Kocherpark

Kocherpark in Bern is a public park just west of Bern's city centre, in the university district. With its mature trees and walking paths, it works as a quiet neighbourhood green space and a venue for summer cultural events.

Who is Kocherpark named after?

The park honours Theodor Kocher, the surgeon who became the first Swiss winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, in 1909. Kocher was among the owners of the estate where the park now lies. In 1941 his son handed the land to the Burgergemeinde Bern on condition that it become a publicly accessible park bearing his father's name. It opened on 19 September 1944. A bust of Kocher by sculptor Max Fueter stands in the grounds.

What will you see?

The park grew out of two former villa gardens belonging to well-off Bern families, laid out in the English landscape style. The city took over one of the plots and its gardeners redesigned it, so the layout has been adjusted several times over the decades. The section in front of the Haus der Universität stayed closed to the public for a long time and still follows the outline of a 19th-century villa garden.

Kocher's former villa served first as a guesthouse for the Kocher hospital, later as an embassy building, and was converted for university use in 1986-87. Today it houses the Haus der Universität.

After damage linked to the local drug scene, the park was renovated and reopened in 1993. Stadtgrün Bern, the city's green-space department, looks after it.

Does anything happen in the park?

Since 2018, summer festivals have brought the park back to life, with a free cultural programme. It is a good chance to see how locals spend a warm evening outdoors. Outside festival season it is a calm spot for a short stroll between the old town and the university area.

When should you visit?

Late spring to early autumn is best, when the trees are in full leaf and open-air events run. Entry is free and the park is open to everyone. A visit usually takes thirty to sixty minutes, depending on whether you stop at Kocher's bust and the university building.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kocherpark free to enter?

Yes. The park is open to the public, and the summer festivals offer a free cultural programme.

Who was Theodor Kocher?

A Bern surgeon and 1909 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine. The park carries his name because his son donated the estate on condition that it become a public park.

When did the park open?

On 19 September 1944, following the 1941 donation. Before that the land consisted of two private villa gardens.

What is in Kocher's former villa?

The Haus der Universität, converted from the villa in 1986-87. Earlier the building was a guesthouse for the Kocher hospital and then an embassy.