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Bern’s Christmas markets – practical information

Where can I find public restrooms? What’s the easiest way to get back home? Which Christmas market can I visit when the weather is bad? We’ve compiled a list with the answers to these and many other frequently asked questions.

The picture shows a snowy winter landscape in Bern with a view of the Kirchenfeldbrücke bridge and the surrounding buildings. A calm, peaceful mood hangs over the city. The white snow lends the scene a fairytale-like, clear atmosphere.
The picture shows a person in a wheelchair and a standing person in a lift at a modern railway station. The scene radiates inclusivity and everyday life, emphasised by the cool architecture and natural daylight.
© Bern Welcome

How to get there

Bern’s Christmas markets can easily be reached by public transport – it takes only one hour by train from Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Lucerne, for example. The Christmas attractions in Bern’s old town are all within walking distance from one another and barrier-free. If you’ve done some heavy Christmas shopping and need a quick break, just hop onto a Bernmobil tram or bus and have it take you to the next location. If you’re staying at an accommodation in Bern, you can even do so for free thanks to the Bern Ticket. The Christmas experiences in the entire region can be reached comfortably thanks to the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and the BLS (Bern and Central Switzerland regional trains).

The picture shows an empty car park with blue markings. A sense of order and structure dominates the scene, accompanied by a calm, almost quiet atmosphere. The empty car park radiates serenity and preparation for arrival.
© iStock

Where can I park my car in Bern?

If you’re not travelling by public transport, you can park at one of the over 4,000 spaces in Bern’s car parks. The interactive Parking Guide shows you where the nearest car park is located and if there are free spaces there (in real time). Or you can call 0800 727 536 free of charge to find out where there are free spaces.

To the Parking Guide

Bern’s car parks

The picture shows three friends wrapped up warmly and chatting at a festively lit Christmas market. The fairy lights and the warm atmosphere convey a feeling of cosiness and shared joy in the cold season.
© Bern Welcome

What are the opening hours of Bern’s Christmas markets and winter pop-ups?

If you follow the scent of candied almonds and gingerbread, it will take you to inviting Christmas markets, creative pop-ups and little winter wonderlands. Opening hours differ. Take a look at our overview to find out when you can visit the Christmas markets and winter pop-ups for some browsing and mulled wine.

To the opening hours
The picture shows the famous Zytglogge (clock tower) in Bern, Switzerland. It is a busy street scene with historic buildings on both sides leading up to the tower. The tower is decorated with a large clock and ornaments. People walk along the street while the shops in the arcades are illuminated. The scene looks festive and lively, with a cosy evening atmosphere.
© Digitale Massarbeit

When can I do some Sunday shopping in Bern?

On 1 December, the shops in the lower part of the old town are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the traditional 1st of Advent event, which celebrates its 30-year anniversary this year and has many festive surprises in store (pun intended). The official «Sonntagsverkauf» (Sunday shopping) in Bern takes place on 15 and 22 December. On those days, most shops in Bern are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information
Through the window of a cosy café you can see a convivial atmosphere. In the foreground, a "nice toilet" sign signals hospitality. The warm lighting reinforces the feeling of familiarity and tranquillity.
© Unsplash, Laura Adai

Where in Bern can I use the restroom for free?

There are several «Nette Toilette» («friendly toilets») in Bern in addition to the free public toilets. They are restrooms in restaurants, bars, and cafés that you are allowed to use for free, even if you’re not consuming anything. The «Nette Toilette» are marked by a red sticker at the entrance.

To the map
Three friends sit smiling at a café table, enjoying drinks and lively conversation. Sunlight fills the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
© Bern Welcome

Where can I find shelter if the weather turns?

Several of the Christmas markets have covered and, in some cases, heated areas, so neither rain nor snow can stand in the way of a festive outing. You can find shelter at the Sternenmarkt on Kleine Schanze, the Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz and under the arcades by the Minster, in the huts at Oscar Elch in Ringgenpärkli park as well as in the restaurant of the ice rink on Bundesplatz and in Bern’s numerous other restaurants and cafés.

To our favourite cafés
The picture shows freshly roasted chestnuts in a paper bag, scattered on a rustic wooden table. The warm, earthy atmosphere conveys a feeling of autumn and cosiness. The scent of chestnuts evokes nostalgic memories of cold days.
© iStock

Where can I find roasted chestnuts?

The best recipe against nippy winter weather is indulging on warming seasonal comfort food. We’re looking forward to mulled wine, hot chocolate, candied almonds – and Marroni (roasted chestnuts)! In Bern, there are numerous stalls that sell the tasty winter treat.

Das Bild zeigt zwei Personen beim Weihnachts-Shopping vor einem festlich dekorierten Schaufenster. Sie lachen und halten Geschenktüten in den Händen. Die Stimmung ist fröhlich und festlich, mit einem Hauch von Vorfreude auf die Feiertage.

Tired of unimaginative ties and matching pyjamas under the Christmas tree?

Gift guide: Bernese Christmas gifts