink all their money away. That’s how the first alcohol-free pub was created. From that point on, this place was a hostel, a school for domestic science, a retirement home and later also as a day care centre for children (one of the first in Switzerland). Lina Bögli, who is considered Switzerland’s first female writer, has also lived here and introduced people to unknown cultures through the stories from her many travels. The cultural programme in this charming hotel is as varied today as the women’s commitment back then was creative. This is a true microcosm with charisma.