Info
Tickets
Pay attention when buying tickets! The only official points of sale for Gurtenfestival tickets are the Gurtenfestival Ticket Shop and our ticket distribution partner ticketmaster.ch.
You have received your ticket(s) by email after purchase. You can also find them at any time in your account in the Gurtenfestival Ticket Shop.
The tickets are not personalized and therefore transferable.
The festival wristbands, on the other hand, are non-transferable and cannot be split. Loose wristbands will not be handed out for other individuals. More information can be found under Admission and Access.
A maximum of eight tickets can be purchased per person. The tickets are not personalised.
The festival wristband entitles you to free round-trip travel on buses, trams, or S-Bahn (2nd class) within the Libero zones 100/101. For the initial journey, the festival ticket serves as a valid ticket (within the Libero zones 100/101).
Wheelchair users receive a 20% discounted ticket. Feel free to contact us at ticketing@gurtenfestival.ch for further assistance.
Due to the relocation of the wristband exchange point at the top station, wheelchair users can exchange their ticket for a wristband at the check-in.
Admission to the Gurtenfestival is free for children born in 2013 or later when accompanied by an adult. Identification is required. Children have the same access rights (number of days and regular/ Comfort Zone) as the adult accompanying them.
Tickets for children must now be ordered via email (ticketing@gurtenfestival.ch) for free. Please provide the order number(s) of your ticket(s) in the email. A maximum of two child tickets can be obtained per ticket/person.
The purchase of Gurtenfestival tickets for the purpose of resale (commercial trading) is strictly prohibited. Only buy tickets through the Gurtenfestival Ticket Shop and our official ticketing partner ticketmaster.ch.
You can find the general terms and conditions of Gurtenfestival AG here.
Area
Wednesday
Site opens: 2:00 PM | Concert starts: 3:00 PM
Wristband exchange: 11:00 AM to 1:30 AM
Wristband exchange Waldbühne: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Thursday / Friday / Saturday
Site opens: 12:00 PM | Concert starts: 2:00 PM
Wristband exchange: 11:00 AM to 2:30 AM
Wristband exchange Waldbühne: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Festival ends: Sunday, July 20, 5:00 AM | Site closure: Sunday, July 20, 6:00 AM
- Site closure daily at 6.00 AM. All visitors must have left the site by then. Overnight stays are not permitted on the site.
The use of the Gurtenbahn is included in the price of the festival ticket. The last descent is from Wednesday to Saturdaynight at 5.30 AM. After the end of regular public transport services, night shuttle buses will run from the Gurtenbahn station to Bern main station. For more information, visit the section arrival and departure.
The main entrance is located at the Gurtenbahn mountain station. Once you have exchanged your ticket for a wristband, you can use this to enter the entrance. The security staff at the entrances are instructed to check luggage and wristbands.
There is now a second entrance at the Waldbühne. Regular festival wristband exchange is possible there until 9:00 PM; however, Comfort Tickets cannot be exchanged for festival wristbands at this location. An alternative route leads around the site to the main entrance, where Comfort Tickets can be exchanged. To return, please use the path from the main entrance in the direction of Wabern (except for residents of Spiegel/Blinzern).
You can find all the information about the Comfort Zone here.
There are over 300 toilets, urinals and portable toilets on the festival site. The toilets are unisex, with the exception of the urinals, which are marked accordingly. All toilets have free water dispensers.
Peeasy
Don’t want to wait in long queues for the toilets? The Gurtenfestival offers the perfect solution with the Women-pissoir: With the help of a funnel, you can urinate standing up. The Peeasy is located to the right of the Migros stand.
Whether valuables or replacement clothing: Rent a locker for the things that are important to you. Mechanical lockers cost CHF 2.00 per opening. You can reserve digital lockers here at a later time. Lockers are available in the tent stage area and in Foody. You can get 2-franc coins for the lockers at the Info Point in the Festival Store. The lockers are accessible during opening hours and are not staffed.
Contact:
schlüssfach.ch GmbH
Tel. 079 120 14 44
info@schluessfach.com
Lost items can be collected after the festival at the lost and found office of the municipality of Köniz. Since all lost items must first be sorted and entered into the system after the festival, this will take a few days. Starting Thursday, July 24, 2025, you can search for lost items at www.easyfind.ch or inquire by phone at 031 970 95 15. The lost and found office is located at Sägestrasse 42 in 3098 Köniz.
