Demonstration Alert: Demonstrations in Bern on January 17 and Zurich on January 19 – U.S. Embassy Bern, Switzerland – January 14, 2026
Location: Bern, Switzerland
Event: A large demonstration against the World Economic Forum (WEF) is expected in Bern on Saturday, January 17, starting at 15:00. This demonstration has not been authorized by Swiss authorities.
The City of Bern has announced there will be restrictions throughout the downtown area and public transit will be affected. A large police presence is planned in response and police will begin erecting barriers at 14:00. Transport delays are likely.
The U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to avoid Bern Old Town and the areas around the Bern main train station and Parliament beginning at 14:00, until news reports the demonstrations have subsided.
On Monday, January 19, another anti-WEF demonstration will take place in Zurich starting at 18:30. Demonstrators will gather and march from Stadthausanlage, up Bahnhofstrasse, and tentatively end at Helvetiaplatz. Police state this route could change and recommend avoiding the city center between 18:00 and 22:00.
The U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel to follow Zurich police guidance and avoid the city center in Zurich between 18:00 and 22:00 on Monday, January 19.
Actions to Take:
Be aware of your surroundings.
If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering or protest, exercise caution and leave the area immediately.
Monitor local media for updates.
Notify friends and family of your safety.
Assistance:
Get Alertswiss , a mobile app by the Federal Office for Civil Protection, to help you plan for and stay safe in an emergency while in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.