Capture the Opening at the Prison Tower

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Lighting is low during this evening ceremony in the heart of Bern. Use a lens with a wide aperture like f/2.8 to keep images sharp. Set your ISO higher to handle the dark shadows of the Old Town. You will capture the intense energy of the drummers as they wake the city.

Focus on the person dressed as the bear as they emerge from the tower. The interaction between the bear and the crowd makes for excellent candid shots. Use a mid-range zoom lens to capture both the tower and the people. This ceremony is a highlight for any photographer visiting Bern Welcome locations in winter.

Main Parade Views on Kramgasse Street

Kramgasse is the most iconic street for viewing the best parades during Bern Carnival 2026. The street features beautiful fountains and historic buildings that frame the parade perfectly. You can stand under the famous arcades if it begins to snow or rain. These stone arches provide a natural frame for your carnival compositions.

The main parade usually starts on Saturday at 2:30 PM in the afternoon. Position yourself near the Zytglogge clock tower for a truly classic Swiss shot. The parade moves slowly, giving you plenty of time to adjust your camera settings. Watch for the colorful confetti that fills the air during the celebration.

• Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the flying confetti.
• Try low-angle shots to make the costumed figures look larger.
• Capture the reflections of the parade in the shop windows.
• Photograph the brass bands known locally as Guggenmusik.

The street is often crowded, so keep your camera strap securely around your neck. You may want to bring a small step stool if you are shorter. This location offers the most action and variety for your photography portfolio. It is the heart of the carnival atmosphere in the city.

Intimate Portraits in the Lower Old Town

Walk down toward Gerechtigkeitsgasse for a quieter photography experience during the festival. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning medieval architecture. Many participants stop here to rest or pose for photos between parade segments. The lighting in these narrow streets is often soft and very flattering for portraits.

Look for participants wearing intricate Bern Carnival masks and costumes in the side alleys. Most people are happy to pose if you ask them politely before shooting. Use a prime lens like a 50mm or 85mm for beautiful background blur. This helps the colorful costumes stand out against the grey stone walls.

Pay close attention to the small details of the handmade outfits and masks. These details tell the story of the long history of the Bern Carnival tradition. You can find unique textures and colors that are often missed in the main crowd. These intimate shots provide a nice balance to your wide parade photos.

Wide Angle Shots from Nydegg Bridge

The Nydegg Bridge offers a spectacular panoramic view of the parade route from above. You can see the entire procession as it winds through the historic streets. This spot is perfect for capturing the scale of the event in 2026. You will see the colorful line of people against the Aare river.

Use a wide-angle lens to include the river and the city rooftops. The bridge is a great spot during the "blue hour" just after sunset. The street lights of Bern begin to glow, adding magic to your photos. Make sure to use a tripod if you want to capture long exposures.

Wait for the parade to cross the bridge for a unique perspective. You can capture the movement of the crowds from a safe distance. This location is usually less crowded than the main market squares. It provides a peaceful place to capture the beauty of the city.

Photography Gear Tips for Bern Carnival

February in Bern can be very cold and damp for photographers and gear. Always carry a waterproof cover for your camera and your camera bag. Keep your spare batteries in an inside pocket to keep them warm. Cold weather can drain battery life much faster than you might expect.

A versatile 24-70mm lens is often the best choice for this festival. It allows you to shoot wide street scenes and closer portraits easily. Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe away any snow or stray confetti. You should also wear fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm while shooting.

Consider bringing a small external flash for the evening events and parties. Bounce the light off the stone walls for a more natural look. Be careful not to blind the performers with direct flashes during the show. Proper preparation ensures you get the best shots without any technical issues.