Overview

  • Date

    16. August - 06. September 2026

    Sun, Fri, Sat 19:00 - 21:00

Intro

The Bach Weeks Thun present the work of J. S. Bach in the context of other composers. In addition to concerts featuring top-class artists, innovative educational projects are also offered.

The Bachwochen Thun is a creative and dynamic festival in the Bernese Oberland, characterized by a mixture of international artists and a strong regional connection. The focus is on the artistic work of Johann Sebastian Bach, which continues to be a source of inspiration today: Innovative, interdisciplinary projects with children, young people and adults create a link between Bach's music and the present day and encourage an artistic examination of our environment. The Bach Weeks Thun cultivate a traditional, 300-year-old cultural heritage, while breaking new, innovative ground and addressing current issues at the cutting edge.

Bachwochen Thun was founded in 1987 by the American flautist Besse Welsh. The founding venue is the Romanesque church in Amsoldingen, which is over a thousand years old and is known for its atmospheric ambience and unique acoustics. The church, formerly a collegiate church, is one of the oldest buildings in the canton of Bern and is now considered one of the most important places of power in Switzerland.

Since July 2016, the artistic direction has been in the hands of Steffisburg harpsichordist Vital Julian Frey. Cultural manager and clarinettist Séverine Payet has been the director since 2021. The supporting association is chaired by Hans Ulrich Glarner, Head of the Office for Culture of the Canton of Bern until 2024.

Event information

Show Event information content
Contact address
Verein Bachwochen Thun
Geschäftsstelle
3600 Thun
+41 77 444 39 29
mail@bachwochen.ch
Location Thun und Region
3600 Thun
Switzerland
Event Homepage https://www.bachwochen.ch
Price
Chargeable from CHF 5.- to CHF 75.-
Opening hours
Sunday, 16.8. 10 a.m. Friday, 28.8. 7 pm Saturday, 29.8. 5 pm Sunday, 30.8. 10 am & 5 pm Friday, 4.9. 7.30 pm Saturday, 13.00 & 14.00 & 16.00 & 17.00 & 19.45 Sunday, 6.9. 10.00 & 17.00
The content presented here is provided and updated by regional/local tourist offices or event organisers, which is why Switzerland Tourism is unable to guarantee the correctness of the contents.

Event dates

  • 16 August 2026
  • 21 August 2026
  • 22 August 2026
  • 23 August 2026
  • 28 August 2026
  • 29 August 2026
  • 30 August 2026
  • 04 September 2026
  • 05 September 2026
  • 06 September 2026

Reservation / Booking

Online sales & direct sales: Thun-Lake Thun Tourism, Orell Füssli and BLS travel centers Or via the office: mail@bachwochen.ch & +41 77 444 39 29

Discover the surroundings

Date

16. August - 06. September 2026

Sun, Fri, Sat 19:00 - 21:00

More info / Tickets

Check Availability

  • Thun Easy rafting on the Aare from Thun to Bern

    Discover the Aare river at a relaxed pace and enjoy 26 km of nature, team spirit, and summer fun... from CHF 500
    Offer details


    valid: 06.08.2026 - 30.09.2026

    Learn more about Easy rafting on the Aare from Thun to Bern
  • Thun "Thun's Bridges": public city tour

    The sparkling Aare flows straight through the town of Thun. On this special walk, discover the many... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 10.10.2026 - 24.10.2026

    Learn more about "Thun's Bridges": public city tour
  • Thun “Bloody Thun”: public city tour

    This tour takes you through Thun's old town. Jon Keller takes you on an exciting journey through the... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 17.09.2026 - 15.11.2026

    Learn more about “Bloody Thun”: public city tour
  • Thun City tour Thun public

    Join a guided tour through Thun's Old Town and uncover the fascinating history of this beautiful... from CHF 15
    Offer details


    valid: 05.08.2026 - 19.12.2026

    Learn more about City tour Thun public
  • Thun "Eerie Doings": public city tour

    Explore the dark, medieval town of Thun with a night watchman. On this tour, discover mysterious... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 12.08.2026 - 26.03.2027

    Learn more about "Eerie Doings": public city tour
  • Thun "Beat the groom" in Thun: action-packed stag party

    Take the whole wedding party on an action-packed city rally through Thun to see the groom off into... from CHF 299
    Offer details


    valid: 23.08.2026 - 02.08.2027

    Learn more about "Beat the groom" in Thun: action-packed stag party
  • Thun "HERSTORY" Guided Tour Schloss Thun for Groups

    Join the "HERSTORY" guided tour at Thun Castle to discover inspiring stories of strong women from... from CHF 210
    Offer details


    valid: 06.08.2026 - 04.01.2027

    Learn more about "HERSTORY" Guided Tour Schloss Thun for Groups
  • Thun Castle tour of Thun Castle for groups

    Discover Thun Castle during an exclusive guided tour just for your group. Experience the history of... from CHF 210
    Offer details


    valid: 06.08.2026 - 04.01.2027

    Learn more about Castle tour of Thun Castle for groups
  • Thun "Behind Lock and Key" Tour of Thun Castle for Groups

    Explore the justice and prison history of Thun Castle during the "Behind Bars" tour. Your group will... from CHF 210
    Offer details


    valid: 06.08.2026 - 04.01.2027

    Learn more about "Behind Lock and Key" Tour of Thun Castle for Groups