Upcoming concerts in Bern 2024

About Bern

MUSIC

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and is famous for hosting The Bern Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1877. The city's streets often come alive with local musicians and music festivals, such as the Bern Jazz Festival and Buskers Bern. Bern's cozy cafes like Kulturhof Schloss Köniz feature live acoustic performances.

Züri West, one of Switzerland's most successful rock bands, originally hails from Bern. Their music often reflects the Swiss German dialect, connecting with local audiences on a deep level. Patent Ochsner, another notable band from Bern, blends rock, pop, and folk elements in their music. Led by the singer Büne Huber, the band has achieved widespread acclaim for their poetic lyrics.

Bern's music scene is not confined to specific genres; also showcases jazz, hip-hop, electronic, and experimental music. The Bee-flat im PROGR concert series and the Gurtenfestival, an annual music festival held on the Gurten hill, are just a couple of examples of events that celebrate this musical diversity.

CULTURE

The Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower, stands as an iconic symbol of the city. The Bern Historical Museum, Switzerland's second-largest historical museum, offers a journey through Bernese heritage, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to the present. Bern's Bear Park, a unique sanctuary for rescued bears, reflects the city's commitment to animal welfare. The Bernese dialect, a distinctive variation of Swiss German, adds to the city's cultural richness.

HISTORY

Bern, serving as the de-facto capital and often referred to as the federal city, houses the president and the federal palace, functioning as the core of the Swiss government and parliament. Meanwhile, Zurich stands as the country's financial capital.

Bern's history dates back to the 12th century, evident in its well-preserved medieval architecture. The Berner Münster, a Gothic cathedral, dominates the cityscape and offers panoramic views from its tower. The Bern Bundeshaus (Federal Palace), the seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly, is an architectural marvel with its neoclassical design. Bern's 16th-century fountains, adorned with intricate sculptures, tell stories of the city's past. The Bern Historical Museum's Einstein Museum pays homage to Albert Einstein, who developed his famous theory of relativity while residing in Bern.