10 April highlights in Bern

With the long Easter weekend just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for a getaway. To make sure your holidays don’t just slip away, we’ve gathered some tips for a vibrant weekend in Bern. How about moving the traditional “Eiertütsche” (egg tapping) from your brunch table at home to Kornhausplatz, where you can test your skills against new opponents? You could also try your hand at moulding your own chocolate bunny at Bread à Porter or Cioccolateria Nobile. And if you’ve had your fill of treats, head out for an Easter stroll or cycle through the blossoming countryside.

If you prefer an Easter brunch at home, we recommend buying your ingredients directly from the farm to guarantee that “something special” on your breakfast table. The region’s many charming farm shops offer local honey, fresh “Ankezüpfe” (braided bread), seasonal fruits, jams, and fine cheeses. Many of these shops are easy to reach by bike or e-bike, making it the perfect excuse to combine your shopping with a ride through the landscapes waking up from their winter slumber.

After much anticipation, the secret of what has been happening behind the scaffolding opposite the Swiss National Bank is finally being unveiled. On 10 April, the Kaiserhaus opens its doors, offering a mix of gastronomy, local boutiques, and the new “Moneyverse” exhibition – a collaboration between the National Bank and the Bernisches Historisches Museum (Museum of History). Everything here revolves around one of humanity’s most significant inventions: money. Whether you’re exploring visionary ideas on the Utopia Phone, learning about ancient currencies, or getting exclusive insights into the National Bank’s work, “Moneyverse” is split into four distinct worlds and offers an interactive, multimedia approach to learning, with a focus on accessibility for all. And the best part? Even though it’s all about money, admission is free.

Picturesque Laupen has become the scene of a crime: Odysseus the cat has been kidnapped from a locked car, leaving behind only a mysterious note. Luckily, the cat-napping is purely fictional. It’s the starting point for “Crime Time Laupen”, a brand-new, interactive outdoor detective experience. From 23 April, amateur sleuths armed with smartphones can hunt for clues across the historic town. You’ll need to solve riddles at real-life locations to crack the case. It’s a playful way for teams, families, clubs, school classes and other groups to discover Laupen’s sights while hopefully finding out what happened to poor Odysseus.

Strolling through the many market stalls is just the thing to bring the locals out of their winter hibernation and into the heart of the action. As it does every year, this traditional event at the Bernexpo grounds becomes a meeting point for all generations. From 24 April to 3 May, around 750 exhibitors will be delighting visitors with a colourful array of attractions. The “Stage” hall deserves special attention this year, with a focus on the diverse regional products Bern has to offer. Freshly baked bread, delicious cheeses, homemade jams, and other lovingly prepared treats are waiting to be sampled. The various animals provide plenty of “aww” moments, and if you still have energy to burn, the Lunapark awaits!

New life for old parts: that’s the motto for Bern’s big race, the soapbox derby taking place at Klösterlistutz on 26 April. During the spring holidays, the sound of hammers and drills will once again echo through Bern’s neighbourhoods as daring teams set out to build the fastest and most creative race cars. New to building? Don’t worry. During the dedicated “build days”, expert support, basic materials, and the right tools are all provided. This way, (almost) nothing stands in your way to the gold medal. And for the more mellow among us: you’re still more than welcome at the track. After all, the racers need to be cheered on from the sidelines. Please note: If you want to race, you must register in advance.

Speaking of the Gurten: we’ve discovered a new gem at the foot of the funicular – Jojo’s. This little restaurant is a treat for anyone with an eye for beautiful interiors. The cosy wooden tables and chairs combined with green walls and leafy décor are an instant invitation to sit back and enjoy. The menu takes you on a journey to Turkey and France: choose from Kumpir Bowls (traditional oven-baked potatoes with tzatziki and veg), Turkish Kofte (beef meatballs), or daily changing lunch specials. If you’re craving a taste of Alsace, their Flammkuchen (tarte flambée) are also mouth-wateringly delicious. P.S.: don’t worry if the restaurant is full – many dishes are available for takeaway.

Spanish is easily one of the most popular foreign languages in Switzerland, after English. And what better way to master the language and learn about the culture than by diving into its literature? On 24 and 25 April, the Progr hosts Switzerland’s first Spanish literary fair. Featuring books from across the Spanish-speaking world – from Spain to Latin America – it’s a chance to browse works, attend readings, workshops, and signing sessions, and truly immerse yourself in the language and its literature.

On 26 April, Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town will sparkle with new life as residents dust off their shelves and clear out their cellars. The treasures they’ve found will be seeing the light of day at the Vide Grenier, the popular old town flea market. From 10 am, you can wander through the stalls on Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse. Pro tip: if you want the best finds, get there early! Afterwards, there’s plenty of time to enjoy a long brunch at one of Bern’s lovely cafés and admire your new favourite pieces over coffee and a “Gipfeli” (croissant) to make the experience all the sweeter.

Nature is waking up, and the first buds are reaching for the sun. Spring has officially arrived! You can see it for yourself on 29 April on Bundesplatz, which hosts Bern’s traditional wild plant market. This year, you can choose the perfect additions for your garden or balcony from around 400 different species of wild plants. Under the motto “Organic Plant Production”, experts will be on hand to answer all your gardening questions. How are wild plants produced organically, and what does it take for a plant to be ready for market day? Want to get stuck in? Get your hands dirty with some potting and pricking out.