Bärner Fasnacht 2027: Carnival in Bern's Old Town

Welcome to the Bärner Fasnacht 2027 in Bern

From February 11 to 13, 2027, Bern's old town turns into a colorful stage full of music, masks and confetti. Ranked as Switzerland's third largest carnival after those of Basel and Lucerne, the Bärner Fasnacht fills the six kilometer long Bernese arcades with masked revelers and dozens of Guggenmusik bands.

Highlights and Attractions at Carnival in Bern

• The traditional Bärebefreiig on Thursday evening at the Käfigturm, when the carnival bear is symbolically awakened from hibernation
• Numerous Guggenmusik bands performing on several stages across the old town, including the Narrentempel on Kornhausplatz and the stage on Schmiedenplatz
• Satirical Schnitzelbank recitals held in around twenty historic restaurants and old town cellars
• A children's parade on Friday afternoon winding through the streets of the old town
• The grand parade on Saturday afternoon starting at Nydeggbrücke and continuing through Gerechtigkeitsgasse, Kramgasse and Marktgasse to Bundesplatz
• A distinct tradition from Zurich's Sechseläuten: rather than a spring guild parade centered on burning the Böögg, Bern offers a genuine multi day carnival full of masks, confetti and Guggenmusik
• Free admission to the entire program on the streets and squares of the old town

Program and Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

Thursday evening opens with the Bärebefreiig, followed by the first Schnitzelbank soirée and stages coming alive across the old town well past midnight. On Friday, the youngest carnival goers take part in the children's parade while five stages fill the evening with Guggenmusik. The grand parade on Saturday afternoon brings all the carnival cliques together as they march through the old town to Bundesplatz. The celebration then continues in the streets and taverns until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Tickets and Admission for the Bärner Fasnacht

The Bärner Fasnacht is a public street festival with no admission fee: every parade, stage show and street celebration is free to attend. Visitors who want to support the event can purchase a traditional carnival badge, available through the Verein Bärner Fasnacht web shop and at the Tourist Information office by Bern railway station.

Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Bern

• Bern's old town is only a short walk from the main railway station, making train travel the easiest option
• February brings wintry temperatures to Bern, so warm layers and sturdy shoes are recommended
• Since the carnival draws visitors from across Switzerland, booking accommodation in the city center early is a good idea
• For Schnitzelbank soirées in the popular old town cellars, an early arrival or reservation is worthwhile