The Onion Market
Have you ever heard about an onion festival?!
A Pungent Paradise: Diving into Bern's Zibelemärit (Onion Market)
Imagine waking before dawn to the crisp autumn air, not to silence, but to a symphony of bustling activity and a pervasive, delightful aroma. This isn't just any market; it's Bern's legendary Zibelemärit, or Onion Market, a Swiss folk festival unlike any other. Held annually on the fourth Monday of November, this centuries-old tradition transforms the historic streets of Bern into a vibrant, fantastical realm dedicated to the humble, yet mighty, onion. From intricately braided onion garlands to piping hot onion tarts and even playful confetti battles, the Zibelemärit is a feast for the senses, a deep dive into Swiss culture, and an absolutely unforgettable experience. Get ready to peel back the layers and discover why this unique festival is a must-add to your travel bucket list!
It's all about onions
For this event, the whole town of Bern practically closes down, and people take to the streets.
At 5 am, the market opens and farmers from all over the area come with their onions and garlic nicely breaded and funny onion sculptures.
You will be able to taste a lot of delicious onion food such as onion pie, onion soup, and much more. Accompanied by mulled wine, it is the best winter food to warm you up.
Save the date for next year (November 27th), so you will not miss it!!
Getting from Balmers Hostel (Interlaken) to the Zibelemärit (Bern)
The Zibelemärit is in Bern, which is a different city from Interlaken. This will involve a train journey.
- By Train (Recommended): Switzerland has an excellent and very punctual train system.
- Get to Interlaken Ost Train Station:
- From Balmers Hostel, you can walk to Interlaken Ost (about 16-20 minutes, follow the brown signs).
- Alternatively, use your free bus pass and take bus number 104 from the "Hotel Sonne" stop near Balmers to "Interlaken Ost, Bahnhof" (about 5 minutes).
- Take the Train from Interlaken Ost to Bern:
- Trains run frequently from Interlaken Ost directly to Bern. The journey typically takes around 50-60 minutes.
- You can check schedules and purchase tickets on the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) website or app, or at the train station. Consider getting a Passe de viagem suíço if you plan on doing a lot of train travel in Switzerland, as it covers unlimited train, bus, and boat travel.
- From Bern Train Station to the Zibelemärit:
- The Zibelemärit takes place in the Old Town of Bern, which is very close to the main train station (Bern Hauptbahnhof). Once you arrive at Bern station, you can easily walk to the market area within minutes. Just follow the crowds and the scent of onions!
- Get to Interlaken Ost Train Station:
Important considerations for Zibelemärit:
- Date: Remember the Zibelemärit is always on the fourth Monday of November. Make sure your travel dates align!
- Crowds: This festival is extremely popular, so expect large crowds, especially on the trains to Bern and within the market itself.
- Early Start: Many people arrive very early in the morning for the Zibelemärit to experience the full atmosphere.
Enjoy your Swiss cultural adventures!
Happy Onion Festival!
– Com amor, Balmers –
