Knabenschiessen Zurich 2026 – Dates, History, Funfair & Visitor Guide
Knabenschiessen Zurich 12th – 14th September 2026
If you are in Zurich in September, one event you are almost certain to hear about is Knabenschiessen. Part traditional shooting competition, part enormous funfair and part Zurich institution, Knabenschiessen is one of the city’s most distinctive annual celebrations. In 2026, Knabenschiessen Zurich takes place from Saturday 12th to Monday 14th September at Albisgütli, at the foot of the Uetliberg. The three-day celebration combines the historic youth shooting competition with a huge Chilbi, or funfair, filled with rides, food stalls, games and entertainment. Although its rather unusual name can cause confusion among visitors to Switzerland, Knabenschiessen is actually one of Zurich’s oldest surviving traditions – with roots stretching back more than 350 years.
What Is Knabenschiessen?
The word Knabenschiessen loosely translates as “boys’ shooting”, referring to the young participants in the original shooting competition. Today, however, the event is open to both boys and girls who meet the participation requirements, and the shooting contest is only one part of a much larger three-day festival. For most Zurich residents and visitors, Knabenschiessen means a trip to Albisgütli for the Chilbi: an enormous collection of amusement rides, traditional fairground attractions, food stands, market stalls and entertainment.
The organisers describe Knabenschiessen as Zurich’s largest annual public festival, and the colourful funfair has become as much a part of the tradition as the shooting competition itself.
The History of Knabenschiessen in Zurich
Knabenschiessen is much older than many people realise. The first known written reference dates from 1656, when Zurich records mention a “Knaben Schiesset”. On 20th September that year, the City of Zurich awarded silver-plated commemorative coins decorated with blue and white ribbons to 144 boys who had taken part in a shooting competition. The competition followed several weeks of military-style training. Similar exercises for Zurich’s young men are documented as far back as 1637.
Shooting festivals themselves had an even longer connection with Zurich. Platzspitz, close to today’s Zurich Hauptbahnhof, was used for shooting festivals as far back as the 15th century and is associated with the early development of the Knabenschiessen tradition. Over the centuries, the event took place at various locations around Zurich.
Knabenschiessen Moves to Albisgütli
The modern Knabenschiessen that Zurich residents know today dates from 1899, when the Schützengesellschaft der Stadt Zürich began organising the competition at Albisgütli. It has taken place there ever since and gradually developed into the major Zurich Volksfest – or public festival – that surrounds the competition today. This distinction is worth remembering: Knabenschiessen did not begin in 1899. Its documented history dates to 1656, while 1899 marks the beginning of the modern Knabenschiessen at Albisgütli.
Here’s a Video by Alex Nikolsky of the Knabenchiessen Chilbi by night
When Were Girls Allowed to Take Part in Knabenschiessen?
For centuries, participation was restricted to boys, which explains why the historic name Knabenschiessen has remained. That changed in 1991, the year Switzerland celebrated the 700th anniversary of the Confederation, when girls were admitted to the competition for the first time. Today both girls and boys can compete.
Who Can Take Part in Knabenschiessen?
The shooting competition is aimed at young people aged 13 to 17 with a qualifying connection to the Canton of Zurich. For 2026, this includes eligible teenagers who live in the Canton of Zurich, as well as certain young people who attend school or an apprenticeship in the canton or whose parent or parents live there. Participants should always check the current year’s official rules before registering, as eligibility dates and requirements can change. The entry fee for the 2026 competition is CHF 15. You don’t have to take part in the shooting competition to enjoy Knabenschiessen. The Chilbi and festival are open to everyone, whether you live in Zurich or are simply visiting the city.
How Does the Knabenschiessen Shooting Competition Work?
Participants fire five individual shots at the target. A maximum result of 35 points is possible. Those achieving the highest scores may qualify for the Ausstich, or shoot-off, which takes place on the Monday. The overall winner of the competition becomes either the Schützenkönig – Shooting King – or Schützenkönigin – Shooting Queen. Importantly, there isn’t automatically both a king and a queen every year. There is one overall Knabenschiessen winner, regardless of gender. The winner is traditionally celebrated on Knabenschiessen Monday, culminating in the presentation ceremony and procession. Fun fact: target shooting competitions are still popular in villages around Switzerland too – and my daughter was once Schützenkönigin in our village!
The Knabenschiessen Chilbi – One of Zurich’s Biggest Funfairs
Even if you have absolutely no interest in the shooting competition, the Knabenschiessen Chilbi is worth experiencing. For three days, the streets and open spaces around Albisgütli are transformed by fairground rides, flashing lights, music, games, market stalls and food stands.
There are rides for children as well as much more dramatic attractions for thrill-seekers, and the atmosphere becomes particularly photogenic after dark when the entire funfair is illuminated. For food lovers, there’s everything you would expect from a Swiss Chilbi: sausages, grilled specialities, sweet treats, snacks and plenty of international street food. It’s lively, colourful and often extremely busy – especially on Saturday evening and Sunday.
