Festival Bach Weeks Thun 2026

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.

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

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