Bern Street Circuit
Location
Bern, Switzerland
Current Local Time
Track Info
Bern Street Circuit - Bern, Switzerland
Steep and technical Formula E street circuit through the Swiss capital - known for dramatic elevation changes, narrow roads and views over Bern's historic old town
When was the track built?
The Bern Street Circuit was created specifically for Formula E's visit to the Swiss capital in 2019. It was a temporary track, with public roads fitted with concrete barriers, fencing, grandstands and other racing equipment for the event.
The route began around Laubeggstrasse, passed the Rosengarten and descended towards the Bärengraben before climbing again through the city. Its location provided views across the Aare River towards Bern's historic old town.
When was its first race?
The first and only Bern E-Prix took place on 22 June 2019. Jean-Éric Vergne started from pole position and led the race from start to finish for DS TECHEETAH.
Mitch Evans stayed close throughout and finished only 0.160 seconds behind, while Swiss driver Sébastien Buemi completed the podium in third.
What's the circuit like?
- Like a rollercoaster: Bern featured unusually large elevation changes for a Formula E street circuit, with drivers repeatedly climbing and descending during the lap.
- Changing road surfaces: Different types of everyday asphalt and changes in road camber meant the amount of grip could vary from one corner to the next.
- Fast downhill sections: Drivers carried significant speed downhill before braking for tight corners, leaving very little room for error.
- Narrow and difficult to pass: Concrete barriers and limited space made qualifying especially important because overtaking was difficult during the race.
Formula E benchmarks
- Race winner: Jean-Éric Vergne won the only Bern E-Prix for DS TECHEETAH.
- Pole position: Vergne recorded a 1:18.813 during qualifying.
- Winning margin: Mitch Evans finished just 0.160 seconds behind Vergne.
- Home podium: Sébastien Buemi finished third in front of the Swiss crowd.
- Dramatic opening: A multi-car blockage on the opening lap forced the race to be stopped before it later restarted.
Why go?
Bern offered a very different type of Formula E circuit. Instead of racing on relatively flat city streets, the cars climbed and descended through natural terrain while passing parks and historic areas of the Swiss capital.
The setting was also particularly memorable. Spectators could combine close street racing with views of the Aare River and Bern's UNESCO-listed old town, while the steep roads made the cars look especially dramatic under acceleration and braking.
Formula E has not returned to Bern since 2019. The Swiss E-Prix promoter later entered liquidation, leaving the Bern event as a one-off race.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Rosengarten section: A good area for appreciating the circuit's steep terrain and watching the cars begin their rapid descent.
- Bärengraben area: One of the most distinctive parts of the lap, combining technical street racing with views towards Bern's historic centre.
- Final chicane: A demanding section where drivers had to change direction quickly between the barriers before completing the lap.
These viewing suggestions refer to the former 2019 Formula E configuration; the temporary circuit is not currently used for racing.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Bern Street Circuit (Switzerland)
The Bern Street Circuit was a temporary Formula E course east of Bern's historic Old Town. Formula E no longer races here, but much of the former route around Rosengarten, BärenPark and Schosshalde is easy to reach by bus or on foot.
Is the Bern Street Circuit still active?
The Bern Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. It was created for the 2019 Swiss E-Prix and was used for only one championship race.
Because it was a temporary street circuit, the barriers, grandstands, pit facilities and other race infrastructure were removed after the event. The roads returned to normal city use.
You can still explore much of the setting, but there is no permanent circuit entrance or Formula E visitor centre.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, bus + walking is the easiest way to explore the former circuit. Bern's main railway station is in the city centre, and regular buses continue towards Rosengarten and BärenPark.
Rosengarten is a particularly good starting point because the 2019 course passed directly beside the park before descending towards the Aare and BärenPark.
Bus & public transport
- Rosengarten: served by BERNMOBIL bus 10 from central Bern.
- BärenPark: served by bus 12, which also runs through Bern Bahnhof and the Old Town.
- From Bern station: both areas can be reached quickly without needing a taxi or rental car.
- On foot: walking from the Old Town towards BärenPark is also practical, although the former circuit area includes steep hills.
If you are staying overnight in Bern, your accommodation may provide a Bern Ticket giving free travel on public transport within city zones 100 and 101.
Driving & parking
Driving is possible, but public transport is normally easier. Central Bern has traffic restrictions and the former circuit passes through established residential and tourist areas.
- Navigation: Rosengarten or BärenPark are useful reference points.
- Parking: use current legal public or commercial parking rather than old Formula E maps.
- Park & Ride: Neufeld and Wankdorf are useful options if you prefer to leave your car outside the centre.
- No race parking: spectator parking and road closures from the 2019 E-Prix no longer apply.
Airports
- Bern Airport (BRN): the closest airport, with public transport to Bern station taking around 30 minutes.