Never run out of battery during your favorite song again!
At our four phone charging stations (Comfort Zone, Festival Store, locker platform at the main area, and tent stage area), you can easily rent a power bank – with all standard cables (Lightning, USB-C, Micro-USB) already built in.
How it works:
Scan the QR code at the station and the power bank will be dispensed automatically. You can also pay contactless by card.
Cost: CHF 3.– per day
Deposit: CHF 25.–
Return: Simply plug the power bank back into any available slot at any station.
More info here.
There are wheelchair accessible terraces on the site, one for each stage. In the main stage area, the platform is located directly opposite the main stage and is accessible via the main entrance. In the forest stage area there is a wheelchair accessible platform in the ewb building opposite the forest stage. In addition, all buildings/stands on the site are wheelchair accessible. In order for wheelchair users to get to the tent stage as quickly as possible, they and their accompanying person (unlimited number) may enter the backstage area through the food backstage entrance and travel down an asphalt road to the tent stage. Access to the tent stage is guaranteed from the stage.
Contact
The team is also happy to assist you by phone and can be reached as follows:
Emergency service: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM (repair workshop and general assistance): +41 77 257 79 72
Outside of these hours, you can contact the festival helpline at: +41 31 386 10 10
Additional offer
The wheelchair stands on the main stage and the tent stage will be staffed by a great team who will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance if needed. Chairs will also be available for accompanying persons or people who do not need a wheelchair but cannot stand for long periods of time.
We provide electricity for charging electric wheelchairs. We also have a mobile workshop for minor wheelchair repairs.
The boulevard at our festival is always a little highlight for visitors – a place to browse, stroll around, get inspired, and discover new things. This year’s participants include:
- Coiff your Success
- Blend
- Fizzen
- Lindenhof
- Radio SRF Virus
- Schweizer Fleisch – Proviande
- Schweizer Früchte
- Sinalco
- 20 Minuten
The popular Märit (market) is located in the Tent Stage area next to the Campfire Stage and aims to promote young Swiss brands. This year’s participants include:
The large circus tent in the center of the main stage area offers around 30 tables with 300 covered seats.
There are three locations on the festival site with a wide variety of food options. The Foodstrasse is located directly next to the main stage. The Food Boulevard is located between the Supermercado and the Waldbühne. You will also find various culinary offerings at the tent stage.
Over 15 food stands offer a varied and diverse range. Specialties from all over the world come together. All food stands offer vegan and/or vegetarian menus, and there is also something for allergy sufferers.
PET bottles, cans, cups, cutlery and crockery subject to deposit can be returned to the two collection points in Foodstrasse and at the tent stage area.
Visitors can also donate PET bottles, cans, cups, cutlery, and dishes that require a deposit. This year, the donations will benefit the association Glücksbringer. You can learn more about them at their booth on the Food Street (marked as number 21 on the site map).
Sun, partying and alcohol can lead to dehydration of the body. It is therefore all the more important to drink non-alcoholic drinks or water regularly. There are water points (free of charge) at all toilets on the festival site.
The Help Desk Ticketing & Cashless is at your disposal for questions and problems with your cashless card and ticket. It is located next to the main entrance, outside the festival grounds.
Ticketing opening hours:
Wed: 11.00 – 02.00 a.m.
Thu / Fri / Sat: 12.00 – 02.00 a.m.
Cashless opening hours :
Wed: 14.00 – 05.00 a.m.
Thu / Fri / Sat: 12.00 – 05.00 a.m.
The Info Point (including lost and found office) is located in the Festival Store.
The self-service restaurant Huusbüffe is open during the Gurtenfestival from 09.00 AM – 18.00 PM. If you want to know more about the year-round activities of the “Gurten – Park im Grünen”: www.gurtenpark.ch
You will find a large selection of artist and festival merchandising in the Festival Store to the right of the main stage. The Info Point (including lost and found office) is also integrated in the Festival Store. The exact offer will follow in due course.
Lost property can be handed in or collected at the Info Point (in the Festival Store). If you are not at the festival every day, you can contact the Festival Hotline during the festival. Children who have lost their parents will also be looked after here and their parents will be called out by the festival speakers on all stages.
