National Day
Nationwide public holiday in Switzerland · Nationalfeiertag
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 August | Saturday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 1 August | Sunday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Switzerland.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Typical weather in Bern around 1 August: high 24°C (76°F), low 15°C (59°F), rain on 51% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Bern. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Sunday 1 August in Bern: (MET Norway)
About National Day
Swiss National Day on 1 August recalls the Federal Charter of 1291, in which the communities of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden pledged mutual support, an alliance regarded as the founding of the Swiss Confederation. The date was first celebrated nationally in 1891 and became a federal public holiday after a popular vote in 1993.
Traditions
Communities light bonfires on hills and mountains, and fireworks are set off in the evening. Children carry paper lanterns, houses are decorated with Swiss and cantonal flags, and local officials give speeches. Many farms host a special August brunch, and an official ceremony takes place on the Rütli meadow above Lake Lucerne.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Switzerland
Saturday, 25 December 2027
National Day in other countries
More for Switzerland
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.