Public holidays 2026 in the canton of Bern
The canton of Bern has 9 statutory holidays in 2026; 7 fall on a weekday. 1 bridge day(s) allow long weekends.
Statutory holidays 2026
| Date | Holiday | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, January 1, | New Year's Day | nationwide |
| Friday, January 2, | Berchtold's Day | cantonal · 4 of 26 cantons |
| Friday, April 3, | Good Friday | cantonal · 24 of 26 cantons |
| Monday, April 6, | Easter Monday | cantonal · 17 of 26 cantons |
| Thursday, May 14, | Ascension Day | nationwide |
| Monday, May 25, | Whit Monday | cantonal · 17 of 26 cantons |
| Saturday, August 1, | Swiss National Day | nationwide · weekend |
| Friday, December 25, | Christmas Day | nationwide |
| Saturday, December 26, | St. Stephen's Day | cantonal · 15 of 26 cantons · weekend |
Half, regional and customary holidays
- Mon, 21 SepFederal Fast Mondaynot statutory, off in some municipalities
Bridge days and long weekends 2026
- Fri, 15 May off (Ascension Day) → 4 days off
At least three days off without leave: Thu, 1 Jan–Sun, 4 Jan (4 days, New Year's Day + Berchtold's Day) · Fri, 3 Apr–Mon, 6 Apr (4 days, Good Friday + Easter Monday) · Sat, 23 May–Mon, 25 May (3 days, Whit Monday) · Fri, 25 Dec–Sun, 27 Dec (3 days, Christmas Day + St. Stephen's Day)
What is special in Bern
- Berchtold's Day (Fri, 2 Jan) is a holiday here — only in 4 of 26 cantons.
Frequently asked
How many public holidays does Bern have in 2026?
9 statutory holidays, 7 of them on a weekday. That is rank 12 of 26. Plus 1 partial or customary days (Federal Fast Monday).
Is Good Friday 2026 a holiday in Bern?
Yes, on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Is 1 May 2026 a holiday in Bern?
No, 1 May is not a holiday in Bern.
Is 2 January a holiday in Bern?
Yes — Friday, January 2, 2026.
Which bridge days are there in Bern in 2026?
Friday, May 15, 2026 (Ascension Day, 4 days off).
Holidays 2026 in other cantons
Source: Federal Office of Justice list and cantonal law; dates computed, no guarantee. Method and sources