Alphorn musicians in the Swiss Alps on Switzerland’s National Day – Image: MySwitzerland
Switzerland is celebrating its National Day every year on 1 August. The whole country experiences its National Day with festivals, delicious brunches, and memorable outings. Festive speeches, the sound of alphorns and musical interludes, plus fine Swiss specialities and entertainment: there is a programme to suit every taste.
On Swiss National Day, Switzerland becomes a festive country: Festivals and celebrations take place all over the country. People start the day with a delicious Swiss National Day brunch, then go on an excursion or visit a National Day celebration, and finally enjoy the fireworks and bonfires.
Swiss National Day History
Founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291 Since 1891, the first of August has been celebrated as Swiss National Day. The date refers to a historic alliance concluded in 1291 by the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. This alliance was to become the focal point around which the Switzerland of today was built over the next 500 years.
Men from these three cantons “at the beginning of the month of August 1291” swore eternal allegiance to one another, promising mutual help and assistance. The alliance was mainly formed against the Habsburgs, who were striving to strengthen their position in the strategic region leading to the Gotthard Pass at the time.
Säntis-Bahn in Switzerland – Image: My Switzerland
August 1st is celebrated exclusively within the communities; a radio or television broadcast by the President of the Swiss Confederation is the only exception to this esteemed federal principle. Communal celebrations comprise solemn words spoken by a prominent public figure from political or cultural life, accompanied by a concert or choire, gymnastic presentations, and the community singing the national anthem.
Wealthy communities or tourist offices may also sponsor a display of fireworks. Bonfires, mainly on hills and other elevated spots, commemorate the expulsion of foreign bailiffs in the fourteenth century, the news of which were spread in this manner in those days. Children carrying lighted paper lanterns roam the streets at night. Public and private buildings are decorated with national, cantonal, and community flags, and the bakers produce special bread rolls with a small Swiss flag on top.
A special kind of celebration takes place at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. From mid-nineteenth century onwards, the waterfall has been illuminated on special occasions. Since 1920, it has been illuminated regularly on August 1, and since 1966 exclusively so. On the same day, a magnificent fireworks display also attracts throngs of spectators to this special site.
A representative celebration is staged at the Rütli Meadow in the canton of Uri above Lake Lucerne. It takes place in the same place where the legendary pledge of alliance was pronounced.
Traditional Costume Festival in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Image: My Witzerland
Swiss National Day Brunches
Starting the Swiss National Day with a fine brunch has become a tradition. Usually these brunches take place on a farm and require registration. Fresh plaited bread, jam, meat, cheese and other delicious specialities are served at the hearty breakfast.
Swiss National Day Excursions
Whether on a hike, an excursion, a boat trip or in a museum: Switzerland can be experienced in all its diversity on National Day. Why not in Central Switzerland, where Swiss history had its beginnings?
Swiss National Day Events
NAN/MySwitzerland 30-07-26
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