After the festival, the lost and found office of the municipality of Köniz is responsible. As all lost property must first be sorted and entered into the system after the festival, it takes a few days. From Thursday, July 24, 2025, you can search for lost items at www.easyfind.ch or call 031 970 95 15 to inquire about them. The lost and found office is located at Sägestrasse 42 in 3098 Köniz.
The festival features four concert stages and three dance tents. The fifth stage, Forum, hosts exciting podcasts, readings, and comedy. Both national and international acts perform on the Main Stage and the Tent Stage. The Forest Stage and the Campfire Stage are dedicated to national artists. In the three dance tents — Soundgarden, Supermercado, and Cosmodrome — local DJ heroes as well as international top acts play until 5:00 AM.
You can find the detailed program for each stage and dance tent here.
Create your own personalized line-up so you don’t miss a single concert or DJ set!
Admission and Access
Festival attendees have the opportunity to exchange their ticket for a festival wristband already on Monday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 15 of the festival week.
Where: L’Ovestino, Bubenbergplatz 11, downtown Bern
When: 5:00–8:00 PM
Who: Anyone with a ticket that includes Wednesday:
1-day pass (Wed)
2-day pass (Wed–Thu)
4-day pass (Wed–Sat)
Valid for both Regular and Comfort Zone tickets
Invited guests are also very welcome.
Important: Just like at the festival itself, only one ticket can be exchanged for one wristband, directly placed on your wrist. Wristbands cannot be picked up for friends.
You can exchange your ticket for a wristband on the first day of its validity.
To do this, present the QR code on your ticket at an official wristband exchange point. It does not matter whether you print the ticket (A4, QR code area must not be folded) or show the QR code directly on the screen of your smartphone. Please note that it’s not possible to upgrade your ticket on the spot (exchange a regular ticket for a Comfort Zone ticket).
The wristband exchange for regular tickets is located at the Dorfschulhaus Wabern. Comfort Zone tickets can only be exchanged at the Comfort Zone Check-in at the top station of the Gurtenbahn.
All regular ticket holders should exchange their wristbands at the Dorfschulhaus in the valley. The wristband must be worn tightly around the right wrist. Damaged or loose wristbands will not be accepted and will not be replaced if lost. The wristband is not transferable. Anyone who misuses the wristband is liable to prosecution and will be reported to the police. The wristband is attached directly to the wrist when it is replaced. Loose wristbands will not be given to other people.
There is now a second wristband exchange at the second entrance to the Waldbühne. Please note: The regular wristband exchange is only available until 9:00 PM. There is no Comfort wristband exchange. Comfort Zone tickets can only be exchanged at the Bergstation Comfort Zone check-in (right next to the Comfort Zone entrance).
The age check (+16/+18) is carried out directly on the wristband when the wristband is exchanged. Children born in 2013 and younger can visit the festival free of charge when accompanied by an adult and do not need a wristband. Tickets for children must now be ordered via email (ticketing@gurtenfestival.ch) (free of charge). Please include the order number(s) of your ticket(s). A maximum of two child tickets can be requested per ticket/person.
Due to the change of location of the wristband exchange at the top station, wheelchair users can exchange their ticket for a wristband at check-in.
Access to the festival site is now possible via two routes: through Wabern (by Gurtenbahn or on foot) or on foot from the bus stop Spiegel/Blinzern. Detailed information about getting there can be found under “Arrival.”
Children born in 2013 or later can attend the Gurtenfestival for free – when accompanied by an adult (ID required). Age verification will be carried out when exchanging for a festival wristband. Tickets for children must now be ordered via email (ticketing@gurtenfestival.ch) (free of charge). Please include the order number(s) of your ticket(s). A maximum of two child tickets can be requested per ticket/person.
Children who have lost their parents on the festival grounds will be cared for at the Info Point and announced by the festival speakers across all stages.
Underage teenagers may attend the festival with a valid ticket even without an accompanying adult. Age verification will always be carried out (for alcohol distribution).
Allowed:
- Deodorant and hairspray
- GoPro cameras with mounts (handles) of max. 25 cm length
- Small children’s pocket knives (up to max. 6 cm in length)
- Small pocket and digital cameras
- Cool boxes
- Reusable beverage bottles made of aluminum/plastic up to 0.6 liters (e.g. Sigg or similar)
- Perfume bottles and children’s bottles made of glass PET and beverage cartons (maximum 1.5 liters of beverages per person)
- Umbrellas and parasols up to a maximum diameter of 2 meters
- Aluminum tubes (mayonnaise, mustard, etc.)
