Swiss National Day (German: Schweizer Bundesfeiertag; French: Fête nationale suisse; Italian: Festa nazionale svizzera; Romansh: Festa naziunala svizra) is the national holiday of Switzerland, set on 1 August. Although the founding of the Swiss Confederacy was first celebrated on this date in 1891 and annually since 1899, it has only been an official holiday since 1994. [1] Holidays in Switzerland are categorised according to established common local holidays, regional observances and seasonal celebrations. Interestingly, the only official public holiday recognised in Switzerland is Swiss National Day observed on 1 August. In Switzerland, the Federal Statute on International Private Law (PILA) determines the terms of employment contracts. Although employment Home Switzerland Public Holidays 2024 This page contains a national calendar of all 2024 public holidays. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates. Scroll down to view the national list or choose your canton’s calendar. The Bundesfeier on August 1 is Switzerland's national holiday. The date was chosen because the Federal Charter of 1291 was dated “at the beginning of the month of August”. The document is considered one of the country's most important founding documents. Is Swiss National Day a Public Holiday? Swiss National Day is a public holiday. Switzerland is a culturally diverse country with various holidays celebrated nationwide each year. Switzerland will observe fifteen public holidays in 2024, including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Swiss National Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Public holidays in Switzerland The 26 cantons that make up Switzerland set their public holidays independently – with the exception of 1 August, [1] which is the only federal holiday. [2] Furthermore, holidays can change depending on employers, and some holidays are specific to only a certain town or village. The public holiday calendar in Switzerland for 2025 and 2026 varies from canton to canton, with some days celebrated nationally and others regionally. New Year's Day, Good Friday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, National Day, and Christmas are observed in most or all cantons. Find out when Switzerland's public holidays are in 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as other important dates to note on your calendar. National holidays in Switzerland (or Swiss bank holidays) are taken very seriously, in fact, with almost all shops and public institutions closed. The most important of all holidays in Switzerland is the Swiss National Day, which falls on 1 August every year and is technically the only official federal holiday. Swiss public holidays 2025: a canton-by-canton guide Bank holidays in Switzerland are the perfect excuse to explore more—whether you’re visiting for the first time or already lucky enough to live there. To make planning easier, we’ve put together a full list of 2025 public holidays, sorted by canton. Types of bank holidays in Switzerland Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, which are Celebrated on August 1 in Switzerland, National Day is the only public holiday at a federal level in Switzerland. It celebrates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, and there are local celebrations across the country, including bonfires, fireworks and concerts. Swiss National Day is Switzerland's bank holidays. There are festivals and celebrations all over the country. These are surrounded by bonfires and fireworks. Brunches are also part of the tradition. List of holidays in Switzerland for 2025, Bank holidays, Official Holidays, Public Holidays and National holidays Discover the official public holidays in Switzerland for the year 2025. Plan your time and events with key dates and cultural observances. 1 August is Switzerland's bank holidays. The three original cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden joined together in the ‘Eternal Confederation’. The idea of establishing the year 1291 as the founding year of the Swiss Confederation and 1 August as a bank holiday goes back to an initiative in Bern. The city wanted to celebrate its 600th anniversary in 1891. The number of bank holidays in Switzerland ranges from eight to fifteen days depending on the canton, with only Christmas, New Year’s Day, National Day, and Ascension Day observed in all cantons. Read about National Day in Switzerland in 2025. On August 1st 1291, the three forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden signed the Federal Charter on the Rütli field, near to Lake Lucerne. It is a public holiday in most cantons, with church services and community events. Particularities: Many Swiss enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or picnics due to the spring weather. National Day Origin & Significance: Swiss National Day celebrates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. The Embassy of Switzerland and the Regional Consular Centre London will be closed to the public on the following dates in 2025: Days off in Switzerland are divided into national holidays and cantonal holidays. Find out which days are public holidays in Switzerland in 2025 & 2026.
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