On August 1 each year, Switzerland celebrates its own founding with bonfires, flags, and speeches. Customs range from traditional to modern – with fireworks still a big bone of contention. As August 1st approaches, Switzerland prepares to celebrate its National Day with a blend of historical reverence and festive joy. This day commemorates the 1291 Federal Charter, marking the alliance of the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, which laid the foundation for the Swiss Confederation. The celebrations are a vibrant tapestry of traditions, communal gatherings, and culinary Explore Switzerland's National Day (August 1st): Discover its rich history, vibrant traditions, and exciting festivities. Learn how Swiss citizens celebrate! Switzerland’s national celebration, held every year on 1 August, celebrates the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291 in early August of that year. The three cantons of Uri, Unterwalden – now the two half cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden, and Schwyz, agreed to stand together against outside 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 On Swiss National Day, Switzerland becomes a festive country: Festivals and celebrations take place all over the country. People start the day with a delicious Swiss National Day brunch, then go on an excursion or visit a National Day celebration, and finally enjoy the fireworks and bonfires. 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. 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 brings the whole country together in a way few other days can. It’s when flags fly from balconies, church bells ring out, and communities gather in parks, town squares, and open fields. 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. But have you ever wondered why this specific date was chosen as Swiss National Day? The answer goes back over 700 years, to a historic agreement among three Alpine regions that changed the course of European history. August 1st swiss celebrate homeland On 1 August, the Swiss celebrate their homeland, commemorating the birth of the Confederation in 1291 with the Rütli Pact. With national pride, they combine history, traditions and a strong sense of community, accompanied by the national anthem, the Swiss Psalm. Although not the oldest nation in the world, Switzerland has enjoyed political continuity since In a 1993 referendum, Swiss National Day was declared a public holiday throughout Switzerland. Bonfires are lit and fireworks are set off all over Switzerland on 1 August. In some places, children parade through the streets with lanterns bearing the Swiss cross and their canton's flag. History of Swiss National Day At the time of the original Federal Charter, the Habsburgs were trying to secure a North-to-South route through Switzerland via the Gotthard Pass. The two cantons at the time, Uri Schwyz and Unterwalden, decided to stand together against outside aggressors. They signed an oath of allegiance on the meadows of Lake Lucerne, known as the Rütli meadow or Grütli 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. 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. Do you have any special traditions for Switzerland’s birthday? Let us know where you live and how you usually celebrate. 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. 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. Events of international and national importance: Exhibitions – Customs, Festivities and Markets – Festivals and Musicals – Fairs and Congresses – Sports Events 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.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |