# Area ## Depot donation Visitors can also donate PET bottles, cups, aluminium cans, cutlery and crockery that are subject to deposit. This year, the donations will benefit the NGO [Brava](https://www.brava-ngo.ch/en). At their booth at Foodstrasse (on the site map at number 21) you can learn more about them and donate your deposit right away. You can also donate your deposit at the collection point on the tent stage area. All information can be found [here](https://gurtenfestival.ch/en/experience/#depot-donation). ## Lost & Found Lost property can be dropped off or picked up at the lost property office. This is now located outside the festival grounds, to the right in front of the main entrance. If you are not on site during the entire festival, you can contact the festival hotline on 031 386 10 10 during the festival days. Opening hours saver container lost and found Wed: 13.00–05.00 Thu / Fri / Sat: 12.00–05.00 The Saver Container is where you can store items that are not allowed on the festival grounds. Before you head home, you can pick up your items from the Saver Container. See also: [Permitted and prohibited items](https://gurtenfestival.ch/en/info/#permitted-and-non-permitted-objects-and-materials) Picking up lost property From seven days after the end of the festival, you can search for lost items under [www.easyfind.ch](http://www.easyfind.ch) or call the municipality of Köniz on 031 970 95 15. Uncollected lost property is kept in the lost property office of the municipality of Köniz (Sägestrasse 42 in 3098 Köniz) and can be picked up there. Exception: Clothes are kept by the Gurtenfestival AG for 3 months and can be picked up at info@gurtenfestival.ch after prior registration. --- # 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 & Recycling - 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). ## Catering - At least 50% of all meals are vegetarian. - Only regional, seasonal ingredients and Swiss meat are used. - Fish must come from local waters only; seafood is not allowed. - 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. ## Arrival & Transport - 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. ## Safety & Social Responsibility - A dedicated Care Team and festival hotline complement security and medical services – available on-site around the clock. - Feel Safe Together concept: 5 core principles against discrimination – LOVE, CONSENT, UNITY, RESPECT, DIVERSITY. - Comprehensive safety concept developed in close coordination with authorities and expert agencies. - Ongoing situation assessments and regular safety meetings. - Information channels (e.g. screens) provide updates on weather, behavior guidelines, safety, and more. - The festival grounds are fully accessible (including accessible toilets and a wheelchair platform; companions of guests with disabilities are given priority access). - Fair working conditions, with healthy and free meals provided for the crew. - No unpaid labor: every role is compensated – regardless of position or hierarchy. - Free distribution of preventive and protective products such as sunscreen, earplugs, and condoms. - Sponsorship aligned with our values: no tobacco or spirits sponsors since 2017. - Curated partnerships, activities, and performances ensure a coherent and meaningful festival experience – no gimmicks just for profit. - Cup deposit donation with impact: CHF 2 per cup/dish is donated to regional social projects: 2025: Verein Glücksbringer / 2024: Verein Takiwatanga / 2023: café révolution / 2022: Pluto Notschlafstelle ## Booking - 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. ## Sourcing - 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. ## Water & Energy - 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. ## Economic Impact - Around CHF 30 million in direct and indirect economic value for the Bern region – for example through jobs, infrastructure, mobility, and hospitality. --- # Cashless ## Automatic refund after the festival - The remaining balance will be transferred back to the last payment account used within 7 days after the end of the festival. In the case of credit or PostFinance cards, the refund can only appear on the monthly statement. - By the end of July at the latest, every chargeback should be visible. - It is not possible to transfer it to other people’s cards. The remaining credit will be automatically refunded to you after the festival. - In case of problems: cashless@gurtenfestival.ch. ## Validity of the Cashless Card & Account - The card from the previous year is invalid. - You will receive a new card when you exchange your wristband. - You can dispose of your card in the plastic collection after the festival. - If you’ve already created an account in 2025, you’ll still be able to use it. --- # 50 Years of Gurtenfestival Here you’ll find all the information about 50 Years of Gurtenfestival. ## When will the festival take place and how long will it last? In 2027, Gurtenfestival will take place from 14–18 July. To celebrate the festival’s anniversary, the Gurtenfestival Sunday is making a return, meaning that, exceptionally, the festival will span five days. ## Can I already buy tickets? The Early Bird ticket sale for the anniversary edition will begin this autumn. You can already register now to make sure you don’t miss your chance to get one of the discounted Early Bird tickets. We’ll notify you in advance with the exact on-sale date.   [Register now](http://grtn27.ch/50) ## Why celebrate 50 years if 2026 was only the 43rd edition? The first festival on Gurten took place in 1977, making next summer exactly 50 years since its inception. Back then, it was called the “Internationales Folk-Festival Bern-Gurten”. Over the years, it evolved into Gurtenfestival, now one of Switzerland’s most renowned music festivals. Since the event only became an annual festival in the 1990s, the 44th edition in 2027 marks 50 years of Gurtenfestival. ## Who will be performing at the festival? We’re working hard on the line-up. While we can’t reveal any names just yet, one thing is certain: more than 100 acts will perform, from beloved Gurten favourites to exciting new discoveries. --- # Forum FORUM – after a successful start at the 2025 edition of the festival, the new Gurtenfestival stage is going into another round! • No classical concerts await you here, but stories, ideas and punchlines set the tone on this stage. • Exciting live podcasts, inspiring panels, intimate interviews, intelligent comedy and much more will take place here. • In short: the best entertainment and variety to the concert marathon. You can find the full program: [Line-up 2026](https://gurtenfestival.ch/de/programm/stages?stage=11) --- # Food & Beverage Drinks There are 14 bars on the grounds, plus 5 more in the Comfort Zone, all offering a carefully selected range of local beverages. - The drink selection varies slightly from bar to bar, but at most of them you’ll find a good selection of local soft drinks, beer, wine, spritz variations, long drinks, spirits, and non-alcoholic alternatives. - The bars have different opening hours. The Startbar at the main entrance is open the longest. - Our map will help you keep track of where everything is.   - The Kafimobil: As the name suggests, you can get coffee there in a wide variety of styles—black, iced, or with a shot. - If you’re looking for gluten-free beer, you’ll find it on Food Boulevard at the gluten-free food stand “no grain no pain.” - Of course, our 2026 festival mug is available everywhere—so you’ll be all set.   Food ## good mood food Foodstreet • Food tent stage   Vegan • Älpler • Outlawz Döner • Loaded Fries • French Fries • Currywurst with French Fries         ## Tenz Momo Foodstreet • Food tent stage   Various Momos   - [Tenz](https://www.tenz.ch/) ## Bakery Bakery Foodstreet • Food tent stage   Sweet Pastries • Sausages in Dough • Hot & Iced Coffee • Matcha - [Bakery Bakery](http://bakerybakery.ch/) ## Stängeli Chünig Food tent stage   gluten-free ice cream     - [Stängeli Chünig](https://www.staengelichuenig.ch/) ## Al Toque Food Boulevard   Various Empanadas • Arepas • Pan de Banana     - [Al Toque](https://www.altoque.ch/) ## Highland Burger Food Boulevard   Various burgers (meat) • Hafächäs burger (vegetarian) • French fries • Sweet Potato Burger (vegan) - [Highland-Burger](https://www.highland-gurten.ch/) ## no grain no pain Food Boulevard   100% gluten-free • Pinsa • Panini • Burger ## Lumpehüng Food Boulevard   Cheese Sandwich (vegetarian / meat) • Various types of breaded cutlets (sweet and savory)   - [Lumpehüng](https://baelliz.com/) ## roh & nobel Food Boulevard   Various Loaded Fries (vegan, vegetarian, meat) • Plain Fries     - [roh&nobel](https://www.rohundnobel.ch/) ## Hurry Curry Food Boulevard   Eggplant an Protein Bomb (vegan) • Butter Chicki Chicki   - [Hurry Curry](https://www.hurrycurry.ch/) ## Gelateria di Berna Foodstreet   Various ice cream     - [Gelateria di Berna](https://gelateriadiberna.ch/) ## Tasty Wok Foodstreet   Spring rolls (vegetarian) • Various noodle dishes (vegan, vegetarian, meat) • Thai curry • Sweet-and-sour chicken   - [Tasty Wok](https://www.asianstreetfood.ch/) ## Restolike Foodstreet   Various tarte flambée • Flammpizza     - [Restolike](https://restolike.ch/) ## Club Napoli Foodstreet   Various pasta • Various focaccia   - [Club Napoli](https://www.marzililounge.ch/) ## Swiss Food Foodstreet   Various Rösti • Älplermakkaroni • Raclette Bread ## Burrito Bandito Foodstreet   Various Burritos • Smash Burgers • Frienisberger Fries - [Burrito Bandito](https://www.burritobandito.ch/) Comfort Zone At the Comfort Zone, you’ll find five bars, a wine bar by [Trallala](https://www.trallala-weine.ch/), a coffee bar by [Drip Roasters](https://driproasters.ch/de), and ten food trucks. Among them are: ## Greek Spot Comfort Zone   Various Gyros • Various Pita • Fries     - [Greek Spot](https://www.greekspot.ch/) ## Holey Moley Donuts Comfort Zone   Various Donuts - [Holey Moley Donuts](https://www.holeymoleydonuts.ch/) ## Highland Burger Comfort Zone   Various burgers (meat) • Hafächäs burger (vegetarian) • French fries • Sweet Potato Burger (vegan) - [Highland-Burger](https://www.highland-gurten.ch/) ## Landhaus Liebefeld Comfort Zone   Landhaus Entrecôte (meat / vegan)   - [Landhaus Liebefeld](https://www.landhaus-liebefeld.ch/) ## Los Andes Comfort Zone   Variuos bowls (vegan, vegetarian, meat) • Various corn flatbreads (vegetarian, meat)   - [Los Andes](https://losandes.ch/) ## Gelateria di Berna Comfort Zone   Various ice cream     - [Gelateria di Berna](https://gelateriadiberna.ch/) ## Maiiam Comfort Zone   “Karaage” (Japanese-style fried chicken) • ‘Gyozas’ (dumplings) • “Onigiri” (rice balls)   - [Maiiam](https://maiiam.ch/) ## roh & nobel Comfort Zone   Various Loaded Fries • Various Skewers (vegan, meat) • Organic Farm Salad     - [roh&nobel](https://www.rohundnobel.ch/) ## Sapori del Bärg Comfort Zone   Various tarte flambées • Appetizer platters • Assorted pasta   - [Sapori del Bärg](https://lindeorpund.ch/) ## Outlawz Foodtruck Comfort Zone   Vegan • Outlawz Döner • Currywurst with Fries • Loaded Truffle Fries   - [Outlawz Food](https://outlawz-food.ch/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjTHeppJ7e-KKn5Iu8wD9WMDosEHQfkurEdBaPR_M3cVlSWgO8) --- # Festival Store You will find the Festival Store right next to the main stage. Discover products from the “Güsche” universe, get information at the Info Point, buy a band merch item or browse through the offer of the Fizzen Store. Free products Help yourself to our free prevention articles at any time: condoms*, sunscreen**, earplugs*** and menstrual products***. *sponsored by Ceylor **sponsored by Swisscom ***sponsored by Migros Info Point Do you have any questions or concerns – or have you lost sight of your child? The Info Point is also located in the Festival Store. Fizzen Store Forgot your sunglasses, or need a warm sweater late at night? Integrated into the Festival Store is the Fizzen Store, where you can find almost everything. Opening hours Wednesday: from 2.00 p.m. Thu / Fri / Sat: from 12.00 noon   --- # Feel Safe Together We do not tolerate any form of discrimination, especially racism, sexism, queerophobia or violence. 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. ## LOVE Festivals are often seen as a place of «love» and «peace». Peace often also means compromise and an acceptance of the diversity of our society. ## CONSENT Every exchange requires mutual consent. The formula is simple: Only yes means yes. ## UNITY One mountain, one passion. Our roof is the sky of Bern. ## RESPECT The way you treat others is reflected in the way they treat you. Pay attention to yourself and everyone around you. ## DIVERSITY The Gurtenfestival stands for diversity, equality and inclusion. --- # Depot donation Our Deposit Donation – A Good Deed in Two WaysBy returning reusable cups and dishes with a deposit, less waste is produced – positively impacting the CO₂ footprint. Anyone who donates their deposit (CHF 2 per item) also enables us to support social institutions in the region. We believe that sustainability not only means environmental protection but also includes social engagement. That’s why every donated deposit amount goes towards projects that promote community, strengthen inclusion, or support people in difficult life situations. NGO Brava (2026) Brava is an NGO active throughout Switzerland that is committed to combating gender-based violence and sexism – preventively, politically and in the direct support of those affected. The NGO raises public awareness, advocates for structural improvements and offers concrete support for victims woh have experienced violence. Brava pays special attention to people in precarious situations, such as refugee women. [More about](https://www.brava-ngo.ch/en) In previous years, we were able to support the following organizations financially: Glücksbringer Association (2025) The Glücksbringer Association supports children, adolescents, young adults, and their families affected by mental illness during their treatment. It provides targeted, individualized assistance where traditional therapy and financial means fall short, creating hope and direction in challenging times.  [More about](https://www.sonora-youth.ch/verein-gluecksbringer/) Verein Takiwatanga (2024) Based in Thun, the Takiwatanga Association is making nightlife and cultural events more inclusive for people with disabilities. Events like the Takiwatanga Disco offer barrier-free spaces for connection, music, and joy. [More about](https://takiwatanga-thun.ch/) café révolution (2023) café révolution is a safer space in Bern – by and for BIPOC. Emerging from the BLM movement in 2020, it offers a place for empowerment, healing, education, and culture. Through exhibitions, readings, workshops, and a library, it creates a participatory, supportive space against anti-Black racism. [More about](https://www.caferevolution.ch/) Pluto Notschlafstelle (2022) Pluto is an emergency shelter offering free overnight stays, protection, and counseling for youth and young adults (ages 14–23) in crisis situations. Open daily from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., it provides seven beds and professional support to help individuals find personal solutions. [More about](https://pluto-bern.ch/)