12 Bernese highlights in August

Move over, “Happy Birthday” – on the anniversary of the foundation of Switzerland on 1 August, we’re singing the national anthem. And what better place to do that than in front of the Government and Parliament Building of the nation? That is where Switzerland’s birthday party is traditionally celebrated in Bern. From 11 a.m., there will be a variety of concerts and activities as well as a culinary highlight: a long barbecue across the square where visitors can grill their own lunch side by side. The 26 water jets – one for each canton – integrated into the square provide fun and refreshment. Grab your BBQ tongs and join the celebration!

Looking for a cool place – literally and figuratively – to escape the heat? We recommend visiting one of Bern’s many museums. It pays off double in August: instead of a trip to the hot and crowded beaches of Southern Europe, the various exhibitions offer an exciting journey to the past (air conditioning included). And admission to 14 museums in Bern is free on every Saturday in August thanks to the campaign “Gratis ins Museum” (free visits to the museum). How about the “Greenland” exhibition at the Alps followed by a matcha iced tea at the bar in the museum park, for example?

Escaping the summer heat, gaining new insights into the city’s past and taking in breathtaking views over Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town? We’re in! The dream combo can be found on the guided tour of the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). Experienced guides take visitors behind the face of the centuries-old clock and relate the history of one of Bern’s most iconic monuments. In addition to learning more about the attraction in the heart of the city, you’ll also get to enjoy the cool interior of the stone tower and the views from the top. This tour is great for tourists and natives alike, packed with interesting anecdotes and facts that make for great conversation starters during your next “Fübi” (from “Feuerabendbier”, after-work beer) in Rathausgasse – who else would know, for example, what the different figurines represent?

On 2 August, we’re hoisting the rainbow flag – it’s Bern Pride day! At 2 p.m., a colourful parade will set off from Waisenhausplatz, filling the streets of the old town with music, glitter and good vibes. It is followed by the Pride celebration on Bundesplatz with music by Pato, Iliria and others and drag shows by six unique performers. Under this year’s motto, “Fröid, Widerstand und Liebi” – joy, resistance and love, the Bern Pride is once again rallying for the rights of the queer community with speeches, rainbow colours everywhere, and positive energy.

Electronic music, glitter and good vibes can also be found outside the federal city on 2 August: at the Sommerliebe festival in the “Badi” (public pool) in Ostermundigen. A promising lineup with national and international DJs awaits, ready to get the ground shaking! Added bonus: cool off for free – if you’re starting to overheat from all the dancing, you can jump into the pool and enjoy the beats from there. The festival is a family-friendly event; there’s childcare on site and the hotel Harrys Home is just around the corner for overnight accommodation. All set for a summer day rave!

If you watch the natives floating down the river on a hot day, you’ll notice that most of them have a brightly coloured Aarebag bobbing up and down beside them. Valuables, clothes and a towel are stored in the waterproof bag – which, conveniently, has a map of the Aare loop with all entry/exit points printed on it – and brought along on the swim. Do as the locals do and equip yourself with the Marzilian set consisting of an Aarebag and a matching microfibre towel, available in a summery orange or lavender. Whether you’re going for a quick after-work dip in Aare or spending the day at one of the many natural bathing spots in the region, you’ll always have a piece of Bernese joie de vivre with you.

Grab your loved ones and some popcorn and get cosy on your picnic blanket – the iconic Kino im Kocher is back! From 6 to 16 August, we’ll be spending the warm summer nights enjoying good company, good food and selected cinematic highlights. Forgot to bring snacks? No problem! You’ll find classic cinema snacks as well as yummy Asian food by Little Panda and Mondo on site. If you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, treat yourself to a tasty gelato by s-Enzen. What are you waiting for? Fill your picnic basket and save yourself a spot! Admission to the movies is free, donations are welcome.

Troubadours, oversize camels and colourful dance crews taking over the streets of Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town can only mean one thing: the street performance festival Buskers is back! From August 7 to 9, artists from all over the world will have everyone in the federal city dancing, cheering, ooh-ing and aah-ing. The wonderful thing about the Buskers is that even if you’ve been a million times, there is always something new to see. The event is free, but it’s worth buying a “Bändeli” (wristband) to support the artists and a programme to make sure you don’t miss any of your favourite performances! By the way: the wristbands can also be purchased ahead of time at the Tourist Information in Bern’s main station.

As if beautiful walks, idyllic scenery, the Orangerie for drinks and nibbles, Gelateria di Berna ice cream, and a fun playground weren’t already enough, Elfenau Park also has a select cultural programme: from 15 August to 1 September, it is hosting the Elfenau Kultursommer event series with performances by a total of 18 artists from the fields of music, theatre and literature. Organiser Idée Bern’s philosophy is that the cultural events should be accessible to a wide variety of audiences. This is reflected in the diverse programme on the one hand, with concerts ranging from classical music to contemporary jazz to brass band music to world music as well as readings and more. On the other hand, admission is free, and all voluntary donations go to the artists.

Yes, you read correctly – the town of Schwarzenburg on the edge of the Gantrisch Nature Park has been around for a thousand years. Now that’s worth celebrating! There have already been various festivities since the beginning of the year, including an anniversary exhibition in the Gantrisch Regional Museum, the joint planting of 1,000 trees, and a youth theatre performance. The grand celebration will take place from 21 to 24 August with concerts, activities for the entire family and attractions from the 23 village associations. Whether it’s arcade games, a race through the town, or gripping readings – there’s something for everyone. If you need a moment to cool off, take a seat under the large marquee and enjoy a cold beer or refreshing iced tea.

Soon after the last whistle at the Women’s EURO in July, another sporting highlight awaits: From 27 to 29 August, Bern is hosting the Swiss Beach Volleyball Championships. Eight women’s teams and eight men’s teams will be competing during the three-day event on Bundesplatz. This includes two junior teams, who will get the opportunity to participate in the tournament alongside the seasoned players thanks to the so-called wild card. The event is free and definitely worth a visit. Why not change up your lunch break and watch a game while you eat, or go for a “Fübi” (after-work beer) in the stands in front of the imposing Parliament Building? A variety of street food stalls right next to the centre court provide food and drink.

To adequately wrap up the month, we’re headed to a castle! To Laupen Castle, to be exact, for the Schlossfestspiele from 28 to 31 August – four days filled with classical music from national and international professional musicians as well as local formations and music schools. Guests are entertained by performances by the Laupen Music School and taken onto a journey to the world of world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by the Bern Chamber Orchestra, among other highlights. You also have the opportunity to enjoy an elegant dinner at the castle beforehand.