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Practical information

On which days are Bern's shops closed? What are the telephone numbers of emergency medical centres? Which web portals offer further information? These answers and other useful tips can be found here in the overview.

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.

Emergency numbers

  • Police

    117

  • Fire brigade

    118

  • Ambulance

    144

  • Intoxication

    145

  • Rescue helicopter (REGA)

    1414

  • Roadside assistance

    162

  • European emergency number

    112

  • General information

    1811

  • Help for children and young people

    147


Medical emergencies


Public holidays in Bern

  • 1 January, New Year's Day

  • 2 January, Berchtold's Day

  • Good Friday

  • Easter incl. Easter Monday

  • Ascension Day

  • Whit Monday

  • 1 August, bank holidays

  • 25 December, Christmas Day

  • 26 December, St Stephen's Day

The official public holidays may vary from canton to canton.


Shop opening hours in Bern

The following opening hours generally apply to shops in the city of Bern (deviations are possible):

  • Mon-Wed 9:00-19:00 Thu 9:00-21:00 Fri 9:00-19:00 Sat 9:00-18:00 Sun closed.

  • Sunday sales take place during Advent.

  • There are over 80 shops in Bern railway station, which are open 365 days a year. Different opening hours apply to them: On weekdays, most of them are open until 21:00, on weekends and public holidays until 20:00.

  • Canton of Berne: Sales


Did you know that Sundays are protected by several laws in Switzerland? For example, mowing the lawn, using the washing machine in a residential building or dumping bottles in recycling containers is not permitted on Sundays.

Useful platforms


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