August 1st: Celebrating the Swiss National Holiday
August 1st – Celebrating the Swiss National Holiday
If you’re in Switzerland for August 1st, then prepare yourself for some festivities! August 1st is the Swiss National holiday, marking the anniversary of the 1291 unification of the 3 cantons Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. On August 1st, cities, towns and villages all over Switzerland will come to life with their own local celebrations. Check out our list below for some fun ideas to celebrate Swiss National Day.
Farmers Brunch
Farmers brunches take place all around Switzerland, and are a great way to spend some time with family or friends. At Farmers Brunches, you can try some great locally produced food while often enjoying traditional Swiss entertainment as well. See the official Farmers brunch website here to see where the nearest farmers Brunch is near you. Read this article to see Claudia’s experience of a Famer’s Brunch last year.
Parade
Each year, the city of Zurich organizes a parade for August 1st, with people dressing up in traditional Swiss clothing and enjoying traditional Swiss food. The parade takes place in the centre of town, and consists of Alphorn flag wavers, singing choirs, and even yodellers! See here for more information.
Image courtesy of bundesfeier.ch
Fireworks
Fireworks on August 1st are a must! This year, if you would like to go see some magnificent fireworks, some great spots to go include Uetliberg and Stein am Rhein. Uetliberg offers one of the best views of Zurich, and is a great place to watch the spectacular fireworks and if you want to venture a little further you could visit Neuhausen on 31st July and see the Rhine Falls illuminated with spectacular fireworks – and it’s FREE! For more information see here.
Celebrate in A Restaurant
of course you could simply celebrate 1st August in a restaurant as many are running special menus for Swiss National Day – or you could invite friends round for a barbecue and even buy your own fireworks too. Do remember that on 1st August all shops will be closed, so make sure you do your shopping the day before when the shops are open!
Have a wonderful celebration!
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Article written by Sofia Mikton
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Tags: August 1st Zurich, August 1st: Celebrating the Swiss National Holiday, August First Switzerland, Swiss National Holiday, What to do on Swiss National Day in Zurich
