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 over 5,000 cheeses from over 40 countries in the Neue Festhalle.
On Thursday, 13 November, 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.
On Friday, 14 November, there are likely to be public guided tours through the rows of 5000 cheeses; information can be found at the entrance to the competition premises in the Neue Festhalle (Stage).
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
Wankdorf neighbourhood square
Fun, games and delicious indulgence await you on the neighbourhood square in front of the Wankdorf Center. Among other things:
- Creative kids’ activities
- Activities such as football goal wall shooting and a YB autograph session
- Live music and entertainment
- Food truck
Opening hours (aligned with Wankdorf Center hours of business):
Thursday and Friday 09:00 to 20:00
Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00
Fondue Tram
The historic Fondue Tram runs between Wankdorf and Guisanplatz. Board the tram at Guisanplatz.
Exact boarding times tbc.
Tasting Tram
Take a nostalgic tram ride from Guisanplatz to Wankdorf railway station and sample an exquisite selection of cheeses with abundant information. That’s the offer!
The Tasting Tram runs all day. Board the tram at Guisanplatz. Reservations are not possible.
Fondue/Raclette Parlour 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.
Opening hours: tbc
Reservations during the World Cheese Awards are not possible.
Fondue igloos on the rooftop of the Kursaal Bern
To mark the World Cheese Awards, the famous igloos on the rooftop of the Kursaal will be transformed into little fondue huts. More information to follow.
