Bern, Switzerland — City Information
City Facts
- Location
- Central Switzerland.
- Time Zone
- GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
- Electricity
- 230 volts AC, 50Hz; two-pin plugs are standard.
- Average January Temperatures
- - 1.5°C (29ºF).
- Average July Temperatures
- 17°C (62.5ºF).
- Average Annual Rainfall
- 1,005mm (40 inches).
Cost of Living
| 1.00 GBP = 1.31 CHF |
| 1.00 USD = 0.81 CHF |
| 1.00 EUR = 1.15 CHF |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
Special Events
Fasnacht (Carnival)
February
A vibrant pre-lenten carnival celebration bringing 50,000 people out into the streets of Bern.
Various venues
Website: www.fasnacht.be
Jazzfestival
March-May
This international jazz festival draws leading artists in jazz, blues and gospel.
Various venues
Website: www.jazzfestivalbern.ch
Gurten Festival
July
A very popular four-day open-air music festival on Bern's own Gurten mountain.
Website: www.gurtenfestival.ch
Buskers Festival
August
Buskers and street performers from around the world bring music and entertainment to the city's streets.
Website: www.buskersbern.ch
Onion Market
November
More than 50 tons of onions, many of them artistically woven together in plaits, are brought to this local festival by local farmers.
In and around Bundesplatz and Bärenplatz
