Gurtenfestival 2027 – Bern, Switzerland
Overview
Gurtenfestival 2027 will take place from 14 to 18 July 2027 on the Gurten, the mountain overlooking Bern, Switzerland. The 2027 edition will be an exceptional five-day celebration because the festival is marking 50 years since its first edition in 1977. The festival normally runs for four days, but the anniversary edition brings back the Sunday programme.
The festival combines international artists with Swiss musicians and emerging performers, while its hilltop setting gives visitors views across Bern and the surrounding landscape. More than 100 acts are expected to perform during the anniversary edition, although the individual 2027 artists have not yet been announced.
What Makes This Event Special
One of Gurtenfestival’s defining features is its location. The festival takes place on Bern’s local mountain rather than in a conventional city concert venue, so reaching the event is part of the experience. Visitors can travel up by the Gurten funicular or walk to the festival grounds.
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The combination of music, open-air surroundings and views over the Swiss capital gives the festival a distinctive atmosphere. Switzerland Tourism describes around 80,000 music fans attending the festival each summer, with performances spread across several stages and a strong presence from both established and emerging artists.
Lineup / Featured Artists
The Gurtenfestival 2027 lineup has not yet been announced. The official festival is currently working on the programme and has confirmed that more than 100 acts will perform during the 50th-anniversary edition.
The festival’s history includes a wide range of international and Swiss artists. Previous editions have featured names such as Franz Ferdinand, The Chemical Brothers, Editors, Die Toten Hosen, Seeed, CRO and many prominent Swiss acts. These artists are part of the festival’s past programme and should not be considered confirmed for 2027.
Event Experience
Gurtenfestival spreads its programme across several stages, creating different environments throughout the mountain. The main and tent stages traditionally feature established national and international performers, while the Waldbühne provides space for newer Swiss artists.
Between concerts, visitors can enjoy the outdoor festival grounds, panoramic views and relaxed atmosphere of the Gurten. Because the terrain is naturally hilly, walking between areas is part of moving around the festival rather than simply travelling between indoor venues.
Date & Schedule
Gurtenfestival 2027 will run from Wednesday 14 July through Sunday 18 July 2027. The five-day format is specifically planned for the 50th-anniversary celebration, with the Sunday festival programme returning for this edition.
The detailed 2027 stage schedule and individual performance times have not yet been published. Once the programme is released, visitors will be able to plan their festival days around the different stages and artists.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Location & Venue
The festival is held on Gurten, the mountain immediately south of Bern. The festival grounds are associated with Gurtenkulm in the municipality of Köniz, while Bern’s city centre is directly connected to the mountain by public transport and the Gurten funicular.
The setting is an important part of the festival identity. Instead of a flat urban festival site, visitors encounter wooded areas, open spaces, slopes and elevated viewpoints overlooking Bern and the surrounding region.
Event History
The first festival on the Gurten took place in 1977 under the name Internationales Folk-Festival Bern-Gurten. It later developed into the event known today as Gurtenfestival. The festival’s official history records its editions from 1977 onward, with the event becoming an annual festival from the 1990s.
The 2027 edition therefore marks 50 years since the festival’s beginning, even though it will be the 44th numbered edition. This is because the festival was not held every year during its early history.
Getting to the Event
The Gurten is easily accessible from Bern. One of the most characteristic ways to reach the festival is the Gurtenbahn, which carries visitors from Wabern up the mountain. Walking to the festival grounds is another option for visitors who prefer to hike up.
Bern’s public transport network makes the city a practical base for festival visitors. During a busy festival day, allowing extra time for the journey to the mountain and for queues is sensible, particularly before major evening performances.
Where to Stay Nearby
Staying in Bern is convenient for visitors attending Gurtenfestival from outside the city. The capital offers hotels, hostels, apartments and other accommodation options, with public transport connections making it possible to return to the city after spending the day at the festival.
Accommodation close to Wabern or the Gurten can provide a shorter journey, while central Bern offers a wider choice of restaurants, sightseeing and transport connections. For the five-day anniversary edition, booking accommodation early is advisable.
Things to Do Before or After the Event
A Gurtenfestival trip can easily be combined with time in Bern. The city’s historic centre is known for its covered arcades, medieval streets, fountains and landmarks, while the Aare River surrounds much of the old city.
Visitors can also spend time on the Gurten outside the festival grounds, enjoying the mountain environment and views. Those staying longer in the region can use Bern as a base for exploring other parts of Switzerland.
Restaurants & Dining Nearby
Bern has a broad selection of restaurants, cafés and bars, ranging from traditional Swiss cuisine to international options. Visitors staying in the city can dine before travelling up to the festival or return to the centre after the evening programme.
Food options are also available within the festival environment, although the selection and arrangements for 2027 will depend on the final festival setup. During the busiest periods, eating earlier can make it easier to fit dinner around the concert schedule.
Ticket Information
The official Gurtenfestival information states that the Early Bird ticket sale for the 50th-anniversary edition will begin in autumn 2026. Visitors can currently register through the festival website to receive information about the exact ticket-release date.
Ticket categories and prices for the 2027 edition should be checked once the official sale opens. As the anniversary edition is longer than the usual four-day festival, visitors should also pay attention to the dates and access included with each ticket type.
Tips Before You Go
Comfortable shoes are particularly useful at Gurtenfestival because the grounds are located on a mountain and involve slopes and walking between stages. Weather conditions can also change during an outdoor festival, so visitors should prepare for both sunshine and rain.
It is also worth planning your return journey before heading to the festival, especially if you intend to stay for the final performances. The Gurten’s elevated setting and the large number of visitors can make departure periods considerably busier than normal.
Official Event Information
The official festival confirms Gurtenfestival 2027 for 14–18 July 2027, with the additional Sunday programme marking the festival’s 50th anniversary. The complete 2027 lineup and detailed programme are still to be announced.
Official Gurtenfestival website: https://gurtenfestival.ch/en/
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FAQ's
When is Gurtenfestival 2027?
Gurtenfestival 2027 will take place from 14 to 18 July 2027 in Bern, Switzerland. Unlike the festival's usual four-day format, the anniversary edition will run for five days because Sunday is returning specially for the 50th-anniversary celebration. The festival therefore begins on Wednesday 14 July and continues through Sunday 18 July 2027.
Why is Gurtenfestival 2027 a 50th anniversary if it is only the 44th edition?
The first festival on the Gurten took place in 1977, originally under the name Internationales Folk-Festival Bern-Gurten. However, the festival did not operate every year during its early history and only became an annual event in the 1990s. As a result, the 2027 event will be the 44th edition while marking 50 years since the festival first began.
Has the Gurtenfestival 2027 lineup been announced?
The complete public lineup has not yet been announced. The organisers have confirmed that more than 100 acts will perform during the anniversary edition and have stated that two headliners are already definitively booked. Their names have not yet been publicly revealed, with further anniversary programme information expected later in 2026.
What type of music is played at Gurtenfestival?
Gurtenfestival is a mixed-genre music festival rather than an event dedicated to one particular style. Its programme has historically included rock, pop, alternative, hip-hop, electronic music and other contemporary genres, with both international performers and Swiss artists. The Waldbühne is specifically dedicated to Swiss artists, supporting emerging and established national talent.
Where is Gurtenfestival held?
The festival is held on the Gurten mountain above Bern, in the area of Gurtenkulm in Köniz. Its elevated location provides views across Bern and creates a combination of open spaces, woodland and festival stages.
Can I stay in Bern during Gurtenfestival?
Yes. Staying in Bern is a practical option because the festival is directly connected to the city by public transport.
