10 Bernese highlights in July

“Olé, olé”, that’s the soundtrack of July. The UEFA Women’s Euro is coming to Bern, with matches played in the legendary Wankdorf Stadium, the setting of more than a few iconic football moments. From 1 to 27 July 2025, the entire city centre turns into one giant football celebration. Want to catch the games? You’ll find plenty of public viewing spots across town: from classic sports bars for cheering to laid-back restaurants to open-air screens under the sky. Where to watch:

• Fan Zone, Bundesplatz

• Sportsbar, Corner Waisenhausplatz

• Piazza im Park, Hirschengraben

• Restaurant Bar Löscher, Viktoriaplatz

• Eniline Bar, Junkerngasse

• Summer Beach

• Caffè Bar Riva

• Progr Turnhalle

• Raum und Zeit, Liebefeldpark

• Pinprinza, Cafébar im Schloss Bümpliz

• Café Hueber

• Café Kairo

• Kulturhof Schloss Köniz

• Gustavs Biergarten

All of Bern has caught the football bug. Even a shopping spree through Bern’s old town comes with a side of football spirit: from flags and creative displays to colourful eye-catchers – shop windows across the city are joining the celebration. Wander through the old town and you’ll hear more than just footsteps on the cobblestones: there’s rustling, ringing, splashing, and bursts of spontaneous football chants drifting through the streets.

In tune with the Women’s Euro, this special city tour celebrates strong women who helped shape Bern. From the city’s earliest midwives to pioneering social workers to Switzerland’s first female Federal Councillor: their stories echo through the old town’s alleys. The tour highlights what’s often overlooked, spotlighting women whose courage, conviction and care made history. See Bern through the eyes of those who pushed boundaries and paved the way.

As the sun dips lower and the water nymphs and river gods emerge from the River Aare, bikinis and swim trunks give way to blankets and popcorn, and a new mood settles over Marzili: It’s movie time! From 21 to 26 July, Marzili Movie returns with a vibrant open-air cinema line-up full of cinematic gems. This year, it’s all about Greece, complete with a live musical warm-up by duo “ela ela” before each screening. Tickets are available with or without (limited) deckchair rental. Or do it yourself: Bring your own folding chair (or anything comfy), sit back, listen in – and action.

What’s your rhythm? Balfolk, Lindy Hop, Line dance or maybe tango? From 17 to 20 July, the 13^th edition of the Vertanzt dance festival takes place in Röthenbach in the Emmental, four days packed with workshops, concerts and dance nights. You’ll dance to live music on the grass, in the hall, or around the campfire. Because really, what’s better than dancing with friends, old and new, on a warm summer’s evening?

Bern is full of green oases – but some of them reveal their beauty only to those who listen closely. We’ve rounded up our favourite spots to swim, unwind or simply wander around. Our tips include peaceful spots along the River Aare, quiet lakes in the Oberaargau with birdsong in the background, meandering rivers in the postcard-perfect Emmental, and the gentle trickle of small streams or rushing mountain brooks in the Gantrisch Nature Park or historic Laupen. So grab your bike, start pedalling and savour this summer.

Get ready to celebrate like there’s no tomorrow. Most locals have the 16 to 19 July 2025 marked in their calendars. It’s Güsche (Gurten) time. And a few tickets to the iconic Gurten Festival are still up for grabs. One of this year’s highlights? Switzerland’s Eurovision singer Zoë Më is taking the Waldbühen stage on Wednesday. Not heading up the mountain this year? No worries, there’s plenty happening at its feet. The now-legendary Gugus Gurte offers a feast for all the senses. And for those itching to party early, don’t miss the open-air rave in the heart of Bern’s Museum District.

Starting on 16 July, getting lost is officially encouraged! The maize maze in Friensiberg is back. You’ll hear the rustling stalks, kids’ laughter and echoes of playful shouts before you even arrive. In short: the maze is alive. Winding your way through towering maize stalks is a full-on adventure, where nature and fun go hand in hand. Need a break mid-quest? Enjoy a drink or snack in the maze itself or take a breather in the idyllic monastery garden. Want to stretch the experience? The historic bed & breakfast is perfect for that. The self-service “Chloschetermuur” is open all year round. And beyond the maze, you’ll find monastery art, history, and accessible experiences for everyone.

If you’ve ever dipped your head under while swimming in the River Aare, you’ll have heard them – the rolling Alpine stones. In Bern, river swimming isn’t just a pastime. It’s culture. It’s a way of life. That’s where this story begins: With David Godio, a passionate Aare diver. With a sharp eye and steady hand, he fishes out what swimmers and Aare rafters leave behind: designer sunnies, brand new smartphones, jewellery – modern relics of summer. The “Blubbb” exhibition at Raum Biwak displays his poetic collection of underwater artefacts, each one telling a story of moments, everyday items and encounters below the surface. A refreshing project from Alps that invites you to see the Aare with new eyes.

When there’s a queue outside a gelato shop in Bern, don’t rush – join in. Here, we like to take our time. And when the temperatures rise, there’s only one way to cool down. And is there a better feeling? That first “plop” of the scoop hitting the tub. The soft crack of the cone tip breaking. And in between? Licking, smacking, mmming. That’s the taste (and sound) of summer in Bern. Whether it’s raspberry-ginger, dark chocolate or a zingy white currant sorbet served in a cup or a crisp cone: These gelaterias in and around Bern will make your sweet tooth sing.