Bern’s Old City hosts Zibelemärit on 23 November

Bern’s Old City (Berner Altstadt) will host Zibelemärit, the traditional onion market, on 23 November 2026 in Bern, Switzerland. The public market will spread through the historic centre, linking a seasonal event with one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval urban landscapes.

Zibelemärit brings a market to Bern’s Old City

The City of Bern lists Zibelemärit among its major annual events, held on the fourth Monday of November. In 2026, that calendar date is 23 November, and SBB’s event information places the market in Bern’s old town.

Hundreds of market stands will turn the centre into a large trading area. Farmers bring more than 50 tonnes of onions and garlic, often woven into braids, while the market also includes other traditional goods. The event is not confined to one hall or square: its setting includes the streets and public spaces of the upper historic centre.

The date gives visitors from Western Europe a clear autumn travel point. The market’s presence in the old town means that the event and the surrounding heritage streets form one visit rather than two separate attractions.

Market stalls meet a UNESCO-listed city plan

The Old City of Berne was founded in the twelfth century on a hill surrounded by the Aare River. UNESCO describes a coherent urban plan with broad streets used for markets, narrow and deep plots, sandstone buildings and arcades.

The site includes fifteenth-century arcades and sixteenth-century fountains, while much of the medieval town was restored in the eighteenth century. The relationship with Zibelemärit is practical as well as visual: the market uses streets designed as part of the historic urban structure rather than a modern exhibition venue. UNESCO’s site description records the city’s continuing role as a living centre of work, commerce and public activity.

Bern’s Old City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. Bern Welcome records six kilometres of arcades, which provide covered routes beneath the sandstone buildings and connect many of the streets used in the market area. Its visitor information also identifies Bern’s main station as a central arrival point. Bern Welcome’s guide places the station at Bahnhofplatz, near the northern approach to the old city.

Visiting Bern’s Old City: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Zibelemärit takes place on 23 November 2026 across Bern’s Old City and the surrounding central streets.
• The event is a public outdoor market, so visitors will find stalls spread through the historic centre rather than a single indoor venue.
• The practical rail arrival is Bern main station; SBB directs visitors on foot via Bahnhofplatz towards Bärenplatz, Bundesplatz and the city centre.
• The arcades provide covered pedestrian routes, while the historic streets, slopes and varied paving remain part of the urban setting.
• Switzerland’s official languages include German, French, Italian and Romansh, and the national currency is the Swiss franc.

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Frequently asked questions about Bern’s Old City

When does Zibelemärit take place at Bern’s Old City?

Zibelemärit takes place on 23 November 2026, the fourth Monday of November, across Bern’s historic centre.

Where is Bern’s Old City and how do you get there?

The historic centre lies around the Aare River in Bern. SBB directs visitors from Bern main station through Bahnhofplatz towards the central market area.

What is Bern’s Old City?

It is the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Bern, founded in the twelfth century and known for its medieval plan, sandstone buildings and arcades.