Swiss National Day
Guide to the date, history, cultural origins and celebration traditions of Swiss National Day in Switzerland.
History & Origins of Swiss National Day
Swiss National Day (Bundesfeier), celebrated on August 1st, commemorates the historic Federal Charter of 1291. In early August of that year, the three alpine cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden signed a historic pact of mutual defense and alliance (the Rütli Oath) on the Rütli meadow, laying the foundational stone of the Swiss Confederation.
How It Is Observed & Celebrated
Swiss citizens celebrate with beautiful mountaintop bonfires that illuminate the night sky, traditional alphorn concerts, paper lantern parades for children, flag throwing demonstrations, and the Swiss president delivering a speech from the historic Rütli meadow.
Quick Facts Card
Embed This Countdown Widget
Add a live, real-time countdown timer for Swiss National Day to your own blog, school website, or company intranet. Completely free and highly customizable.