Traditional Onion Market – Zibelemärit (Bern)

At the end of the chilly month of November, Bern wakes up in the dark hours for the annual Onion Market. This tradition has been praising the humble little vegetable for nearly 200 years.

The one time of the year Bern goes bunkers over onions

Here's what the atmosphere at the Onion Market is like: You see tons of perfected onion tresses all around you, the smell of mulled wine, garlic bread, and onion pies is in the air, there is confetti covering the streets (and people) and now and then you’re softly being hit by a squeaky hammer.

The masses of onions in this market are unbelievable. In 2015, farmers from near and far sold nearly 60 tons of onions!

The best way to embrace this popular and very down-to-earth tradition is to put on your peppermint sugar bead necklace, see and eat around, and stroll among the busy streets of Bern until dawn. Countless stands not only offer onions but different local delicacies and crafts.

My advice: To avoid the crowds, visit the market before 6 AM.

For the truly brave, the traditional Zibeleschwümme (Onion Swim) takes place on the Sunday before the market. At 1 PM at the Schönausteg, watch the daredevil swimmers immerse in the bitterly cold Aare river.