Not permitted:
- Aluminum and tin cans (with the exception of aluminum tubes such as mayonnaise, mustard, etc.)
- Audio recording devices or playback devices (with loudspeakers) such as a UE boom box
- Bengal flares and other fireworks
- Photo, film, digital and video cameras with interchangeable lenses
- Selfie sticks/GoPro mounts/telescopic poles/tripods longer than 25 cm
- Gas cookers
- Glass (with the exception of small perfume bottles and children’s bottles)
- confetti
- Megaphones and musical instruments
- Spray cans of any kind (with the exception of deodorant)
- Weapons or other dangerous objects (pocket knives and similar)
- Water balloons
- Camping utensils (with the exception of three-legged chairs)
- Drones
- No items or clothing that violate our values (e.g. sexist, racist, homophobic, etc.)
Our security staff have been instructed to carry out checks. Unauthorized items will be deposited in a container at the entrance and can be collected there when you leave the festival site. After the festival, the items can be collected from Gurtenfestival AG, please call in advance (031 386 10 10) so that someone can hand them over to you. Uncollected items will be disposed of three months after the festival.
The Cerebral Foundation and the Gurtenfestival ensure that people with disabilities can visit the Gurtenfestival as easily as possible. Starting with the wheelchair-accessible Gurtenbahn, the accessible walkways to the three wheelchair stands and the on-site support. Two barrier-free WCs are located in the immediate vicinity, all accessible with the Eurokey. If you do not have such a key, you can easily order it via the following link: www.eurokey.ch
If you do not yet have a ticket and would like to attend the Gurtenfestival, please contact ticketing@gurtenfestival.ch. As a wheelchair user, you will receive a 20% discount on your ticket.
Due to the change of location of the festival wristband exchange, wheelchair users can exchange their ticket for a festival wristband at the check-in (Gurtenbahn mountain station).
BETAX
All disabled cabs may unload and pick up wheelchair users at the Gurtenbahn valley station. This is possible without a permit. With BETAX, you can travel free of charge to the Güsche in zones 100/101 with a valid festival pass during the festival.
Register your journey under:
031 990 30 90 or by email bestellung@betax.ch.
Are you not dependent on a wheelchair, but have another impairment?
We would like you to be able to visit the festival without any obstacles and experience unforgettable moments on our local mountain. So get in touch with us if you have any questions or need support. We will take care of every request, look at it individually and find a solution if possible. You can contact us via info@gurtenfestival.ch.
Gurtä wheelchair
The Gurtä wheelchair is especially suitable for natural mountain trails, cobblestones, rough gravel and steps. Thanks to the intelligent chassis with electric drive, it offers all the features required for safe progress on rough terrain. The double rear wheel prevents it from sinking into soft ground. It also offers flexibility and stability during driving maneuvers. Thanks to the unique design and drive technology, it is possible to negotiate slopes and gradients of up to 32%.
The Gurtä wheelchair will be available at the wheelchair grandstand (main stage) on every festival day from 4 PM and can be booked for a ride there. Ask the staff or call the Roll-o-fone number 077 257 79 72.
1.5 litres of drinks per person (exclusively PET or drinks cartons and in returnable aluminium drinks bottles) may be taken onto the festival site. Trading in food and beverages is prohibited.
Temporary tent structures and overnight stays on the festival grounds are not permitted. There is no camping area on or next to the festival grounds. Below, you will find a list of accommodations in the city of Bern that offer special deals during the festival period.
Camping Eichholz
- Reservations for campers, caravans, and vans are not possible; the “first come, first serve” principle applies.
- It is recommended to reserve your tent spot early.
- All further information is available on the Camping Eichholz website.
- There are no parking spaces at Camping Eichholz—arrival by public transport is recommended.
Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz
Upon presentation of a festival ticket (paper or online), the following room discounts apply:
- 1 overnight stay: CHF 10.00 discount
- From 2 overnight stays: CHF 15.00 discount per night
This offer is subject to availability, bookable via phone or email, and cannot be combined with other discounts. No discount applies for bookings via online platforms (Booking, HRS, Expedia, etc.) or last-minute bookings on the same day.
