10 Bernese Highlights in June

Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of a peek into other people’s homes? Take a look at the houses and flats of YouTube stars (on so-called Roomtours) or visit your friends after they’ve moved to a new place. After all, isn’t it at home where we meet our loved ones? It’s an intimate insight into other people’s lives. On the first weekend in June, Open House Bern opens the doors to over 40 buildings and outdoor spaces in Bern. You can take a guided tour, compile your own programme, or go to one of the selected locations and pick up a discovery booklet for kids.

Open the doors

On 1 June, “Itteme ibtle – d’ Matte läbt” (the Matte neighbourhood is alive) is the motto in Bern’s oldest district, the Matte, when local shops will showcase their lovingly crafted products and services. From ceramics to jewellery, braiding hair, a wide variety of textiles, experiencing coffee culture or trying out one or two culinary delights, there is something for everyone. And the best thing about it: having the time and opportunity to meet others, discover new things, to “spienzle” (peek) behind the doors and windows in the black district and to get to know the people behind the trade.

Go on a tour of discovery together

We have some bad news and some (super)good news: the beer garden at restaurant Altes Tramdepot will be under renovation and will therefore remain closed this year. That’s the bad news. Now onto the good news: since the start of the renovation phase in April, a cosy pop-up has been serving refreshing drinks and juicy burgers or bowls in this popular alehouse in Bern. The Bäre Balkon (bear balcony) is located in the small bear pit. So, if you want to enjoy the nice weather with other people, you can walk along the turquoise-blue Aare up until the bear pit and grab a cool beer at the new pop-up.

A refreshing excursion

Yodelling is an acoustic representation of Switzerland and deeply rooted in Swiss culture. From 14 to 16 June, Langnau will be transformed into a yodelling village and become a stage for alphorn players and flag throwers. During the festival, different generations from near and far are coming together to celebrate. And: the journey to the beautiful Emmental takes no time at all. The train journey from Bern is only 30 minutes.

Take a look at the programme

We antagonise each other, drive people apart, pigeonhole. Racism destroys so many things and is (unfortunately) still a pressing topic – Bern is no exception. The latest exhibition at the Bern Historical Museum explores the history and topicality of racism and colonialism. “Resistances. On dealing with racism in Bern” also draws attention to the social resistance that has accompanied the debate on colonialism from the very beginning.

More information

Every second Saturday in June, the entire community – including visitors from near and far – are coming together in Sumiswald’s village centre. The market starts with a bang (literally, the Maritz artillery cannons will make the ground shake) on 8 June at 8:30 a.m. You can browse the 150 market stalls and observe basket weavers, tile fixers, water pipe drillers, shingle makers and “Wöschwyber” (washerwomen) in action. And you’ll of course be able to buy their goods. These old and almost forgotten crafts are accompanied by culinary delicacies from the region.

Insights into old times

If you love enchanting sounds and beautiful landscapes, you’re in for a special treat in the middle of the month. That’s when the “Klangantrisch” is taking place on the Riggisberg. For several evenings from 2 to 9 June, orchestras and talented singers will take the stage. On Saturday, the castle gardens will be hosting family day and on Sunday, school concerts will take place at the Abegg foundation. Pardon? Gantrisch is soooo far away? Not at all! It’s only 45 minutes by public transport, so it’s even suitable for city kids.

To the tickets

Watch out, trainer heroes (and everybody cheering them on): on 9 June, the streets of the Unesco-listed Old Town will literally be overrun by the Swiss Women’s Run, the largest women’s sporting event in Switzerland. The discipline “Running” consists of five distances ranging from a 500-metre sprint to a whopping ten kilometres. If you don’t like the pressure of races, you might want to consider participating in the “Easy Walk for all”. “Participation is everything” truly is the motto here: there’s no timekeeping or rankings, only winners. And in addition, you’ll be raising awareness for breast cancer.

Register now

¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! ¡Ándale! On 8 June, the Münsterplatz will transform into a meeting place for a wide variety of Latin American cultures. Indulge in tasty empanadas, Caribbean rum and colourful tacos and enjoy live music, handicrafts and other sorpresas (surprises). Grab your friends and family if you’re a fan of Latin American culture (or want to become one) and dive in – Bern is about to be very colourful.

Arriba

“Ladies and Gentlemen and everybody beyond, welcome on board.” Is your hand luggage stowed away and your seat belt fastened? Because this plane is on its way to open-air dancing. The AERO festival is taking place at Bern airport (Belp) on 29 June 2024 and introduces visitors to the best of techno music. In addition to music from international and national artists, you can enjoy refreshing drinks, various regional food trucks and a chill zone to recharge your batteries.

Get your tickets now