Knabenschiessen by Night
If you’re looking for photographs or video, evening is one of the best times to visit Knabenschiessen. Once darkness falls, the illuminated rides and fairground attractions create a completely different atmosphere.
See this short night-time reel by Alex Nikolsky below for an impression of the Knabenschiessen Chilbi after dark.
Knabenschiessen 2026 Opening Hours
For 2026, the official programme currently lists the Chilbi as follows:
Saturday 12th September: 10am – 1.30am
Sunday 13th September: 11am – 12.30am
Monday 14th September: 11am – 11pm
The shooting competition operates from 10am–6pm on Saturday, 11am–6pm on Sunday and 8am–10am on Monday. The shoot-off for the title of Schützenkönig or Schützenkönigin is scheduled for 11am on Monday. Tip: These times can change from year to year, so check the official Knabenschiessen programme shortly before visiting.
Why Is Knabenschiessen Monday Special in Zurich?
Knabenschiessen Monday is something of a Zurich institution in its own right. It is not one of Switzerland’s standard national public holidays, but the tradition has a noticeable effect on everyday life in the City of Zurich. Zurich Tourism lists Knabenschiessen alongside Sechseläuten as a traditional Zurich occasion when many people in the city work only in the morning. For pupils at City of Zurich schools, Knabenschiessen Monday is school-free. In 2026 that falls on Monday 14th September.However, pleas note that not every Zurich business closes. Opening arrangements vary, so check individual businesses if you are planning shopping, appointments or other activities that Monday.
Where Is Knabenschiessen Held?
Schiessanlage Albisgütli, Uetlibergstrasse 341, 8045 Zürich. Albisgütli is located in the south of Zurich near the foot of the Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain.
How to Get to Knabenschiessen by Public Transport
Public transport is by far the easiest way to visit Knabenschiessen. There is no general visitor parking at the festival, and access around Albisgütli is restricted while the event is taking place. The organisers recommend travelling by public transport. Options include trams 5 or 13 to Laubegg, buses 32 or 89 to Strassenverkehrsamt, or the S4 to Zürich Saalsporthalle, followed by the appropriate connection or walk to the festival area. Because services and temporary arrangements can change during major Zurich events, check the current ZVV timetable before travelling.
Tips for Visiting Knabenschiessen Zurich
If you’re visiting for the first time, allow at least a couple of hours to explore the Chilbi properly. Families may prefer visiting during the daytime, while the funfair is particularly atmospheric in the evening. Friday isn’t normally part of the main three-day Knabenschiessen festival, so if you’re planning a trip specifically for the Chilbi, focus on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. For photographers and Instagram, dusk and early evening are particularly good. You’ll get some daylight shots of the attractions followed by the bright lights of the funfair after sunset. And most importantly: don’t drive unless you absolutely have to. Public transport is much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knabenschiessen Zurich
What is Knabenschiessen?
Knabenschiessen is a historic Zurich youth shooting competition combined with a huge three-day Chilbi or funfair at Albisgütli. It is one of the city’s best-known autumn traditions.
When is Knabenschiessen 2026?
Knabenschiessen Zurich takes place from Saturday 12th to Monday 14th September 2026.
Where does Knabenschiessen take place?
It is held at Albisgütli in Zurich, near the foot of the Uetliberg.
How old is Knabenschiessen?
The first written record of the tradition dates from 1656, making its documented history more than 350 years old. The modern Knabenschiessen at Albisgütli has been organised there since 1899.
Can girls participate in Knabenschiessen?
Yes. Girls have been able to take part since 1991.
Do you have to take part in the shooting competition to visit?
No. The shooting competition has specific eligibility rules, but the Knabenschiessen Chilbi is a public festival open to everyone.
Is Knabenschiessen a public holiday in Zurich?
It isn’t a standard cantonal public holiday, but Knabenschiessen Monday is traditionally treated specially in the City of Zurich. City schools are closed and many businesses have traditionally worked only in the morning.
Knabenschiessen – A Zurich Tradition Worth Experiencing
For visitors, expats and anyone new to Zurich, Knabenschiessen offers an interesting glimpse into a tradition that is very much part of the city’s identity. What began centuries ago as a youth shooting competition has evolved into a huge annual celebration where generations of Zurich residents gather for the shooting competition, food, rides and funfair atmosphere. Whether you go for the history, take the children to the Chilbi, brave one of the thrill rides or simply head to Albisgütli after dark to experience the lights and atmosphere, Knabenschiessen is one of those uniquely Zurich events that is worth seeing at least once.
Knabenschiessen Zurich 2026 – At a Glance
Dates: Saturday 12th – Monday 14th September 2026
Location: Albisgütli, Zurich
Address: Uetlibergstrasse 341, 8045 Zürich
What: Traditional Zurich youth shooting competition and large Chilbi/funfair
Shooting competition: Eligible young people aged 13–17
Best way to get there: Public transport
Admission to the festival: The festival grounds can be visited without taking part in the shooting competition
==>> Website: For more information please go to the Knabenschiessen website here.
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