Hotel Goldener Schlüssel Bern
- Breakfast available until 11:00 AM
- This offer is valid only for direct bookings via phone, email, or the hotel website using the keyword “Güsche2025”.
- Discounted rates and flexible cancellation conditions
- Free rain or sun umbrella and a bottle of mineral water
- Hangover breakfast until 11:00 AM
- Lunchbox with a sandwich, mineral water, fruit, and an energy bar
- Late check-out until 12:30 PM
- This offer is valid only for direct bookings via phone or email using the keyword “Gurtenfestival25”.
Kursaal Hotel Bern
Don’t feel like waiting for the Gurtenbahn?
The Swissôtel Kursaal Bern offers the solution with the “peace of mind” package: You’ll be easily driven to the festival entrance by shuttle service.
How?
Book one or more nights in the Swiss Advantage category at the Swissôtel Kursaal Bern between July 16th and 20th, 2025.
You must already have a Comfort Zone ticket, which you can purchase here.
More Info:
The shuttle departs from the hotel at 5:00 PM.
Only the outward trip is included.
Overnight stay includes late check-out until 1:00 PM and late breakfast buffet until 2:30 PM.
Would you like to book now or have further questions? Contact us by phone at +41 31 339 50 50 or via email at reservation@kursaal-bern.ch.
- Book a whole premium package for the Gurtenfestival 2025.
Further tips for accommodation:
Dogs and other animals are not allowed on the festival grounds – for the sake of the animals.
Comfort Zone
Festival Site
Wednesday
Gates open: 2:00 PM | Concerts start: 3:00 PM
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Gates open: 12:00 PM | Concerts start: 2:00 PM
Comfort Zone Opening Hours
Wednesday: from 2:00 PM – 3:30 AM
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: from 12:00 PM – 3:30 AM
Food Stalls Opening Hours
Food stalls are open daily from 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM, except on Wednesday when they open at 2:00 PM.
The following food stalls will treat you to culinary delights:
- Smash Bro’s Burger
- roh&nobel
- Greek Spot
- Gabriele Streetfood
- Mondo
- Linde Orpund
- Ragaz Catering
- Outlawz Food
- Gelateria di Berna
- Drip Roasters
Comfort Zone Check-in Opening Hours
Tue: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wed: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu / Fri / Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Outside of these hours, check-in is available at the booth to the left of the main entrance.
A variety of bars, lounges and dining areas, as well as a spacious, secluded garden, invite you to sit back and enjoy lively conversation in a relaxed environment. In addition, the covered grandstand with unobstructed views of the main stage, private toilets and lockers make this an oasis of wellbeing. Whether it’s a takeaway meal, a coffee in the shade or a drink in the sun, we’ve got you covered. The menus offer a wide variety of local delicacies. When you need a breather, sink into the cosy cushions, grab a sofa upstairs or curl up at a garden table under the trees. For faster ascents and descents, the Comfort Zone wristband gives you access to separate entrances at the valley and mountain stations of the Gurtenbahn. Enter the Comfort Zone at the top station through a separate entrance on the right. If you have any questions, please contact comfort@gurtenfestival.ch.
You have access to a separate and faster Comfort Zone entrance at both the valley and mountain stations of the Gurtenbahn. For the first ascent upon arrival, the ticket is valid on the day of its purchase—please have your ticket ready as a PDF on your phone or printed on paper.
For more information, please check the Arrival section.
Owners of a Comfort Zone ticket must exchange their ticket for a wristband at the Comfort Zone check-in near the main entrance. The check-in is located right in front of the entrance to the Comfort Zone. If you are arriving via the new walking path from Spiegel/Blinzern, a path around the festival grounds will lead you to the Comfort Zone check-in. There is no wristband exchange for Comfort Zone tickets at the new Waldbühne entrance.
Comfort Zone Check-in Opening Hours
Tue: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wed: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu / Fri / Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Outside of these hours, check-in is available at the booth to the left of the main entrance.
Cashless
The Gurtenfestival 2025 is Cashless. Every person gets a Cashless Card with the festival wristband. This must be registered once. Afterwards, the card can be topped up at any time and the account balance and bookings can be called up. You have access to your account at anytime via:
After the end of the festival the remaining balance will be refunded automatically. This transfer will be made to the account last used when loading the card. The card can be disposed of in all common plastic collections.
