Historic venues in Bern

The “Chübu”, as the locals lovingly call the Kornhauskeller, is one of the city’s most visited historic sites. It was built in 1711 according to the plans of Hans Jakob Dünz. As its name – Kornhaus meaning granary – suggests, the building was originally used to store grain. Today, the Kornhauskeller offers a unique atmosphere with its beautiful lighting, artistic frescoes and modern furniture. Good to know: the Kornhauskeller is one single, open space that can accommodate a large number of people.

There are still a few guildhalls remaining in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town. One of them is the Zunfthaus zur Metzgern. Situated just a few minutes’ walking distance from the world-famous Zytglogge (Clock Tower), this centrally located venue hosts seminars or company events upon request. Did you know? The famous Swiss writer Jeremias Gotthelf was a member of this guild and often seen in its historic rooms.

The place where history is conserved: the Bernisches Historisches Museum on Helvetiaplatz in Bern. Among many other impressive historic artifacts, it houses the Oriental Collection with objects brought back from collector Henri Moser’s travels to Central Asia. The wall decoration, which imitates the monumental architecture of Central Asia, is unique in Switzerland and even has a preservation order on it. This dreamy, exotic location is not only there for the museum’s visitors – it also offers a space for events with up to 100 people.

Of Augustinian canons and Bernese “Landvogt” bailiffs: Around 800 years ago, Köniz Castle was home to canons of the Order of Saint Augustine before being taken over by the Teutonic Order in the 13^th century. Several centuries later, it became the seat of the Bernese “Landvogt” bailiffs and later housed different homes and institutions for children. Today, its historic rooms are used for public and private events. There are also numerous rooms available for seminars and similar events, for example the charming “Ritterstube” (knight's parlour) or the elegant gallery in the “Chornhuus” (granary).

Days when kings and emperors, English lords and ladies, Italian nobility, Russian grand dukes and American millionaires were frequent guests. The Hotel Bellevue Palace in Bern, as the official guest house of the Swiss Confederation, has already hosted many high-ranking guests. The rooms are equipped with the latest technology and exude a historic charm with their magnificent chandeliers, polished wooden tables and impressive paintings. The largest hall can accommodate up to 363 people, while the smallest room is suitable for confidential meetings with four people.

To repent for their sins, the Vilar brothers left all of their property to Cluny Abbey in 1081. It subsequently founded a priory on the land of Münchenwiler Castle. This marks the beginning of the venue's long history. Some 600 years later, the estate became the property of Anton von Graffenried. His family remained the owners of the castle until the 20^th century, when the state of Bern bought it and used it for military education and as accommodation for troops. Today, the rooms are used for seminars and banquets. The castle is particularly ideal for retreats, as the historic grounds also house a hotel.

From the moment guests step onto the Stufenbau’s funicular, once used to transport goods, they are immersed in the special atmosphere of this unique building in Ittigen. The terraced building was initially built as a production facility for nitrocellulose. In the 1990s, it became a mecca for fans of techno music and one of the most popular techno clubs in the country. Today, the historic premises can be rented for events: in the summer, the Urban Garden is the place to be, for the colder months there are various different function rooms inside for up to 300 people.

Welcome to one of the most important buildings in the country: in 1848, Switzerland’s very first Federal Constitution was instituted at Zum Äusseren Stand, then Bern’s town hall. Its magnificent Empire Hall, where the historic document was signed, can be rented for events and banquets with up to 160 guests. Over the years, more and more decorative elements were added to the hall, which to this day radiates a majestic splendour worthy of its history.

The Bernapark in Deisswil has an eventful history. In June of 2010, the Bernapark started its journey of becoming a trailblazing neighbourhood. From the ruins of a formerly prosperous cardboard factory, a place of community emerged. Today, it is used for work and living, education and leisure, culture and innovation. It offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, perfect for meetings and events of all sorts. Its event hall, for example, can accommodate up to 300 people.

