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The picture shows the hustle and bustle of the Zibelemärit in Bern at night, with crowds of people strolling in the warm glow of the lights against the magnificent backdrop of the Federal Palace.

Berner Zibelemärit (Onion Market)

The «Zibelemärit» (onion market) is THE folk festival in Bern. It traditionally takes place on the fourth Monday in November. Farmers sell tonnes of artfully braided onions and garlic early in the morning.
25November 2024
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When the smell of onion tart and mulled wine fills the streets of Bern, the Swiss capital is devoted to the traditional Zibelemärit. From the official start at 6:00 a.m., thousands of visitors (many of them even before then) bustle through the alleyways of the Upper Old Town and enjoy the mixture of farmers’ market and folk festival.

If you have never experienced the atmosphere early in the morning, you should definitely take the opportunity this year and let yourself be carried away by the Bernese attitude to life. «D Märitstimmig» (the market atmosphere) is something very special and inspires even established Bernese people year after year.

The autumn market in Bern was first mentioned in the 15th century. Back then, the market was called Martinimesse and the townspeople used it to stock up on supplies before the winter months.

A colourful wreath of onions adorns the picture, artfully decorated with autumnal flowers, a symbol of the traditional Zibelemärit in Bern, the lively and warm atmosphere of the market in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.
© Bern Welcome
The picture shows a market stall full of colourful bunches of onions, artfully arranged with garlic and decorative flowers. The warm, cosy atmosphere is reminiscent of an autumn festival where people look forward to fresh, regional produce.
© Bern Welcome
The picture shows decorative onion plaits hanging from a market stall. Each plait consists of red and white onions arranged alternately and decorated with dried flowers in different colours. The background is blue and shows the frame of the market stall.
© Bern Welcome
The picture shows a busy market stall at Zibelemärit (onion market). Various decorative wreaths and arrangements made from bulbs and dried flowers can be seen in the foreground. A woman in a white hat and scarf is looking attentively at the goods on display. The background is blurred, but other market visitors and stalls are recognisable, indicating a bustling atmosphere. The warm light enhances the cosy atmosphere of the market.
© Bern Welcome

The food and produce stalls sell beautifully braided onion plaits, delicious onion tarts, wonderfully fragrant «Chnoblibrot» (garlic bread), fine mulled wine and other hot drinks. If you still haven’t had enough after a slice (or two) of onion tart or cheesecake, it’s best to buy a bag of «Nidletäfeli» (caramels), a «Bäremutz» (gingerbread) or Magenbrot (gingerbread bites) as a delicious dessert. Nobody goes home thirsty or with an empty stomach at the Zibelemärit.

Although there is no official programme at the Zibelemärit, there are some things that shouldn’t be missed. The confetti battle, which takes place every year at 4:00 p.m., is particularly recommended for younger visitors. After the market officially ends at 6:00 p.m., there’s still plenty in store for party-goers. Some of the city’s cultural institutions open their doors on Monday as an exception and organise Zibelemärit parties:

  • Bierhübeli Bern: Zibelemärit Party, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • ISC: Zibelemärit Heatwave, 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

  • L'Ovestino: Zibälämärit afterparty with DJ ZMi, from 4.30 p.m.

  • Maison: Zibele session, 3 p.m. to 0:30 a.m.

  • Circle Club: Zwiebelemärit Afterparty, from 6.30 p.m.

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The picture shows decorative onion plaits hanging from a market stall. Each plait consists of red and white onions arranged alternately and decorated with dried flowers in different colours. The background is blue and shows the frame of the market stall.

Zibelemärit-(Onion Market) Tipps

Our tips for all onion fans.