10 Bernese highlights in September

Just a stone’s throw away from Bern’s Eigerplatz, the historic Villa Stucki sits surrounded by trees and greenery. Time seems to move a little slower here. The perfect setting, then, for a cosy bistro. That’s exactly what friends Anya and Maura thought when they opened their summer pop-up, Bistro Anya. Sadly, on 6 September, we’ll have to say goodbye to this little gem, known for its delicious seasonal food and varied wine list. But the farewell will be one to remember: On Saturday, Villa Stucki hosts “Pétanque und Sprudel” (“Pétanque and Bubbles”), an evening of boules, food, drink and great conversation. From 10 p.m., the villa transforms into a dance floor with a DJ to keep the party going. A fitting finale to this neighbourhood summer fairytale.

In September, sustainability always takes centre stage as part of the Bern Sustainability Days. The celebration kicks off on 6 September with a large opening festival. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Bahnhofplatz will be closed to traffic and transform into a lively pedestrian zone with around 30 participating organisations, local food stalls, a colourful children’s programme and intimate concerts. From making seed bombs to a game of table tennis or a sewing workshop, everything revolves around ideas for a more sustainable city. And the celebrations continue for two weeks with a diverse programme across the city.

Generation X and older will surely remember him well: HD Läppli, the endearingly clumsy cult figure from Swiss television. And perhaps even more legendary was his favourite way to get around: the Swiss army bicycle. Fast forward to today and two-wheel technology has come a long way. You can see it for yourself on 7 September at the popular “Hallo Velo!” bicycle festival on Bundesplatz (Parliament Square). Here, the latest models of our favourite mode of transport take centre stage, alongside a kids’ course, a grand cycle parade, and spectacular mountain bike and Flatland shows. Bern Welcome will also be there, ready to share tips on cycling in the Bern region and help you print your very own exclusive t-shirt on their screen-printing bike.

Just one week later, on 14 September, the bicycle also takes centre stage in Oberaargau and Emmental, when it’s time for the annual Slow up. For one Sunday, a 38-kilometre route is completely closed to all motor traffic, so the entire stretch belongs to bicycles, in-line skates, wheelchairs or even a good pair of walking shoes. The pace and distance are entirely up to you. Whether you take a leisurely cruise past flower-decked farmhouses and scenic valleys or go full speed ahead, the event is free for everyone. Along the way, animation zones provide entertainment and refreshment for participants of all ages looking to take a break.

Summer, just like all good things, must come to an end – at least on our local mountain. On 14 September we are letting loose at the big autumn festival. For many families, a visit to the festival has become something of a tradition, one they can continue in 2025. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., this local recreation area transforms into a vibrant fair with plenty of activities and games. There’s face painting for children, artistic performances on the stage and more games than you could ever wish for.

Few things embody Swiss tradition as vividly as the Alpabzug. Every autumn, when summer grazing on the alpine pastures comes to an end, beautifully adorned cows and goats, bells ringing, return to the valley. Farmers in traditional dress lead the way, celebrating the close of the Alpine season with a spectacle that delights locals and visitors alike. In September, there are several chances to experience this living tradition. On 19 September, the villages of Sumiswald and Wasen in Emmental host particularly impressive processions. Equally festive, though not arriving straight from the mountain pastures, is the “Sichlete” on 15 September in the heart of Bern. On this day, the Bern Farmer’s Union brings their animals, customs and Alpine products right to the city centre. The procession winds its way to Bundesplatz (Parliament Square), culminating in a lively festival showcasing regional traditions and products.

Bern is lucky to be surrounded by beautiful hiking areas. After spending the summer weekends by the water, we now look forward to lacing up our hiking boots more often. After all, an autumn hike is something of a tradition here. If you’re looking for the perfect route, we recommend a trip to the Napf region. Rising to 1,406 metres, the Napf mountain towers over spectacular natural landscapes, offering breathtaking views and countless hiking trails. This area connects the canton of Bern to the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch in the canton of Lucerne, offering a wide range of experiences in untouched nature.

Swiss traditions are not limited to yodelling, traditional dress, hiking or flower-adorned cows. Our world-renowned dual education system has also been a cornerstone for generations. From 17 to 21 September, vocational training takes the spotlight at the Bern Expo site with the fourth professional skills competition, Swiss Skills 2025. Over 1,100 young talents from more than 90 professions will compete in Bern for the coveted Swiss championship title, and with it, the chance to represent Switzerland at the World Championships. In addition to the trilling competitions, the event is the perfect opportunity for young people exploring their career paths to get inspired and find answers to their questions about vocational training.

More and more people are longing for the old, simple times: telling stories by the fire, cooking dinner from homegrown vegetables, and making things by hand instead of ordering them online. The Brächete Zäziwil on 24 September offers just that: nostalgia, romance and living tradition. At the market, you can watch how linen is made from flax and how it’s crafted into unique products. And did you know: the Brächete is on the canton of Bern’s register of living traditions. It truly is an event full of heart and history.

The current special exhibition “Law in Transition: Courts and Judges in the History of Thun” makes it clear that not every tradition is worth saving. This fascinating display offers visitors an insight into Thun’s turbulent judicial history, including the infamous “blood court” for particularly serious crimes. It’s an experience that will captivate history buffs and true crime fans alike. Using original sources, the exhibition brings real cases and fates vividly to life. And speaking of true crime: In September, Bernese author Matto Kämpf and journalist Urs Gilgen will take to the castle’s Knights’ Hall to recount, in three parts, the chilling backstory of the notorious Kehrsatz murder.