A place that symbolizes Bern and freedom like no other: The Gaskessel is one of the oldest youth and cultural institutions in Europe. It dates back to the beginnings of Bern’s youth protests, when it became an important platform for an autonomous youth culture in Bern. The venue, which is located in the city’s former gas reservoir, has been organising regular cultural events since the 1970s. Debates, concerts, exhibitions, parties, movie screenings – the Gaskessel is open to all kinds of formats. It is especially popular in the summertime due to its proximity to the River Aare. If you would like to host your event at Gaskessel, feel free to contact the association that runs it.

A historically significant record holder: at 101 metres, the steeple of the Bern Minster is the highest in all of Switzerland. And on your way up to the top, you also have the opportunity to marvel at the country’s heaviest set of bells. The steeple initially served as a fire lookout tower. The tower guards were on the lookout for so-called “Chutzenfeuer” which were part of the communication and alarm system in the Middle Ages. Today, the late Gothic masterpiece can be reserved for meetings and events – including a fantastic view over Bern’s old town and the Bernese Alps.

Once the grounds of a 16^th-century tavern in Dürrenroth now stands the Romantikhotel Bären. The current building was constructed in 1752 and, together with the vicarage and church nearby, forms a remarkable ensemble of great importance to the townscape. The hotel is a treasure trove of historically fascinating details, objects and rooms: oil-painted façades, a Biedermeier-style wrought-iron inn sign, the large banqueting hall from the Belle Époque that can be rented for events. And there are various other function rooms on the 1^st floor of the Bären that are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and ideal for your next seminar or conference.

To this day, the origins of Burgdorf Castle are shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that a terrible dragon and a damsel lived on the castle rock. When brothers Sintram and Bertram succeeded in driving the beast away in the year 712, they decided to build a castle there. How it was actually built remains a mystery. All that is known is that the Count of Rheinfelden owned a castle in Burgdorf which passed to the Dukes of Zähringen in 1090. Today, Burgdorf Castle is considered the best-preserved Zähringian castle complex in all of Switzerland and a historical monument of national importance. There is a wide choice of indoor and outdoor spaces in various sizes available for seminars, conferences and other events.

Hold a meeting or a conference surrounded by history dating back to the late Middle Ages. At Schwarzenburg Castle, you can still reconstruct from the windows which rooms were used for festivities, which ones were living quarters, and which ones served as utility rooms. The castle can be reached in an hour by train from Bern, making it an ideal choice for a retreat or seminar. And the unique castle courtyard guarantees a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively.

Travel through the beautiful Gantrisch Nature Park and feel the special atmosphere awaiting in Rüeggisberg. Its monastery ruins see many different visitors: concertgoers, businesspeople, attendees of different events, even pilgrims on the Way of St James. The history of the Rüeggisberg monastery ruins, which spans almost a thousand years, tells of monks, noblemen and a terrible fire. Before they were turned into an event venue, the ruins served as a granary and barn. Today, the archaeologically relevant site offers a historic atmosphere for drinks receptions and other events.

Sieges, attacks, religious disputes – the history of Laupen Castle seems to come straight out of a film about the Middle Ages. It is believed that the castle was built between 930 and 1000 AD. In the past, its curtain walls – which are up to three metres thick in some places – kept enemies out of the castle. Today, visitors no longer have to fear attacks. The castle complex houses one of the best-preserved castle halls in Switzerland as well as many rooms that are available for seminars, lectures and other events with up to 80 people. The castle courtyard and terrace can accommodate up to 130 people.

The Kreuz in Herzogenbuchsee has an eventful past: In 1890, the Herzogenbuchsee Women’s Association bought the building at auction and, one year later, opened the first pub in the country that did not serve alcohol. News of their pioneering work spread quickly and the Kreuz soon became a lively social and cultural centre. In 1980s, however, it began to decline. Expensive maintenance work and fewer guests eventually led to its sale. A new concept was needed. Thanks to fresh ideas and generous support from different circles, the Kreuz was able to reopen in 2017. And today, it has the honour of being named Historic Hotel of the Year 2025. Its fascinating attic room, cosy rooms and smaller workspaces are ideal for meetings.

Once a home to Cistercian monks, this imposing monastery now hosts meetings, conferences, celebrations and other events in its splendid and unique rooms. From dinner in the historic cellar to lectures in the gardens to a drinks reception in the impressive library – at Saint Urban’s, you will find the right space for your event.