Bern offers dozens of events every week – from legendary club nights at Dachstock to world-class art at Zentrum Paul Klee. WasGoht shows you all parties, concerts and cultural events on the Aare.
Bern – Where History Meets Subculture
The federal capital surprises with a vibrant scene you wouldn't expect behind its historic facades. Whether you're looking for techno beats, live jazz or a relaxed drink by the Aare river – Bern has something for every taste.
Clubs & Nightlife in Bern
The club scene is diverse and features the Reitschule, a unique centre for Swiss alternative culture:
- Dachstock (Reitschule) – The legendary club in the alternative cultural centre. Techno, drum'n'bass and international acts in a unique atmosphere.
- Kapitel – Electronic music in the catacombs beneath the old town. House, techno and local DJs.
- Sous Soul – Disco, funk and house in the heart of the city. The fine address for groove lovers.
- Bierhübeli – The institution for concerts and club nights. From rock to electro under one roof.
- Dampfzentrale – Culture and club on the Aare riverbank. Theatre, dance and electronic music in the old steam power plant.
- Mahogany Hall – The top address for jazz, blues and soul in an intimate setting.
The Reitschule is the heart of the alternative scene – a self-managed cultural centre with concerts, cinema and the legendary Dachstock. In the old town you'll find cosy bars in historic vaulted cellars.
Culture & Events in Bern
With its UNESCO old town and world-class museums, Bern is an underrated cultural city:
- Zentrum Paul Klee – Over 4,000 works by Paul Klee in Renzo Piano's architectural masterpiece
- Kunstmuseum Bern – Switzerland's oldest art museum with works from Picasso to Hodler
- Historical Museum – The Einstein Museum and Swiss history
- Bern Minster – Switzerland's largest late Gothic church with views over the city
- Stadttheater Bern – Opera, drama and dance
The Gurtenfestival makes Bern an open-air hotspot every summer with international acts. Add the street music festival Buskers Bern and the traditional Zibelemärit (onion market) in November.
Popular Districts for Going Out
Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage): Six kilometres of arcades invite you to stroll. In the cellar bars and pubs you'll meet locals and tourists. The atmosphere is cosy, the beer cold.
Matte: The former working-class district right on the Aare. Today the alternative heart of Bern with the Matte market, small shops and the 'Schwellenmätteli' right by the water.
Lorraine: The multicultural trendy district north of the old town. Cafés, bars and restaurants line up next to each other here. Young crowd, relaxed atmosphere.
Länggasse: The student quarter around the university. Affordable venues, lively atmosphere and always something going on during the week.
Breitenrain: 'Breitsch' is the local quarter with authentic charm. Fewer tourists, more locals – perfect for a relaxed evening.
What Makes Bern Special?
Bern is slower, more relaxed and more authentic than Zurich – and that's exactly what makes it appealing. In summer, locals meet for swimming in the Aare and drift through the city. Distances are short: from the Federal Palace to the Reitschule is a ten-minute walk. This mix of federal capital dignity and alternative subculture, of UNESCO World Heritage and graffiti on the Aare makes Bern an underrated insider tip for night owls.