The History of Swiss National Day Swiss National Day, known in Switzerland as "Bundesfeier", is observed annually on August 1st. The day commemorates the signing of the Federal Charter in 1291, which marked the foundation of the Swiss Confederation. This historical event is considered the birth of Switzerland as a nation, where the original three cantons—Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden—came An overview of Swiss National Day Let’s start with the basics. Switzerland being Switzerland means that its National Day has four official names: SchweizerBundesfeier (German), Fête Nationale Suisse (French), Festa Nazionale Svizzera (Italian), and Fiasta naziunala Svizra (Romansh). Despite all these names, however, it is only celebrated once a year, on August 1. 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. To mark the day, here are 20 interesting facts about Swiss National Day. Switzerland didn't have an official national anthem until 1981. On 1 April 1981, the Swiss Psalm, was officially adopted after a 20 year trial Swiss National Day Facts Switzerland is one of the only places in the world to have a square flag. The Vatican City has the other one. The annual celebration of Swiss National Day is a unique and truly patriotic event held all over Switzerland every summer, to mark the nation's coming into existence. Booming fireworks, a sea of red and white flags, and a whole day away from the office are the norm in the country on every August 1. Switzerland National Day, also known as Swiss National Day or Bundesfeier , is celebrated on August 1st each year. My Name Is Heidi Swiss National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka This Expo year, we're celebrating Swiss National Day twice! While Switzerland officially marks its national holiday on August 1st, at the Expo, we’re bringing the festivities forward to April 22nd with a one-of-a-kind artistic performance in collaboration with HEAD – Geneva. As a local who is completely obsessed with making the most of every holiday, I get asked a lot by friends: “What should we actually do for Swiss National Day?” So, I’ve put together my personal guide—not just a list of events, but my curated recommendations for an experience you’ll genuinely love. Let’s dive in. Swiss National Day, celebrated on August 1, is the country’s national holiday. Although the Swiss Confederacy was founded on this date in 1891 and has been celebrated annually since 1899, it has only been an official holiday since 1994. Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country boasting several surreal lakes, villages, and the majestic Alps peaks. Its cities have medieval Why is August 1st celebrated as Swiss National Day? Every year on August 1st, people across Switzerland celebrate the country’s founding with fireworks, music, and patriotic pride. Discover the rich traditions and events of Swiss National Day, celebrated on August 1st, with a focus on canton-specific festivities, family activities, and culinary delights. 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. 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. The Swiss government decided to celebrate the country’s founding every August 1st from 1899 onwards. Swiss National Day Traditions Since the Swiss National Day celebrations began in 1899, the Swiss locals have found a range of ways to mark the day. The following are some of the most popular you will see around the country. 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. Our personal expat experience from the Switzerland National Day on August 1st, while based in Lugano, Switzerland. Such a fun day! 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. Swiss National Day is an annual public holiday in Switzerland taking place on August 1st. This day celebrates the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy, which according to legend, was formed by representatives of the three original cantons, Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, who took an oath of confederation in 1291. History of the swiss national holiday On August 1st, the Swiss commemorate the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291 with the Rütli Pact, an agreement among the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden to ensure mutual defense and freedom. This pact marks the origin of modern Switzerland, defined by its commitment to neutrality, independence, and federalism. The date was officially August 1, Swiss National Day, is celebrated in the country with a range of traditional customs. Some are older, some newer, and some are even a bit contrived – for example, the very date itself.
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