Swiss Nation­al Hol­i­day 2024

As July comes to an end, our thoughts start to focus on the Swiss National Holiday next week. Both expats and native Swiss enjoy celebrating traditional cultural customs on 1. August. We asked some of our teammates how they are spending the national holiday and are happy to share some of their activities and plans with you.

Many Coopers gather with their loved ones for 1. August celebrations: Many enjoy a barbecue with family and friends and marvel at the fireworks spectacle at night – this year, luckily, the weather forecast looks nice. This sums up the program for Sandro, Cynthia, Linda, Adrian, Irina, Nicole and many others. Bettina keeps close to her horse as the noise is often stressful for the animals. The other horse owners do the same and so they simply enjoy a delicious buffet in good company at the stables.

Dominik enjoys the sunshine in Ticino, not far from beautiful Lake Maggiore. And Ilona is heading up into the mountains.

Alexandra has come up with something very special for the little guests: an outdoor children's movie night with big air mattresses, lots of snacks and later the fireworks (for those who are still awake); the next day starts with a breakfast all together. (Makes you want to be a kid again).

If you fancy dancing during the day, like our colleague Fabian, you can check out the Openair Dayrave at Zurich's Club Klaus. DJs will be playing on the forecourt of the 25hours Hotel in Langstrasse from 1 pm.

Of course, August is vacation time and so some Coopers are off abroad. Our soccer player Nevin, for example, is on summer vacation and will be spending 1 August on the beach, wearing a Swiss national team jersey, of course. Alessia, who was born in Italy, is also enjoying the seaside with her family in Bella Italia (but without the jersey).

Benni is known to love fishing and is probably on a boat in beautiful Sweden on the hunt for a fresh fish for some barbecue.

Joëlle will be away from Switzerland for the first time on 1 August. But for good reason: she will be attending the Adele concert in Munich with her mom.

And last but not least: For one or two people, it is just another day without special program.

For those who are still not sure what to do, here are 3 event tips for 1. August in Switzerland..

• 1. August brunch on the farm
  Homemade, regional delicacies such as 1. August-Weggen (bread), rösti, or fried eggs are available at the Buure-Zmorge (farmers breakfast) on various farms. Find one near you here. Reservations recommended.
• Cool off at a Swiss lake
  If you are looking to cool off in some refreshing water, Switzerland is the place for you. There are around 1500 lakes and rivers with a total length of 61,000 km.
  Here we have described how to get to the following lakes in more detail: Lake Zurich | Lake Walen | Lake Lucerne | Lake Cauma
  By the way: Those who want to combine culinary delights and the lake can check out the special 1. August cruises on Lake Lucerne here.
• Fireworks for the Swiss National Holiday
  Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls
  With Fire on the Rocks, an impressive firework show transforms Europe's largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls, into a sea of lights.
  When: 31.07.2024
  
  Basel
  For the federal celebration on the Rhine, the city of Basel organizes its evening celebration on the day before from 5 p.m. including fireworks (11 p.m.) and a federal celebration on the Bruderholz with a light and water show (10:15 p.m.) on the public holiday.
  When: 31.07.2024 & 01.08.2024
  
  Zurich
  For those looking for something more traditional: the 2024 Federal Celebration in Zurich is one of the largest events in the country and begins at 7 a.m. with the ringing of church bells, followed by 26 gun salutes at 7:15 a.m. – in honor of the 26 cantons of the Swiss Confederation. More ideas for Zurich can be found here.
  When: 01.08.2024
  
  Bern
  A birthday celebration for Switzerland will take place on the Bundesplatz in beautiful Bern from 11:00 am. A garden party with concerts, a family program, and delicious food awaits you. Instead of fireworks, there will be bonfires and a lantern parade.
  When: 01.08.2024

Further tips and ideas for different regions can also be found here.

No matter where, how, and with whom you celebrate the Swiss National Day on 1. August 2024 – we wish you a wonderful day and memorable moments, ideally in good company.

Your Coopers Family

PS: We asked the team how old Switzerland turns this year (no peeking on Google allowed) – two thirds came up with the correct answer: 733 years of the Swiss Confederation and 176 years of a democratic federal constitution. Congratulations, bon anniversaire, cordiala gratulaziun and tanti auguri, dear home country.

Photo: Ben O'Bro on Unsplash