As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, and as the aroma of gingerbread fills the air and those first tentative snowflakes are falling, it’s the time for the Christmas markets to open.
In fact, the many such markets held in the canton of Bern are a special feature of the region and most of them have a long tradition behind them. They not only offer a shopping experience, but they also focus on the traditional crafts.
Bern
There are two locations in the Swiss Capital where you can enjoy a romantic stroll against a unique backdrop of historic buildings. While on the Waisenhausplatz (German) there are all manner of things on sale at the market, at the market on the Münsterplatz (German) it is the handicrafts that take centre stage. Here you will find the perfect Christmas gift - with everything from hand-blown Christmas tree balls to exquisite wood carvings to choose from. With as many as 50,000 visitors each year, the Christmas market in the Oberaargau "Flower Town" of Huttwil (German) is by far the largest and most popular in the Mittelland. And in the Emmental, a visit to the Kambly Christmas market is sure to draw you into a contemplative and reflective mood.
Christmas market Bern, Bern RegionChristmas market Bern, Bern Region
Interlaken
The holiday region of Interlaken is home to countless Christmas markets, all just waiting to be discovered. Of these, the largest and best known are the markets on the Waisenhausplatz in Thun (German) and the "Experiences Christmas Market" (German) in Brienz. Here, at ninety market stalls in an historic, festively decorated part of the village, there are regional products, artistic Christmas decorations and fine wood carvings on sale. And, through their nativity figures, you can also gain an insight into the work of the world-famous local woodcarvers. And likewise, let the Christmas market in Interlaken (German) next to the Top of Europe work its magic on you – ICE MAGIC as well as the Advent and Christmas market at the Stadthausplatz in Unterseen. Top of Europe – ICE MAGIC, Interlaken
Jungfrau Region
This year, at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, there will once again be Christmas markets where you can enjoy a reflective and relaxing time, for example in Lauterbrunnen Christmas market Lauterbrunnen, Jungfrau Region
Gstaad
During the pre-Christmas period, Winterzauber Gstaad (Winter Magic Gstaad) and the Christmas market Saanen are a delightful place to spend time and explore. Festively decorated chalets, music stages and an ice rink all transform the Saanenland into an atmospheric world of fascinating experiences.
The Christmas market at the Blausee (German) in the Kandertal is definitely worth a visit. Here, there are 45 exhibitors offering regional products in a fairy-tale setting where the focus is more on the romance than on the carnival atmosphere.
Lenk
A festive atmosphere is very much the order of the day at the Christmas market at Lenk - so much so that even Santa Claus makes his appearance on a donkey. Christmas market Lenk, Lenk-Simmental
So yes, do make a point of visiting the Christmas markets in our region and soak up that wonderful pre-Christmas atmosphere.
November 24th – December 26th, 2018
Christmas market Huttwil
November 30th – December 2nd, December 7th - 9th, 2018
