Bern skyline glowing under twilight skies during winter season

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Christmas Markets in Bern

6 MarketsSwitzerland

Christmas markets in Bern

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Weather

Climate averages and forecast for Bern

9-Day Forecast

Updated daily from MET Norway

Mon

Mar 2

55°F

33°F

Tue

Mar 3

58°F

34°F

Wed

Mar 4

57°F

33°F

Thu

Mar 5

55°F

35°F

Fri

Mar 6

58°F

37°F

Sat

Mar 7

59°F

34°F

Sun

Mar 8

53°F

34°F

Mon

Mar 9

40°F

31°F

0 in

Tue

Mar 10

51°F

30°F

0.1 in

Weather forecast from MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)

Experience Bern

Watch videos showcasing the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere

BERN CHRISTMAS MARKET | SWITZERLAND

In this food tour of the Bern Switzerland Christmas Market, you'll get to enjoy some of the best food the markets has to offer! You'll seeeverything from traditional Swiss dish to mouth-watering desserts, and everything in between! What are you waiting for? Swap your traditional Christmas dinner for a food tour and enjoy some of the best eats Bern has to offer! This tour is perfect for food lovers of all levels of enjoyment! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND HELP ME reach my goal of a 1000 subs! Thank you

Christmas Markets Bern - Travel Guide

The Christmas Markets in Bern are lovely and well worth visiting if you're in Switzerland late November into December. We've put this guide together to illustrate where the main markets are and what to expect when you get there. We'll also cover off the average weather and information on how to get to Bern by Air, Car and Train. Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE for alerts on all future travel guide uploads Why not follow us on our other channels: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/planestrainsand

Discover Bern

Explore the magical atmosphere of Bern's Christmas markets

User: (WT-shared) Strapontin at wts wikivoyage|CC BY-SA 4.0

Bern Federal Palace illuminated by moonlight during winter season

Axel Tschentscher|CC BY-SA 4.0

Plan Your Visit to Bern

Getting There

Most international visitors arrive via Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport, both connected to Bern by frequent direct trains taking approximately one to two hours. The city's central railway station is a major Swiss rail hub with excellent connections throughout the country and to neighboring nations. Bern is also accessible by car via Switzerland's well-maintained motorway network.

Where to Stay

The Old Town and surrounding Länggasse district place visitors within walking distance of central squares and attractions, with options ranging from historic hotels to family-run guesthouses. Staying near the railway station provides convenient access to both the city center and onward travel connections. Accommodations in Bern reflect Swiss standards of quality and cleanliness, with advance booking recommended during peak seasons.

Other Attractions

The UNESCO-listed Old Town features medieval arcades, the Zytglogge clock tower, and the Federal Palace overlooking the Aare River. The Bear Park offers views of the city's heraldic symbol in a natural riverside setting. Art enthusiasts appreciate the Zentrum Paul Klee, dedicated to the Swiss painter's works, while the Bern Historical Museum provides insight into regional culture and history. The Aare River invites scenic walks along its turquoise waters, and the Gurten mountain offers panoramic views accessible by funicular.

History & Culture

Founded in 1191 by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, Bern takes its name according to legend from a bear the duke hunted in the surrounding forests. The city became a Free Imperial City and grew into a powerful city-state, joining the Swiss Confederacy in 1353. Its strategic location and political influence led to Bern becoming the federal capital of Switzerland in 1848, a role it maintains today. The remarkably preserved medieval center, with its sandstone buildings and covered arcades stretching over six kilometers, reflects centuries of careful urban planning. These arcades have long provided shelter during winter months, creating gathering spaces that fostered community traditions through the generations. The city's blend of political significance and small-town character makes it distinctive, where federal government buildings stand alongside centuries-old fountains and towers, all framed by views of the distant Alps.

Bern Featured in Best Of Switzerland

6 markets ranked in our expert rankings

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6 markets • Sorted by popularity

Weihnachtsmarkt Münsterplatz

Münsterplatz

Free Entry

Family FriendlyCollectible MugsLocal VendorsHandmade OrnamentsHistoric Location

A magical Christmas market situated in front of the Bern Minster cathedral, featuring unique handmade items and local crafts. The market focuses on art and craftsmanship in an intimate atmosphere, with the Gothic-style Minster (built in 1893) providing a stunning backdrop. Known for excellent mulled wine in the 'Märitbeizli'.

Weihnachtsmarkt Waisenhausplatz

#11

Waisenhausplatz

Free Entry

Family FriendlyCollectible MugsLocal VendorsHandmade OrnamentsHistoric Location

One of Bern's main Christmas markets featuring traditional chalets with Swiss handcraft products and common market articles. Located in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, it offers warm food and hot drinks in a festive atmosphere. The market also includes an Old Year's Market and New Year's Market after Christmas.

Sternenmarkt

#14

Kleine Schanze

Free Entry

Live MusicFamily FriendlyCarouselCollectible MugsLocal Vendors

One of Bern's main Christmas markets featuring a large Christmas tree adorned with teddy bears and cozy wooden chalets. The market offers handmade gifts, mulled wine, raclette, and a heated fondue chalet seating around 200 people. The market is fully cashless and features festive lighting throughout.

Oscar Elch

#22

Ringgenpärkli Park

Free Entry

Family FriendlyCollectible MugsLocal VendorsFood CourtRomantic

A drinks-focused Christmas market featuring cozy open chalets where visitors can enjoy mulled wine and other beverages. Following European Christmas market tradition, a deposit is required for mugs which can be returned for change or kept as souvenirs.

Weihnachtsmarkt im Kulturhof Schloss Köniz

#25

Kulturhof - Schloss Köniz

Free Entry

Santa VisitsLive MusicCraft WorkshopsFamily FriendlyCarousel

A free Christmas market at the cultural center of Schloss Köniz, offering traditional customs and festive atmosphere with activities for children and families.