10 Bernese Highlights in September

Mild summer nights and glorious golden hours – the late-summer atmosphere lets us enjoy those moments to the fullest. Head outside on the last warm days to discover nature’s diversity and experience out-of-this-world-beauty.

One last dip in Bern’s outdoor pools

It’s tradition that Bern’s public outdoor pools close their gates for winter break on the third Sunday in September. So, grab your Aare bag “Marzilian” and matching towel, hop on your bike and head to one of the many free pools. Some people like swimming their laps in the pool while others prefer working up a sweat on the beach volleyball court – whichever you are, some tasty French fries or a creamy gelato to round of your visit are a must. Because let’s be honest: they just taste so much better when your hair is still wet, your feet are bare, and the air smells of summer.

Go for a swim

Hallo Velo! Festival

Did you treat yourself to a few too many “just one little ice cream”s this summer? Then hop on your bicycle on 3 September 2023 for the sixth edition of the “Hallo Velo!” bike festival. You can be part of the city’s biggest bicycle parade or, if you’ve got a bit of a need for speed, put your cycling skills to the test in the “Engel Challenge”. And there’s more: among other things, a pump track, an obstacle course and yes, even an airbag jump experience await. The program is extensive and participation completely free. The only thing you need is a bike.

Hop on the saddle

Musikfestival Bern

When the temperatures start to drop a little earlier than anticipated or the sun refuses to come out, the Musikfestival Bern has got you covered: from 6 to 10 September 2023, there will be numerous musical events in different locations in Bern’s Old City. Bernese musicians as well as international guests from the fields of composition, interpretation, performance, improvisation, direction, philosophy and more are coming together to develop different formats spanning old, contemporary, improvised, experimental and electronic music. Sounds great!

To the programme

Nihon Matsuri, the grand Japan festival

The cultural explorations continue: For two days in September, the fascinating culture of Japan can be experienced up close in the city of Bern. On Saturday, 9 September and Sunday, 10 September, numerous workshops for calligraphy, make-up and origami as well as impressive shows (ever seen Japanese martial arts live?) will take place in and around the Bernisches Historisches Museum. Visitors will also be treated to the country’s culinary delights: ramen, gyoza, tempura - to name just a few classics. And make sure you don’t miss the authentic Japanese bazaar! Some 20 stalls were organized by the Japanischer Verein Bern.

Get your tickets

Master Concerts at the Zentrum Paul Klee

The Master Concerts series offers the opportunity to see and hear some of the most famous soloists and ensembles in the world at the Zentrum Paul Klee. On 17 September 2023, there will be a violin concert with world-class violinist Hyeyoon Park and other renowned chamber musicians. To make this beautiful event even more moving, we recommend a stroll through the sculpture park or a visit to the exhibitions. After all, music and art are both about conveying emotions. The exclusive concert menu at the adjacent restaurant “Schöngrün” perfectly rounds off the evening.

More information and tickets

Days of Arts and Culture: Kulturherbst Bern

It’s back! Autumn in Bern is filled with arts and culture and takes you on a journey into the cultural cosmos of the city and canton of Bern. Art and design, music and live performances, architecture, traditional craftsmanship, history and culinary delights: Bern’s Kulturherbst (autumn of arts and culture) is a treat for all long-time and aspiring culture aficionados. As always, it is not an event series with a fixed programme, but six carefully curated culture bucket lists for all tastes. The best approach? We recommend just going with the Bernese flow and taking in as much as you can along the way.

Culture, we’re coming

Bernese Sustainability Days

For two weeks in late summer 2023, the city of Bern will be all about sustainability. A big opening festival on Bahnhofplatz (Station Square) on Saturday, 9 September 2023, will kick off the Bernese Sustainability Days. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., traffic will be rerouted to make room for a vibrant market with stalls from around 80 organizers, a fashion show, regional delicacies, and concerts. In the following two weeks, there will be workshops, guided tours and exhibitions throughout the city. A varied programme for visitors of all ages awaits.

Be a part of it

"À table” at the Aplati

Food is ready! Some of you may already have noticed that a new restaurant moved into the Länggasse neighbourhood at the beginning of August. It is a place where simplicity, deliciousness and sustainability are celebrated. True to their motto: “Celebrate the simple things. C’est tout simple, mais c’est un poème aussi”. But they’re not staying for long: at the end of September, the two restaurateurs will pack up their pots and spoons, their spades and other summer garden tools and move on to the next location. Make sure you stop by before they’re gone!

On y va

Brächete Zäziwil

More and more people are yearning for the good old times, simpler times – telling stories by the fire, preparing dinner from home-grown vegetables and making things by hand instead of ordering them online. The Brächete in Zäziwil on Wednesday, 27 September 2023, can bring back some of that atmosphere and idyll. Visit the charming market and watch how flax is turned into linen fabric and then into handmade products. By the way: Did you know that the Brächete is on the list of living Bernese traditions? Truly an event full of heart, soul and nostalgia.

Keeping traditions alive

Planetarium Space Eye inauguration

Shoot for the stars and travel to outer space! You don’t even need to go through years of hard training and become an astronaut to do so. Because on 23 September 2023, the “Space Eye” planetarium will open in Niedermuhlern in the Gantrisch Nature Park, just one hour away from the city of Bern. The cool name fits the place perfectly: the planetarium takes visitors on a journey through the universe in 8K and shows the night sky with its constellations as well as spectacular images of our home planet. If you want even more, peek through the largest and best public telescope in the country. Literally an out-of-this-world experience!

Journey to the stars

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    There are plenty more events in Bern – take a look at our event calendar.

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