Christmas Tree Rush: Popular Farms Reduce Hours as Demand Soars in Bern Canton
Bern, Switzerland – December 19, 2025 – If you’re dreaming of a traditional Christmas tree this year, you might want to act fast. Several Christmas tree farms in the canton of Bern are reporting unprecedented demand, with some already limiting access to ensure everyone has a chance to find their perfect tree. This is breaking news for those hoping to cut their own fir, or find a locally sourced tree this holiday season.
Wohlensee Farm Limits Access Due to ‘Exceptionally High’ Demand
Wohlensee, a long-standing favorite for families who enjoy the experience of selecting and cutting their own Christmas tree, announced today that it will be reducing its operating hours this weekend. The Sägesser family, owners of the plantation in Murzelen, stated that the surge in demand has depleted their stock of Nordmann firs up to 250 centimeters. They will now only be open on Saturday, December 20th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Monday, December 22nd, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. While red and some blue firs remain available, the popular Nordmann variety is nearly sold out.
Beyond Wohlensee: A Canton-Wide Trend
The situation at Wohlensee isn’t isolated. Noel Wälchli, who recently took over the family business cultivating trees on 15 hectares near Herzogenbuchsee, is also experiencing high demand. Wälchli’s farm remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering visitors the chance to choose and have their tree freshly cut. A delightful bonus? Sheep roam the plantation, making a visit a truly memorable experience.
Sustainable Choices: Pesticide-Free and Alternative Trees
For the environmentally conscious, Willy and Ursula Stettler’s plantation near Interlaken offers a compelling alternative. They prioritize sustainability, growing approximately 3,000 fir trees without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. “That’s why you can mainly buy red firs here, because the Nordmann firs require the entire chemical range,” explains Willy Stettler. They will be selling trees on Saturday, December 20th.
But what if you’re looking beyond the traditional? Increasingly, people are embracing creative alternatives. From handcrafted wooden “trees” to potted firs that can be replanted next year, there are plenty of ways to bring the spirit of the season into your home without cutting down a tree. The Aarberg plantation even allows customers to reserve trees with waterproof labels, with red-labeled trees being the most readily available.
Last-Minute Shopping and Community Sales
Don’t despair if you’ve left your tree shopping to the last minute! The Bern community’s Forsthaus Grauholz will remain open until December 24th at 2 p.m., and several locations in the city of Bern, including Helvetiaplatz and the Kleine Schanze (through “Der Weihnachtsbaum.ch”), are still offering trees. Sunday sales are also planned in Bern, Thun, and Biel, providing a final opportunity to snag gifts and festive decorations.
The enthusiasm for real Christmas trees this year speaks to a desire for tradition and a connection to nature during the holiday season. While demand is high, a little planning and flexibility can still ensure you find the perfect centerpiece for your celebrations. And remember, supporting local farms not only brings joy to your home but also contributes to the sustainability of the beautiful Bern landscape.
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