The upcoming Monday is 01. August and Switzerland celebrates its 731st birthday. 731 years ago – that's how the legend goes – the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden swore to support each other in the Rütlischwur and signed the Bundesbrief. Why exactly and where to find that letter is written in a previous blog post.
The national holiday is traditionally celebrated with fireworks, brunch on a farm, and lanterns. In recent years, Corona threw a spanner in the works. Fortunately, most events are taking place again this year and many Swiss are in the mood to celebrate – even though many will miss the spectacular fireworks. Due to heat and drought, there is an increased risk of forest fires in many places and fireworks are banned.
But that should not dampen the mood, especially because the national holiday falls on a Monday and bestows many with a long summer weekend. Here are some great last-minute tips for August 01, 2022, that to not require any registration in advance:
BASEL
Swiss National Day on the Rhine
When: Sunday, 31.07.2022
What: Around 100 vendors, stalls and live music performances contribute to a great atmosphere. The big firework starts at 11:00 pm on the Rhine (one of the few this year). Here is a lot more information, like where to go clubbing later on that night.
Tip: For the very first time, there will be background music for the fireworks. You can download it here in advance and listen to it on your headphones.
Where: On the Kleinbasel bank of the Rhine from Johanniterbrücke to Wettsteinbrücke; in Grossbasel from Johanniterbrücke to Mittleren Brücke and from Schifflände to Marktplatz.
SCHAFFHAUSEN
Fireworks at the Rhine Falls
When: Sunday, 31.07.2022
What: Big fireworks "Fire on the rocks" from 09:45 pm over the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. Simply spectacular. Catering will be provided. On 30 and 31.07.2022 is also the Neuhauser Zentrumfest with the 150th anniversary of the fire department.
Where: On the Rheinquai and on the grounds of Schloss Laufen.
BERN
August 1st celebration in Bern
When: Monday, 01.08.2022
What: Garden party with delicious barbecue, (yodel) concerts, family program, lantern parades and much more. Those who wish can enjoy the view from the highest church tower in the country.
Where: Berner Bundesplatz
ZURICH
Zurich National Day Celebration 2022
When: Monday, 01.08.2022
What: Festive procession from Münsterhof to the Stadthaus areal at Bürkliplatz, followed by an action-packed family afternoon for young and old. Guest of honor and speaker this year is Christian Jott Jenny, tenor, cultural producer and Community President of St.Moritz.
An overview of individual neighborhood celebrations (with lantern parades, Jass tournaments, fun games, et cetera) in Zurich can be found here.
Where: Stadthausanlage near Bürkliplatz
Up next are a few more tips for those seeking refreshment in the cool waters of one of Switzerland's beautiful lakes.
ZÜRICHSEE – Nice besides swimming: Rapperswil at the Obersee is exceptionally beautiful between May and October. The garden of the castle turns into a sea of blossoms with over 20,000 roses. The castle offers a wonderful view over the lake and the city.
WALENSEE – Turquoise water, mountain panorama and even a sandy beach – Lake Walen definitely provides for that vacation feeling. Next to Riviera camping is a sandy bay called Gäsi (GL). From here you can take a nice hike of about two hours to the Seerenbach Falls (SG). The 600-meter-high waterfalls are among the highest in Europe and flow directly into Lake Walen. Alternatively, you can drive to Betlis (SG) and admire the waterfalls from a viewing platform; from the parking lot it is about 2km. Right next to the waterfall rises the Rin spring with an impressive underground water system.
On Monday, 01.08.2022 there is also an official federal celebration in Amden (SG).
VIERWALDSTÄTTERSEE – The steep rocky shores are reminiscent of the fjord landscapes of Norway and numerous small, winding bays invite you to boat and swim. All against an imposing Alpine backdrop. For this reason alone, Lake Lucerne is always worth a trip.
Southwest – The freely accessible Lorelei bathing islands in the Reuss delta are a real attraction. The islands were heaped up from 3 million tons of rock from the Gotthard railroad tunnel. Since there is no parking, it is best to arrive by boat or train (to Flüelen).
West: Lucerne has a sandy beach at the Aufschütte (Ufschötti) next to the park. If you feel like it, you can hop on a steamboat that takes you across the Vierwaldstättersee.
South: If you like to row yourself, you can book a Brätli tour at the Wassersportzentrum Nidwalden in Buochs. With the canoe you explore various bays and take a leisurely break including a barbecue.
CAUMASEE – The beautiful Caumasee in Flims (GR) is idyllically situated in the Flimserwald at an altitude of about 1000 meters. It can be reached on foot, by mountain bike or by cable car. A path around the lake invites you for an easy walk (about 30 minutes). During summer the lake warms up to 24 degrees, which makes it a popular swimming destination, also for stand-up paddling or rowing. Right at the lake is a restaurant with a nice sun terrace to recharge and to grab some food.
Fun fact: Only since the early 1990s has the first of August been an official non-working holiday.
Whatever your plans are for August 01, 2022, we hope they work out and you have a great federal holiday.
Your Coopers Family
Photo by Tommy Krombacher via Unsplash (Caumasee)