You don’t have to do anything before arriving at the festival!
You get your individual Cashless Card when you exchange your wristband on site. Afterwards you can register online and easily top up your card at any time and check your account balance. After the end of the festival your remaining balance will be refunded automatically. This transfer will be made to the last account used for the top-up.
Yes, the entire festival operates on a cashless system. All food and beverage stands, bars, boulevard and partner stands as well as the Festival Store etc. only accept the Cashless Card as a means of payment. Cash payments are not possible under any circumstances.
Exceptions/Specials: Cash can be used for the use of the lockers (CHF 2.00 per lock) – however, they can also be booked digitally. The festival parking lot can be paid with all major cards (CHF 50.00), but not with the Cashless Card. The Comfort Zone area is cashfree, i.e. no cash is accepted there, but all common card payments and of course the Cashless Card.
The card from last year is no longer valid. You will get a new card in any case when you exchange your wristband. If you have created an account in 2024, you can register again via cashless.gurtenfestival.ch. The card from 2024 can be disposed of at a plastic collection point.
You get your Cashless Card when you exchange your wristband. You don’t have to do anything in advance.
No, you get your Cashless Card for free. The card can be disposed of after the festival in all common plastic collections.
- Scan the QR code on your card or open cashless.gurtenfestival.ch
- Click on “Load card”.
- Register yourself.
- Enter your tag number. It is printed on the Cashless Card in the white bar.
- Select the amount you want to load on your Cashless Card. You can also enter an allowance.
- Select the payment method you want to use for the transaction.
- Complete the external payment process.
- Your Cashless Card is loaded & you can now use it to pay anywhere on the festival grounds.
- Take a picture of your card so that you know your tag number in case of loss – safe is safe.
- Now you can check your balance, see the last bookings at any time and recharge your card.
- If you have any questions, you can find our FAQ on our homepage under “Info / Cashless”. You can also contact cashless@gurtenfestival.ch or visit the Help Desk Cashless next to the main entrance. The remaining credit will be automatically transferred back to your last payment account after the festival until July 25, 2025.
Yes, you can load a maximum of CHF 500.- onto the Cashless Card. The Cashless Card can be topped up to this maximum amount at any time. The minimum amount per top-up is CHF 30.-.
You can load the Cashless Card with Swiss francs.
No. You can view your bookings at any time under “Activities”, but receipts cannot be issued.
Most likely, there was a typo in your email address when you registered. Go to the Help Desk Cashless at the main entrance, the team on site can help you.
Recharging and managing the Cashless Card is basically done digitally only. If you do not have a smartphone or internet, you have the following options:
- Have your Cashless Card topped up by a friend. Several wallets, i.e. several cards, can be managed per account. This can be done with your payment method (all common cards, Twint etc.), so that the credit is automatically refunded to your account.
- Go to the Help Desk Cashless at the main entrance. They will help you.
- Report to the Help Desk Cashless at the main entrance.
- There you will get a new Cashless Card by showing your ID (fee 5.-). The remaining amount on your lost card will be transferred to the new card.
Contactless – hold the card to the device, done!
Can I leave a tip?
No. For the payment process you only need a Cashless Card with loaded credit.
Yes, of course, if the dishes are returned correctly, the deposit will be credited back to your Cashless Card. You can also donate the deposit, this year for Glücksbringer.
No, that is not possible. However, your remaining credit will be refunded to you automatically.
You don’t have to do anything. Your remaining balance will be automatically refunded to the last payment account you used by the end of July. If you have loaded your Cashless Card with a credit card or with your Postfinance card, it is possible that the remaining amount will only be displayed or credited with your monthly statement. By the end of July at the latest, you will see the chargeback for all payment methods.
If something didn’t work out, feel free to contact us at cashless@gurtenfestival.ch.
The cards cannot be reused, but you can easily dispose of them in plastic collection points.
If you have any questions or problems, you can always send an email to cashless@gurtenfestival.ch. At the festival you can report to the Help Desk Cashless at the main entrance.
