If you’re looking for way to celebrate Swiss National Day, I’ve put together a guide packed with fun activities and inspiration to help you make the most of it. From family-friendly activities to spots where you can catch the fireworks and some fun farms.
Fireworks
If your heart is set on a fireworks show, The Rhine Falls (on July 31st!) is for you. The mighty Falls are lit up in breathtaking colors, creating a truly unforgettable show. The main event happens on the evening of July 31st, not August 1st! You can find the official schedule and information on the Rheinfall website.
Other place where you can find fireworks are:
Lausanne has some fireworks as well which you can check on this page. For Basel you can find the info here.
Additional places for your list: Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Zermatt, Ascona, Canton Fribourg, Neuchâtel,
Traditional Brunch in a Farm
As many of you know, one of the most common way to celebrate the day is going for a brunch on a local Swiss farm. Many farms open their doors on August 1st, you can expect loads of local cheeses, bread, pastries, and of course, the iconic “1. Augustweggen” which is the special bun adorned with a Swiss flag.
There are several websites in which you can find the perfect brunch farm. Here are some useful addresses: Swiss Farmers, Freizeit.ch.
Activities and Events
Altstätten: The Anno 1291 Medieval Spectacle celebrates Switzerland’s founding with knights, jugglers, minstrels, live shows, children’s activities, a craft market and medieval food at Allmend Rheintal. Dates: July 31 to August 2.
Bern: Celebrate Swiss National Day with a free open house at the Parliament Building, where visitors can explore both council chambers, the domed hall, lobby, and Federal Council meeting room.
BBQs and Picnics
Another great option is to go for a BBQ or a picnic. For BBQ, you can either do it near your place, at the comfort of your balcony orrrr you can venture into the nature.
There are so many great outdoor BBQ spots around the country. Depending on where you live, there are different websites that list the nearby spots but 2 of the bigger ones are in the German speaking part, or the French part. Geneva has it’s own information page.
Alpine Charm
If your idea of August 1st involves breathtaking mountain scenery and deep-rooted traditions, then heading to the heart of the Alps is the way to go.
Interlaken: The Traditional Epicenter. Interlaken goes all-in on tradition. Think folklore parades, alphorn players, and bonfires on the surrounding mountainsides. My favorite part is the grand fireworks display over the Höhematte meadow.
Zermatt: The Iconic Backdrop. Celebrating at the foot of the Matterhorn is just an unbeatable experience. The village hosts a street party on July 31st, followed by a more official celebration on August 1st. The combination of traditional music and that iconic mountain peak is something truly special.
Brunnen: The Brunnen Village Festival with live music from folk to pop and rock, food and drink stands, a pedestrian festival zone, and a huge fireworks display over Lake Lucerne. Dates: July 31–August 2.
Riederalp: The revived Kulturfestival and traditional Älplerfest combine Swiss folk and schlager concerts with National Day celebrations, alphorns, yodeling, a lantern parade, an open-air service, a festive procession, dancing, and a stone-throwing competition. Dates: July 31–August 2.
And for the Zurich Locals…
In Zurich, the celebration is less about one big official event and more about a relaxed, city-wide neighborhood party.
Zurich: The city’s official Swiss National Day celebration with music, alphorns, yodeling, a military salute and a keynote speech, followed by a family afternoon with children’s entertainment and food from different Swiss cantons. Date: August 1, from 11:30- 16:00 at Stadthausanlage near Bürkliplatz.
I’m always curious to hear about other experiences so feel free to share your favorite spots and tips in the comments below 🙂
