Bern's HeroFest 2025: Gaming, Medieval Fun, and 20,000 Visitors Expected
Bern is buzzing with excitement as the seventh HeroFest kicked off on Friday afternoon. The three-day event, held on the expanded Bernexpo site, is expected to draw over 20,000 visitors until Sunday, with many hotels in the area fully booked due to international cosplayers. This year's festival promises a diverse range of activities, appealing to a broad age group from toddlers to seniors.
The main attraction is the SwitzerLAN event, where 2,500 players will compete for 72 hours straight. This intense gaming marathon is a highlight for many gamers. Adding to the thrill are prominent personalities from the e-sports scene, such as Noah Rey and Salome Gschwind-Penski, who were spotted at last weekend's HeroFest in Bern.
Beyond the gaming, the festival offers a medieval market, live music, and food stands. Visitors can also enjoy retro game consoles, axe throwing, hot dogs, and PokΓ©mon plush toys. For those interested in robotics, a homemade robot tournament is also on the agenda. Last year, around 25,000 gaming fans attended the festival, and this year's expanded site adds an additional 8,000 square meters for even more fun.
The seventh HeroFest in Bern is proving to be a major draw, with over 20,000 visitors expected until Sunday. The festival's diverse range of activities, from gaming to medieval markets, ensures there's something for everyone. With many hotels fully booked, it's clear that this event is a significant boost for the local area.