Safety
ALWAYS COMPLY WITH ANY LOUDSPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FOLLOW THE ORDERS OF THE SECURITY STAFF
- In case of an evacuation of buildings and tents, please move into open terrain, keeping clear of structures, trees, and other possible dangers. Please do not hike to the valley as the footpath passes through a forest.
- Please share any official information – keep your friends up to date.
- If required, help those in need while maintaining your own personal safety.
- Note the evacuation zones on the Safety & Security map
Dear visitors
We want to prevent incidents of sexism, racism, queerophobia, violence or other forms of discrimination from occurring at the Gurtenfestival. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and want everyone to feel safe and comfortable here. In order to make our festival as discrimination-sensitive as possible and to counteract power structures, we ask you to adhere to a few non-negotiable principles. If you experience discrimination, violence or racism yourself or if you observe such a scene, please do not hesitate to seek help from us. Report to the security or stage pit staff or the care team and / or stop by the first aid centre! You can reach the care team directly via WhatsApp (+41 31 386 10 90), only active during the festival days. The festival management via telephone (031 386 10 10) or email (info@gurtenfestival.ch).
The sale and distribution of alcohol to children and young people under the age of 16 is prohibited. The consumption of spirits or drinks with spirits (mixed drinks) by young people under the age of 18 is prohibited by law. The age check (+16/+18) is already carried out when the wristband is exchanged and the corresponding age is made visible on the wristband.
We recommend coming to the festival with children at quieter times, when large crowds are not expected and people can move away from the stages at any time. Children under the age of 6 should generally not be brought into crowds. Children should not be carried on shoulders through large crowds. It should be discussed in advance with children over the age of 12 how they should behave. It is generally important never to walk with children in the middle of a crowd. At entrances and exits, we recommend moving in front of or behind the crowd.
Loudness
Children are not yet able to judge when it is too loud for them. Therefore, please keep a sufficient distance from the loudspeakers and protect your children’s hearing with hearing protection (available in the Festival Store next to the main stage).
Meeting point
Agree a meeting point with your child where you can find each other in an emergency. Free stickers are available in the Festival Store to label your child with their telephone number.
Gurtenbahn
To avoid the long waiting times for the Gurtenbahn, it is advisable not to arrive with your child at peak times (not between 16.00 and 20.00).
We are happy to welcome all young guests at the festival. However, we ask parents or accompanying adults to always put the needs of the children first. If it gets too much for the children, it is advisable to go home if necessary.
Tickets for children must now be ordered by email (ticketing@gurtenfestival.ch) and are free of charge. Please include the order number(s) of your ticket(s). A maximum of two child tickets can be issued per ticket/person.
In case of emergency – especially during the festival – please call the festival helpline. Emergencies only, please! The helpline is available from Tuesday, 15th July, 11:00 noon, until Sunday 20th July 2025, 4:00 p.m.
+41 31 386 10 10
As at most other festivals, crowdsurfing is also prohibited at the Gurtenfestival, as it has repeatedly led to injuries in the past.
We recommend taking as few valuables as possible to the festival. It is best to always carry valuables on you or deposit them in a locker. Lockers cost CHF 2.00 per opening, are not attended and are available in the Foody and at the tent stage area. No liability is accepted for stolen or lost items. 2 CHF can be exchanged at the Info Point in the Festival Store.
The Gurtenfestival observes a maximum sound level of 100 dB(A) which is the maximum level permissible by law. Please be aware that this sound level may cause hearing damage. Ear plugs are available at the Info Point in the Festival Store and at all bars.
Sun, partying and alcohol can lead to dehydration of the body. It is therefore all the more important to drink non-alcoholic drinks or water regularly. There are several water points (free of charge) at all toilet facilities.
Sustainability
Our Goal:
The ecological footprint of our visitors should be the same or even smaller during the festival than in their everyday life. Our ambition is to host a music and cultural event without consuming more resources than on a regular day – so that, from a sustainability perspective, it makes no difference whether the festival takes place or not.
We live, evaluate, and implement sustainability based on a three-pillar principle:
- Ecological sustainability
- Social sustainability
- Economic sustainability
To achieve our goal, the Gurtenfestival has been relying on various measures listed below for many years.
Waste per guest amounts to only 1 kg – including setup and takedown.
For comparison: the Swiss daily average is 1.9 kg.Waste separation stations are available throughout the site, including in the valley and along the path to the Gurten.
