Switzerland will host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. But which city in the Helvetic Confederation will welcome the thousands of artists, media people and fans? Geneva, Sankt Gallen, Basel and Fribourg have already expressed their interest. Other obvious options are Zurich and Bern. And why not Lausanne? Swiss broadcaster Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) also sees Biel/Bienne and Lucerne as viable options. Combined, Danny and I have visited almost all of them. So let us introduce them.
As capital of the Confoederatio Helvetica, Bern (or Berne) is an obvious candidate for the Eurovision Song Contest. After all, with 133,000 inhabitants Bern is the fifth-most populous city in Switzerland, behind Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne. But there are practical issues.
“After Nemo‘s victory at the Eurovision Song Contest, a hosting would actually be near Biel/Bienne or Bern”, SRF reports. Bie/Bienne is Nemo’s hometown.
Mayor of Bern Alec von Graffenried announced he expects SRF SRG, the corporation above SRF, to act first. However, Bern’s calendar is already full in the spring of 2025. With ice hockey playoffs, the spring fair BEA and the women’s football European Championship, which will place take shortly afterwards, many events are planned in the federal city and the event calendar is pretty full.
The municipal council, the executive, did not decide according to the city president. Together with Nemo’s hometown of Biel/Bienne, the trade fair organizer Bernexpo, the ice hockey club SCB and the tourism marketer Bern Welcome, the city will check whether the European singing competition would be possible at all.
There is no political consensus. Quite the oppositie. Cantonal president Philippe Müller, from the Radical-Liberal Party, wants the ESC to stay away, De Roze Golf reports. He deems the Contest to be corrupt and antisemitic. A reference to the highly contested participation of Israel, with very vocal proponents and opponents.
Mayor of Biel/Bienne Erich Fehr is scandalized by these words. And MP Manuel Widmer wants to know if Müller’s statements is supported by other members of the Canton of Bern government.
But, in theory there is the PostFinance Arena that can accommodate approximately 17,000 spectators. Although the building dates from 1967, the question is whether the arena still meets the standards to organize a modern Eurovision Song Contest, Songfestival.be interjects.
There is no problem in terms of hotel beds, with approximately 509 accommodations in the Bern region and an average of 60 beds per accommodation. However, Bern Airport is a regional airport. The nearest international airport is Basel.
The city of Bern
Bern is located in the heart of the country. The city is nestled along the banks of the Aare river, providing stunning views and a serene environment for both residents and visitors.
Bern was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen. According to legend, the duke named the city after the first animal he encountered during a hunt, which happened to be a bear, hence the name of the city.
Over the centuries, Bern grew in importance, becoming a free imperial city in 1218 and joining the Swiss Confederation in 1353. The city’s well-preserved medieval core, with its unique arcades and fountains, reflects its historical significance and has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Old Town
Bern’s Old Town or Altstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets.
Key highlights include:
- Zytglogge (Clock Tower): One of Bern’s most iconic landmarks, the Zytglogge is a 13th-century clock tower featuring an astronomical clock. Visitors can take guided tours to see the intricate mechanism and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Bern Cathedral (Berner Münster): The tallest cathedral in Switzerland, this Gothic masterpiece was constructed in the 15th century. Climbing the tower rewards visitors with spectacular views of Bern and the surrounding Alps.
- Federal Palace (Bundeshaus): The seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly and Federal Council, the Federal Palace is a symbol of Switzerland’s democratic system. Public tours are available, offering insight into the country’s political processes.
Bear Park
Continuing the city’s connection to its namesake, the Bear Park or BärenPark is home to a family of bears, living in a spacious and natural environment along the Aare River. The park offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
Albert Einstein House (Einsteinhaus)
Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905, during which time he developed the theory of relativity. The Albert Einstein House is a museum located in his former apartment, showcasing his life and work in Bern.
Kunstmuseum Bern
The Bern Museum of Fine Arts is the oldest art museum in Switzerland, housing an extensive collection of works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. The museum features pieces by renowned artists such as Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, and Ferdinand Hodler.
Rosengarten
Located on a hill overlooking the Old Town, the Rose Garden or Rosengarten is a beautiful park featuring over 200 varieties of roses. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply enjoying the stunning views of Bern’s skyline.
Gurten
Gurten is a local mountain offering panoramic views of Bern and the Bernese Alps. Visitors can take a funicular railway to the summit, where they can enjoy hiking trails, a lookout tower, a children’s playground, and various seasonal events.
Exploring Museums and Galleries
Bern boasts a variety of museums and galleries catering to diverse interests:
- Zentrum Paul Klee: Dedicated to the works of the Swiss painter Paul Klee, this museum houses a vast collection of his art in a striking building designed by Renzo Piano.
- Bern Historical Museum: The second-largest historical museum in Switzerland, it includes the Einstein Museum, detailing Einstein’s life and contributions to science.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are an excellent way to discover Bern’s rich history and hidden gems.
Guided tours often include the Old Town’s arcades, fountains, and historical buildings, providing fascinating insights into the city’s past.
Shopping
Bern’s Old Town is famous for its arcades, called Lauben, which stretch over six kilometers, making it one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. Visitors can explore a variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to traditional Swiss stores selling watches, chocolates, and souvenirs.
Eating
Bern offers a diverse culinary scene, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and markets. Local specialties to try include:
- Berner Platte: A hearty dish featuring a variety of meats, sausages, and sauerkraut.
- Rösti: A Swiss potato dish often served with toppings like cheese, onions, and eggs.
- Toblerone: This famous Swiss chocolate originated in Bern, and visitors can purchase it from local shops.
Day trips and excursions
Bern’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region. Recommended day trips include:
- Emmental: Known for its picturesque landscapes and cheese-making traditions, Emmental is just a short drive from Bern.
- Thun: A charming town located on the shores of Lake Thun, offering beautiful views, a historic castle, and opportunities for water sports.
- Gruyères: Famous for its cheese, Gruyères is a medieval town featuring a castle and the HR Giger Museum.
Festivals and events
Bern hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year:
- Bern Jazz Festival: One of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe, held annually in spring.
- Buskers Bern: An international street music festival featuring performers from around the world, held in August.
- Zibelemärit (Onion Market): A traditional folk festival held in November, where farmers sell braided strings of onions and onion-themed delicacies.
Practical information
Bern is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore both the city and its surroundings. The city’s efficient tram and bus network, along with the main train station, provides excellent connectivity to other Swiss cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva.
So?
Without political support it is quite unconceivable the ESC could be held in the canton, ruling out the city of Bern and Biel/Bienne.
And thus, it seems unlikely Bern or Biel/Bienne will host the contest.
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