Berner Zibelemärit (Onion Market)
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.
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.