Atmospheric music on the Gurten from four barrel organs.

Barrel organ day

Musical entertainment

Cultural heritage for the senses

This summer, you'll also be able to hear the barrel organ - a mechanical instrument that can often be spotted at fairs and "chilbis" - at Bern's local mountain. Around 15 organ grinders will perform at numerous locations around the Gurten - Park im Grünen, providing renditions of various musical pieces. Enjoy a cozy summer day outdoors, surrounded by the wonderful sounds of the different barrel organs.

The barrel organ day at the Gurten is supported by the Migros Culture Percentage, part of the social commitment of the Migros Group: migros-engagement.ch.

Venue:	Various locations around the park
Date:	July 13, 2025
Time:	11 AM to 5 PM
Price:	Free of charge

The meadow by the observation tower
The meadow next to the Bahnhöfli takeaway stand
The meadow by the miniature railway
The playground
The meadow by the Gurten railway hill station

Locations
Historical records show that the barrel organ was the instrument of street musicians and performers throughout Europe from about the start of the 18th century. In England and France, in particular, it was also played in church and served as a parlor instrument. Many organ grinders place a toy monkey by their instrument. This is intended as a reminder that traveling musicians were often accompanied by a capuchin or rhesus monkey. The monkey acted as an extra attraction, especially for children, and was mostly used to collect coins from spectators.
Source: Wikipedia