Experience how Bern becomes the Capital of Cheese! Get into the mood and benefit from a wide range of cheese-related events.
Events
Activities in the Neue Festhalle
Awards
Cheese as far as the eye can see: marvel at roughly 5,000 cheeses from over 40 countries in the Neue Festhalle.
On Thursday, 13 November from 10:00 to around 12:00 noon, watch the 250 or so international judges at work, and in the evening share in the suspense at the final as you wait to find out which cheese, and therefore which country, will clinch the coveted victory.
The opening ceremony and the final on Thursday, 13 November 2025 are free of charge.
Swiss Fine Food Market
Over the course of three days, market stalls on an area of around 2000m2 await you, laden with national delicacies to discover and sample.
For anyone interested, there will also be keynote speeches on exciting cheese-related topics in the Neue Festhalle. Programme tbc.
Opening hours:
Thursday and Friday from 10:00 to 21:00
Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00
Restaurant
If hunger pangs strike at any time, we recommend a visit to the restaurant in the Neue Festhalle. Reservations are not possible.
Activities around the Neue Festhalle
Cheese Festival
Right next to the Neue Festhalle, a Cheese Market awaits you with superb specialities accompanied by a folklore programme. It goes without saying, there will be no shortage of fun and games. There’s a cow-milking competition for the ambitious and a bouncy castle for the little ones.
The Cheese Festival is free of charge.
Opening hours
Friday from 10:00 to 21:00
Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00
Fun, games and entertainment
Fun, games and delicious indulgence await you on the neighbourhood square in front of the Wankdorf Center. Among other things:
- Measure your kick speed with YB
- Face painting with YB
- Watch live cheesemaking and try it out yourself
- “Grand Tour of Switzerland” photo booth
- Curling game
- Bouncy castle
- Live music and entertainment
- Food truck
Activities on the neighbourhood square are open to everyone.
Opening hours (aligned with Wankdorf Center hours of business):
Thursday and Friday 09:00 to 20:00
Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00
Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP Fondue Tram
Climb aboard the charming, historic tram right next to the Neue Festhalle and enjoy a unique culinary experience: fondue on rails.
The perfect blend of history and delicious indulgence!
Departure times (Thurs, Fri, Sat):
11:30 to 13:20
17:00 to 18:50
20:00 to 21:50
The price includes welcome drinks, fondue, dessert and beverages.
Tickets are available. Please contact: info@vacherinfribourgeoisaop.ch
Moitié-Moitié Chalet aka YB-Chalet
On the occasion of the World Cheese Awards, the well-known YB Chalet on the square in front of the Wankdorf Center will be transformed into a snug fondue parlour dedicated to the Swiss national dish, the fondue moitié-moitié. Ideal for satisfying your hunger for cheese.
Opening hours (aligned with Wankdorf Center hours of business):
Thursday and Friday 09:00 to 20:00
Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00
Reservations are not possible during the World Cheese Awards.
Rooftop Igloo by Le Gruyère AOP
Even if you’re just about to head home, you still have the chance to satisfy your hunger for cheese. And that in a really fancy setting with a view over the city of Bern.
More information to follow.
Bärner Bier Rundi
Cheese and beer make for a fantastic combination! How fortunate that the Bärner Bier Rundi is taking place right next door in the exhibition halls of Bernexpo on 14 and 15 November. Now that’s a detour that’s well worth taking! And best of all: your ticket for the World Cheese Awards also gives you free admission to the Bärner Bier Rundi!
Opening hours Bärner Bier Rundi:
17:30 to 23:30