- Zurich Airport (ZRH): the most useful major international gateway for many visitors.
- Zurich Airport → Bern: direct rail journeys take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Basel Airport: another useful alternative, with the journey to Bern taking around 1 hour 15 minutes by public transport.
Bern Airport has a much smaller and more seasonal flight network than Zurich, so check available flights before choosing it.
About the former circuit
Bern's Formula E layout was unusual because of its steep climbs and descents, giving drivers elevation changes rarely seen on a street circuit.
- Length: 2.750 km.
- Corners: 14.
- Direction: anti-clockwise.
- Key landmarks: Rosengarten, BärenPark and the Aare valley.
- Formula E race: 22 June 2019.
Visiting the area today
A good place to begin is Rosengarten. The old course started on Laubeggstrasse before passing the park and descending towards BärenPark, with impressive views across the Aare towards Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town.
From BärenPark, the circuit climbed the steep Grosser Muristalden towards Schosshalde. These are now normal public roads, so explore from pavements and pedestrian areas rather than trying to follow the racing line.
An old Formula E circuit map is useful here because the hills and road junctions make many sections easy to recognise.
Accessibility
Bern has an extensive public transport network, but the former circuit itself includes significant slopes and elevation changes. Visitors with limited mobility should consider visiting Rosengarten and BärenPark separately by bus rather than attempting to walk the complete former lap.
Bern Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. Bus services, road access, parking and pedestrian routes can change, so check current BERNMOBIL and Bern visitor information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Bern Street Circuit (Bern, Switzerland)
Bern’s former Formula E circuit sent electric race cars over the steep streets beside the city’s historic centre and the River Aare. Formula E no longer races here, but the old circuit area is surrounded by viewpoints, museums, bears and Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Family-friendly highlights near the old circuit
- BearPark Bern: See the brown bears that represent the city of Bern in a large riverside habitat beside the Aare. The viewing areas also provide excellent views towards the Old Town.
- Rosengarten: This hillside park sits close to the former circuit and offers one of the classic panoramas over Bern’s red rooftops and cathedral.
- Gurten: Bern’s local mountain has walking routes, open spaces and family activities, plus wide views towards the city and the Alps on clear days.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Zentrum Paul Klee: Discover the work of Swiss-German artist Paul Klee inside a distinctive wave-shaped building designed by Renzo Piano. Creative activities make it approachable even if you know little about art.
- Einstein Museum: Part of the Bern History Museum, this exhibition explains Albert Einstein’s life and the groundbreaking work he carried out while living in Bern.
- Einstein House: Visit the apartment on Kramgasse where Einstein lived during one of the most important periods of his scientific career.
Eat & drink around Bern
- Old Town: Bern’s covered arcades are lined with cafés, bakeries and restaurants, making them convenient even when the weather turns wet.
- Try rösti: This crisp potato dish is closely associated with the Bern region and makes an easy introduction to traditional Swiss food.
- Swiss cheese: Look for dishes featuring local and regional cheeses, or head into the nearby Emmental if you want to learn more about how one of Switzerland’s best-known cheeses is made.
Explore Bern on foot
- Bern Old Town: Wander beneath the arcades past fountains, sandstone buildings and the famous Zytglogge clock tower in the UNESCO-listed historic centre.
- Aare riverside: Follow paths beside the turquoise river beneath the Old Town for a quieter view of the city and its steep wooded banks.
- Rosengarten viewpoint: Walk uphill from the BearPark for a classic view across the bend of the Aare towards the Old Town.
Swimming in the Aare is popular with experienced locals, but the current can be strong and conditions change quickly. Visitors unfamiliar with the river are better sticking to the riverside paths.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Thun: Explore a compact Old Town, riverside streets and the hilltop castle before spending time beside Lake Thun.
- Emmental: Head into rolling countryside associated with Emmental cheese, traditional farms and classic Swiss rural scenery.
- Fribourg: Discover another beautifully preserved historic city with bridges, steep streets and a dramatic setting above the Sarine River.
- Bernese Oberland: If you have a full day, continue towards the lakes and mountains around Thun and Interlaken for a complete change from city sightseeing.
Good to know when visiting the old circuit
- There is no permanent race track: Formula E used public streets and temporary barriers, fencing and grandstands. Today the route is part of normal Bern traffic.
- Expect hills: Bern’s circuit was famous for elevation changes, and sightseeing around the eastern side of the Old Town can also involve steep climbs.
- Public transport is easy: Bern has an extensive tram and bus network, while the historic centre is compact enough to explore largely on foot.
- Formula E has moved on: Bern has not hosted another E-Prix since 2019, so check the current championship calendar if attending a live race is your main reason for travelling.
Formula E no longer races at Bern Street Circuit. Museum hours, attraction access, public transport and local events can change - check current information before travelling.