Switzerland Celebrates

The Swiss national holiday of August 1^st marks 735 years since the founding of the Swiss Confederation. Specifically, that is, the birth of the Confederation in 1291 with the Rütli Pact.

Some of you, like me, might recall the last huge hurrah, Switzerland’s 700^th birthday in 1991, where massive crowds converged along the Mittlere Brücke to view a stunning fireworks display. Of course, leading up to that event were plenty of voices calling for restraint in consideration of environmental impacts.

Due to the rather hot and dry conditions of late, most regions and Gemeinde are not permitting fireworks. Further details can be found at your local Gemeinde or https://www.bs.ch/jsd/polizei/fuer-ihre-sicherheit/bewilligungen/privates-feuerwerk

Plenty of celebrations, officials’ speeches and performances often take place on the evening of July 31. Along the banks of the Rhine from the Johanniterbrücke to the Mittlere Brücke, for example, there will be vendors and crowds gathered to watch the fireworks that are lit from two boats on the eve of July 31. Also in Basel a stage and light show is slated for August 1 on the Bruderholz, complete with a bonfire and lantern procession for children. https://bundesfeierbasel.ch/

In addition to strawberry pastries with a cross design or the ubiquitous buttery rolls (1. August-Weggen or Weggli) decorated with mini Swiss flags, one can find farmer’s brunches and restaurants serving special menus at, for example, at the farms Hofguts Grosstannen in Bubendorf, Hof Schlief in Arboldswil, or Neuhof in Lausen. Note that reservations are needed and spaces fill up fast. Further information at https://www.bvbb.ch/component/icagenda/1-august-brunch/2025-08-01-00-00.html

Not every attraction will be closed, some are open for visiting. In nearby Arlesheim the fortress Burg Reichenstein will be open to visitors on 1 August. The Kunstmuseum Basel, along with the Gegenwart Museum will also be open. In Bern the Parliament Building will hold an open house-style event: https://www.parlament.ch/en/services/visiting-the-parliament-building/open-days

The Tension Festival 2026 is being held at the Gartenbad St. Jakob from July 31 to August 2. This event is billed as the biggest electronic music happening in northwestern Switzerland in which international star DJs will be playing.

Though with the day’s temperature is forecasted to be hotter than expected you may wish to take things more slowly and do what I did when visiting CH as a youngster, namely, hang brightly coloured Swiss flag embellished lanterns (Lampions) whilst enjoying a backyard bar-b-que.

https://www.bs.ch/en/events/swiss-national-day

Text and images by Denise Morrison