Swiss National Day: Celebrate The Local Way

The universal sign of neutrality

The Swiss National Day or Fete Nationale is celebrated every year on 1^st August with great zeal and enthusiasm. To mark this special day, locals across different regions (or cantons as they are called in Switzerland) have their own unique traditions. Here’s a closer look at the festivities across the land of chocolates and cheese:

 

Parades and Folklore Festivities

Time to dress in national costumes and join in the merriment! 

Bahnofstrasse in Zurich has a festive atmosphere on the Swiss National Day. Sit on one of the long benches and chat with the locals, or hear the Matterhorn Music Society play the Swiss national anthem. Folklore music wafts through the lanes as people revel in the street festival celebrations.

 

Sunrise Buffet at Mountain Top

Eating fondue and freshly baked breads atop a mountain? Very Swiss!

Fancy a meal while seeing the sun rise over the pristine Alpine landscape? On 1^st August, locals and visitors celebrate the Swiss National Day with a breakfast buffet atop Mt. Titlis. Afterward, head to Engelberg and join in the village party that starts with alphorns, followed by wind-orchestra concerts, folklore processions and entertainment.

 

Goat Races in Gruyere

See the legends of Swiss folklore compete in a race in Gruyere

Did you know that goats have been celebrated like legends ever since they played an integral role in preventing Bern’s attack on Gruyere? Every year on Swiss National Day, there’s a goat race held in the middle of the traditional market area.  Products such as goat’s cheese and wool are also put on display while an expert demonstrates how to make ‘Vacharin’ cheese. Restaurants also feature local specialties made with goat’s meat.

 

Farmers Brunches and Cow Rides

Eat and talk like the locals at the Farmer's brunch 

Choose from over 400 farms for a hearty brunch with the locals. Mouth-watering pies, sausages, crispy Rosti (a potato based dish), freshly baked breads – indulge in an all-you-can-eat spread. Kids can play in the haystack or take horse carriage rides. A farm near Stein Am Rhein in Bolderhof (about an hour’s drive from Zurich) even offers a cow ride for just 2 Swiss Francs!

 

Bright Lights and Evening Cruises

The Swiss National Day culminates into a spectacular fireworks show

As the night sky lights up with shades of red, pink and gold, board an evening cruise with loved ones from Beckenried to Brunnen. Seeing fireworks from the lake has a charm of its own. Cruises are available in various Swiss cities, including Lake Thun area. Be sure to make prior reservation. On this day, families also gather on hillsides to light the traditional bonfire (or hohenfeuer) and let off red lanterns into the sky. A pretty sight indeed! Come and celebrate the beauty of Switzerland the local way. Bonne Fete Nationale Suisse!