10 Bern highlights in March

When it comes to your choice of cinema snacks, you’re usually either one or the other: Team Salty (popcorn) or Team Sweet (ice cream and M&M’s). Real pros treat themselves to both – popcorn before the film starts and a sweet dessert during the interval. Whichever team you’re on, if you’re an avid cinemagoer and love your cinema snack traditions, you should mark 5–8 March in your calendar. The Kult-Attack Film Festival at Ciné Club Bern is showing 22 films over four days – this year’s edition is all about the 1970s. A quick look at the programme and you can tell that the Seventies were a wild decade in film history. From “The Exorcist” to Stephen King’s “Carrie” to “A Clockwork Orange”, there’s plenty to see. If these types of films put you off popcorn and sweets, there are also less scary options to choose from: the musical “Hair” and the Swiss comedy “Die Schweizermacher” are also on the menu – err, programme.

Impressive installations, art and history galore, and plenty of Oohs and Aahs: it’s the Night of the Museums in Bern! This year, it will be taking place on 20 March, once again offering a tightly packed, highly diverse programme that leaves nothing to be desired. What will it be? Moving to the beat at the legendary silent disco in the Museum Quarter, perhaps? Or a visit to the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) with its priceless view of the old town by night and exciting facts and figures about the city’s famous monument? To pass the time while you’re queueing for the always highly popular attraction, you can now treat yourself to “Bärner Mümpfeli” (Bernese nibbles) from Ragaz Catering’s food truck nearby. By the way: the quickest way to get tickets for the event is by stopping by the Tourist Information at Bern railway station, which is open until 8 p.m. on the day of the event.

This March, the town of Burgdorf is dedicating an entire day to the beverage made of hops, malt and water. Its legendary (craft) beer festival Let it Beer will take place on 21 March in the Markthalle in Burgdorf. Prepare your taste buds, as regional and even a few international breweries will be presenting their best, newest, and most unique beers. Be it purist classics, innovative craft creations, or non-alcoholic versions, Let it Beer has it all. Over 30 breweries will be present, along with twelve food stands to help you “bödele” (eat so the alcohol doesn’t affect you too quickly, literally: make a floor) and enjoy the beer festival to the fullest. The culinary options from around the world include Asian ramen and bao buns, Hungarian Lángos, Venezuelan delicacies and more.

Beer fans can look forward to a second beer-themed highlight in March: our latest city tour, the “Popping to the Pub” guided tour, on the 25^th. On the tour, participants immerse themselves in British, Irish and local beer culture. Accompanied by beer experts, they visit four different pubs, learn fun and interesting facts, and enjoy professional beer tastings with three different beers at each location. This tour gives participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of pub culture, beer history and the brewing process. The perfect activity for true ale aficionados.

If you’re eager to expand your knowledge, circle in 25–29 March in your calendar: the city tour festival is finally back after four long years. This year’s theme is “New perspectives on the city”, and the over 40 tours will offer you the chance to rediscover the city of Bern and its stories. Whether you want to get to know the perspectives of deaf people, the homeless, or undocumented migrants, twist ‘n’ shake your way through various dance studios, take in the city’s scents, or accompany the night watchman on a night-time tour through Bern’s history – the festival has something for everyone. To open your eyes to new perspectives, get your festival pass and register for your chosen tours today – places are limited.

For many sports enthusiasts, March marks the beginning of outdoor season, and running shoes and bikes are brought up from the basement. Just like the bears at the bear park, we are coming out of hibernation with the warmer weather. If you’re looking for some social motivation to get started, why not sign up for a community run or join the Kraftakt cycling group? Exercising is so much more fun with a group of like-minded people. Afterwards, you can recharge your batteries at Kraftakt’s bistro in Stettlen. Their delicious wraps, avocado toasts and smoothies are the perfect reward after an intense training session. The bistro’s modern yet cosy interior completes the experience.

Spring is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to spend more family time outdoors again. Whether you’re headed outside for a walk on a themed trail, a playground adventure, or a family bike ride, a “Zvieri” (afternoon snack) break is essential. Luckily, there are many family-friendly cafés and restaurants in the region. One of them is Progr Turnhalle in the city of Bern. It used to be the gym of a school, and you can still spot basketball hoops, rings and wall bars around you. Come here in the afternoon to enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake while the kids play and explore.

Attention all nature lovers and photography fans: for a short period of time each spring, we get to experience the Rosengarten’s cherry trees in full bloom. You can reach the city’s most panoramic spot by taking a short walk from the Bear Park. If you’re lucky and the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds, pack a picnic blanket, a snack and a book before you head on over. It’s great for soaking up loads of vitamin D and good vibes – and of course taking the perfect pics for your instagram feed. If you prefer it a bit more sophisticated, swap the picnic blanket for a comfortable seat at the Rosengarten restaurant and marvel at nature’s beauty while enjoying a tasty apéritif.

We’ve all been there: a group of friends or colleagues want to go out for a meal together, but they all have different cravings – pizza, a spicy curry, burgers and chips, Lebanese mezze and shawarma. Here to solve your food dilemma and ensure everyone’s happy is Bern’s brand-new Halle 16, a street food market with six different vendors in “food boxes” offering international delicacies. An in-house café and wine bar provides the drinks. And visiting Halle 16 is not only a treat for the palate, but also for the eyes: it’s located in an old industrial hall on the Von Roll site, right next to the Bern University of Teacher Education. It has been freshly renovated and expanded, but its industrial charm remains.

The culinary month of March is ideal for hosting your next dinner party – which in turn is the perfect opportunity to try some recipes from the new cookbook you got for Christmas, plan a shopping trip to the farmers’ market for ingredients and flowers, and gather some tablescaping inspiration. If you don’t have any suitable table décor, head to the lower old town and browse your way through its many pretty boutiques. We particularly recommend Iljos Cucina, a true gem for kitchen accessories, tableware and gifts.