Next Tuesday, August 01, Switzerland celebrates its national holiday. It is a celebration of independence that commemorates the 732-year-old Rütli Oath. That is how long ago representatives from Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden met on the Rütli meadow on the shores of Lake Lucerne to swear mutual support in the fight against tyrannical rulers.
They laid the foundation for our privileged life in a peaceful and democratic society. No wonder, then, that we Swiss have an above-average life satisfaction and enjoy their anniversary to the fullest – with fire sparks, farmers' brunch and a sea of red and white flags (Fähnli).
What to do on 01 August 2023?
An enjoyable brunch with friends and family is a tradition for many Swiss, including the special 01. August Weggen. If you want to have a cozy brunch on a farm, here is a good overview.
The national holiday is ideal to enjoy and further explore the beautiful landscape of Switzerland. Hiking, a family excursion, swimming and relaxing at one of the many lakes or a city trip including a visit to a museum – these are just a few of the many possibilities that Switzerland has to offer.
Fireworks on the Swiss National Day
Countrywide federal celebrations feature spectacular firework shows – some take place the night before, on July 31, 2023. Here are our tips:
The weather...
Luckily, the weather forecast for Monday, 31.07.2023 is dry, allowing us to hope for watching fireworks without getting wet. Sadly, the forecast does not look too good for the national day on Tuesday. So here are a few ideas for a rainy day in Basel:
- Basel Zoo (Zolli) is always a good idea no matter the weather and it is open 365 days a year, from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm.
- The Kletterhalle 7 (indoor climbing) is open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on 01 August 2023.
- Foyer Public is best described as Basel's public living room and is always worth a visit. Open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Basel is home to numerous museums that are also open on the holiday, such as Fondation Beyeler (10:00 am to 6:00 pm), Kunstmuseum Basel (10:00 am to 6:00 pm), Museum Tinguely (11:00 am to 6:00 pm) or Vitra Design Museum (10:00 am to 6:00 pm).
Also Bern has to offer cool indoor activities, also for families. And Zurich, too, of course.
However you choose to spend your 01 August 2023 and whether rain or shine, we wish you a wonderful day and lots of fun in your adventures – hopefully in good company.
Your Coopers Family
PS: If you have a Coopers beach ball, you should take the chance and put it in the limelight on the federal holiday. In our Coopers Photo Contest you can win a weekend in the fantastic Stoos Lodge. All information at coopers.ch/photocontest – good luck!
Photo: Daniela Turcanu via Unsplash