54% of the waste is recycled; the rest is used for energy recovery at the Bern waste-to-energy plant (with an efficiency of over 80%).
Reusable cups have been standard since 2004 – making us one of the first festivals in Europe to adopt them.
In the Comfort Zone, drinks are served in glass (bottles, glasses).
All dishware (cups, plates, cutlery, PET, aluminum) is subject to a deposit.
Plates/bowls are made from sugarcane, cutlery from starch (cPLA).
Returned dishware is thermally recycled at the Forsthaus energy center – generating electricity and heat for the city of Bern.
Free product sampling on and around the festival grounds is prohibited. Exceptions are only made if the sampling offers a direct benefit (e.g. cooling towels).
At least 50% of all meals are vegetarian.
Only regional, seasonal ingredients and Swiss meat are used.
Fish and seafood are not permitted.
All vendors use the official reusable dishware system.
Alcohol-free beer and drinks are available at all bars.
Electricity and water requirements are ordered through us, managed by us, and optimized where possible.
Only local food stands from the Bern region are present on the Gurten.
The largest stand (operating at two locations) offers fully vegan cuisine – in collaboration with Outlawz Food as a pilot project for economically viable vegan festival catering.
65% of guests arrive by public transport, 30% on foot or by bike. Only 5% still use a car or motorcycle.
Free bicycle parking is available directly at the Gurten funicular station.
Travel within the Libero zones 100/101 is free with a valid ticket and wristband.
Trams, Moonliner night buses, and shuttles operate 24/7 in the city and greater Bern area.
SBB and BLS significantly expand their regular train services during peak times.
Diversity in focus: aiming for the fairest possible gender balance among booked artists on stage.
The Waldbühne (Forest Stage) is reserved for Swiss artists – to support national and regional talent.
A new podcast stage expands the festival’s cultural offerings beyond music.
90% of all purchased goods (food, drinks, etc.) come from Switzerland – mostly from the Bern region.
Procurement is based on ecological and social criteria.
Transport to and from the site is strictly limited and optimized – also due to the geographic layout of the venue.
Helpers and suppliers without cargo use public transport exclusively.
Furniture, machinery, and vehicles are mostly rented and reused rather than purchased.
Pilot project starting in 2025: all generators will run on HVO (renewable plant-based oil).
Water-saving appliances and equipment are used throughout the entire festival site.
100% of electricity comes from renewable energy sources.
An in-house smart grid combines generators and grid power to ensure optimal load distribution and reduce the number of generators needed.
Consumers such as site lighting are centrally controlled and switched on/off based on demand.
- Around CHF 30 million in direct and indirect economic value for the Bern region – for example through jobs, infrastructure, mobility, and hospitality.
Our deposit donation is a good deed in two ways: By returning reusable cups and dishes with a deposit, we help reduce waste – positively impacting the CO₂ footprint. Donating the deposit (CHF 2 per item) also enables us to support social organizations in the region.
We believe that sustainability means more than just environmental protection – it also includes social responsibility. That’s why every donated deposit goes to projects that, for example, promote community, strengthen inclusion, or help people facing difficult life situations.
In 2025, we are supporting the organization Glücksbringer. The association is dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and young adults with mental health issues, as well as their families who are undergoing treatment. The organization steps in where conventional therapy options and financial resources reach their limits. Through targeted, individualized support, it creates new perspectives where uncertainty and overwhelm previously prevailed. (More about it here).
In previous years, we have already been able to financially support the following organizations:
Verein Takiwatanga (2024)
The Takiwatanga association from Thun is working to make nightlife and cultural events more inclusive for people with disabilities. With events such as the Takiwatanga Disco, they create barrier-free spaces for connection, music, and joy.
More about it
café révolution (2023)
café révolution is a safer space in Bern – by and for BIPOC. Emerging from the 2020 BLM movement, it offers a place for empowerment, healing, education, and culture. Through exhibitions, readings, courses, and a library, it becomes a participatory and solidarity-driven space to combat anti-Black racism.
More about it
Pluto Emergency Shelter (2022)
The Pluto emergency shelter provides free overnight stays, protection, and counseling for young people in crisis aged 14–23. Open daily from 6 PM to 9 AM, Pluto offers seven beds and professional support in finding individualized solutions.
More about it