The Swiss like to celebrate their National Day on the 1st of August with Fireworks and lots of festivities! We have picked out the best celebrations near the Coopers offices in Lucerne, Bern and Basel and have even included two extra special insider tips.
1. Fireworks on the Rhine
The big fireworks on the Rhine start at 11pm. The impressive show will lighten up the night sky for 25 minutes. Before the show starts there is a festival program which includes tradition Swiss music such as yodelling, alphorns and much more.
Link to more information about the Swiss National Day on the Rhine on Monday 31. July 2017
2. Fireworks and celebrations in Brunnen
On the afternoon of the 1st of August famous politicians give speeches on a mountain meadow called the "Rütli". It is here where the oath took place that formed the Old Swiss Confederacy. After the speeches, the crowd gathers in Brunnen on Lake Lucerne, where there is lots of traditional Swiss music and food. To make the firework display special the show over Lake Lucerne is accompanied by music.
Link to the festivities in Brunnen
3. Bundesfeier in Bern
In Bern, the 1. of August celebrations start with a relaxing brunch on the square by the Münster. The whole day the city offers lots of fun activities all around the city. A guide will take a group around the city on scooters and children can make their own paper lantern which they can take on the procession round the old town when its dark. Of course, Bern has a firework too on a hill near the city.
Link to the program of festivities in Bern
4. Insidertip 1: Sunrise Rides up the Rigi
Anyone who gets up at dawn, will be rewarded with a breath-taking sunrise. On the 1st of August, you can take one of the Rigi Bahnen trains at 5:05 from Goldau to the Rigi to watch the legendary sunrise. The ticket includes breakfast in the Rigi Event Marquee.
5) Insidertip 2: Brunch in the Diemtigtal
Many of the restaurants in the Diemtig valley provide a traditional first of August brunch. If you read the menu, your mouth will start watering: Swiss hash browns, bacon, eggs, butter, jam, honey, cheese, the traditional Swiss "Birchermüesli", orange juice, coffee, bread and homemade "Zopf" (braided loaf of bread). You need to sign up for the brunch. Bon appetit!
Link to the addresses of the restaurants in the Diemtig valley
How do you like to spend the Swiss National Holiday? Send us your photos to office@coopers.ch!
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