The Canton of Bern is set to experience a year of significant change and activity in 2026. Voters will head to the polls for cantonal elections, while major infrastructure projects are scheduled for completion. The region will also host several large cultural and sporting events, bringing communities together.
Key Takeaways
- Cantonal elections will reshape the Grand Council and Government Council.
- Thun will likely elect its first female City President.
- The Kaiserhaus in Bern, a major renovation project, is set to open in April.
- Bern's city center will host a large festival in June.
- The 550th anniversary of the Battle of Murten will feature extensive commemorative events.
- The Bernese Cantonal Wrestling Festival returns to Wankdorf Stadium.
- Two major ice rinks, Ka-We-De and Grabengut, will reopen after renovations.
- Key decisions are expected on the Wankdorf motorway expansion and the Grimsel Tunnel.
- Biel will host the Swiss Federal Music Festival with 550 music associations.
- Decisions on rebuilding homes damaged by the 2024 Brienz storm are anticipated.
Political Landscape Shifts with Cantonal Elections
The political landscape in the Canton of Bern will undergo a significant transformation with the Grand Council and Government Council elections on March 29. These elections will redefine the balance of power, with various parties vying for influence.
The center-right parties are presenting a strong slate of five candidates for the Government Council, including three from the Swiss People's Party (SVP). This strategy aims to increase their representation beyond the current four seats, potentially reducing the number of center-left members to just two.
The Social Democratic Party (SP) and the Green Party face a challenge as two of their current Government Council members, Christine Häsler (Greens) and Christoph Ammann (SP), will not seek re-election. In contrast, the center-right only has one incumbent, Christoph Neuhaus (SVP), stepping down, giving them an advantage.
Election Insight
The Bernese Government Council currently has seven members. The upcoming elections could significantly alter the composition, potentially leading to a stronger center-right majority.
Thun Poised for Historic Leadership Change
Thun is expected to make history in 2026 by electing its first female City President. Three women are currently vying for the position: Katharina Ali-Oesch (SP), Andrea de Meuron (Greens), and Eveline Salzmann (SVP).
The election could occur as early as June 14 if current City President Raphael Lanz (SVP) is elected to the Government Council in March. This unusual timing means the new city president could face re-election just five and a half months later during the regular general elections.
"The possibility of Thun electing its first female City President marks a significant moment for local politics," a local observer noted.
Major Infrastructure Projects Reach Completion
Several long-awaited infrastructure projects are set to conclude in 2026, enhancing urban and recreational facilities across the canton.
Kaiserhaus Renovation Concludes in Bern
The extensive renovation of the Kaiserhaus, located between Amthausgasse and Marktgasse in Bern, is scheduled for completion. The building, owned by the Swiss National Bank, began its transformation in 2018. Its grand reopening is planned for April 10.
This multi-year project represents a significant investment, with costs estimated in the "low triple-digit millions of francs." The completion will restore a prominent architectural landmark in the city center.
Ice Rinks Reopen in Bern and Thun
Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the reopening of two iconic ice rinks. The Ka-We-De sports facility in Bern, a beloved site near Dählhölzli, will complete its renovations by autumn 2026. This facility transforms from an ice rink in winter to a swimming pool in summer.
The Ka-We-De renovation project carries a price tag of nearly 60 million Swiss francs. Simultaneously, the Grabengut artificial ice rink in Thun will also reopen by the end of the year. This project, after years of debate and delays, now totals 28.5 million francs due to increased costs and expansions.
Project Background
The renovation of both Ka-We-De and Grabengut addresses aging infrastructure, aiming to provide modern and safe recreational facilities for residents. The Grabengut project, in particular, faced numerous challenges and cost overruns before its final phase.
Cultural and Sporting Extravaganzas
Bern will be a hub of cultural and sporting events throughout 2026, drawing visitors and participants from across Switzerland and beyond.
Bern City Festival Returns
After a four-year hiatus, the Bern City Festival will transform the city center into a vibrant celebration from June 19 to 21. Organized by a committee led by former Bärnerbär editor-in-chief Yves Schott, the festival promises a program similar to 2022, featuring concerts, variety shows, and children's activities.
The city council has approved a waiver of fees for municipal services, and the organizing committee reports positive progress in securing sponsorships.
550th Anniversary of the Battle of Murten
The region will commemorate the 550th anniversary of the Battle of Murten, a pivotal event in Swiss history, on June 22. This battle saw the Confederates defeat the Burgundian troops led by Charles the Bold in 1476. Numerous events are planned to mark this occasion:
- The Murten Panorama will be displayed at the Historical Museum.
- An open-air theater, "Murten 1476 – In the Eye of the Storm," will depict the city's siege.
- The open-air opera "Charles – L’Opéra" at Münchenwiler Castle will explore the story of Charles the Bold.
Bernese Cantonal Wrestling Festival at Wankdorf
Wrestling fans have circled July 5 on their calendars for the Bernese Cantonal Wrestling Festival at Wankdorf Stadium. Tickets for this event are in high demand, with over 10,000 sold on the first day of presale. The stadium has a history with wrestling, having hosted the Federal Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival in 1998, where 38,000 spectators witnessed Jörg Abderhalden's triumph.
Fabian Staudenmann is a favorite for this year's event, and anticipation is high to see if a new wrestling star will emerge.
Key Decisions for Transportation and Environment
Important decisions regarding major transportation projects and environmental protection are also on the horizon for 2026.
Future of Wankdorf Motorway and Grimsel Tunnel
The expansion of the Wankdorf motorway junction and the Grimsel Tunnel project will see critical developments. Following a public rejection of motorway expansions in autumn 2024, the new Bern city government holds a more critical stance on the Wankdorf expansion compared to its predecessor.
The city is advocating for partial covering of the motorway to reconnect the Allmends. Negotiations with the Federal Roads Office are expected to conclude this year. Additionally, the future of the Grimsel Tunnel, a multi-million-franc rail project, will be decided by parliament. If not included in the next phase of rail infrastructure development, the project may be abandoned.
Transport Policy Shift
The recent public vote against motorway expansion reflects a broader shift in transport policy, prioritizing sustainable solutions and environmental considerations.
Swiss Federal Music Festival in Biel
Biel will become the heart of Swiss brass band music from May 14 to 17, hosting the Swiss Federal Music Festival. This biennial event will feature 550 associations with 22,200 musicians performing concert, entertainment, and parade music. Bands will include harmony, fanfare, and brass band ensembles. The festival was originally planned for Interlaken but moved to Biel due to funding issues.
Support for Brienz Storm Victims
The second half of 2026 will be a critical period for many affected by the August 2024 storm in Brienz. A preliminary project for a new course of the Milibach stream is expected to be presented. This will provide clarity on which houses must be relocated due to the new stream alignment.
At the same time, information will be released regarding the impact of the "new" Milibach on the local cemetery, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty for the community.