About Swiss National Day
Swiss National Day, celebrated on August 1, marks the founding of the Old Swiss Confederacy. It commemorates the Federal Charter of 1291, when the three forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden are said to have sworn the Rütli Oath of mutual alliance on a meadow above Lake Lucerne — the origin story of Switzerland itself. The date was chosen as the national holiday in 1891 and became a full public holiday across the country in 1994.
Across all 26 cantons the day is marked with bonfires lit on hilltops and mountainsides, paper lanterns carried by children, and fireworks lighting up the Alpine sky. Communities hold speeches, brunches on farms, alphorn performances, flag-throwing displays and the hanging of red-and-white Swiss and cantonal flags. The historic Rütli meadow hosts a formal commemoration, and many towns ring church bells at 8pm.
Swiss National Day always falls on August 1, so the counter above simply counts down to the next one. Whether you are planning to watch fireworks over a lake or join a mountain bonfire, it makes a clear date to count toward. Add Swiss National Day to your own countdown page to track the days until Switzerland celebrates its founding.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Saturday, August 1, 2026next |
| 2027 | Sunday, August 1, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, August 1, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, August 1, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, August 1, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Swiss National Day?
Swiss National Day is on August 1 every year. The countdown above shows the exact days, hours and minutes until the next one.
Why is Swiss National Day celebrated?
It commemorates the Federal Charter of 1291 and the legendary Rütli Oath, when three cantons allied to form the Old Swiss Confederacy — regarded as the founding of Switzerland.
How is Swiss National Day celebrated?
With hilltop bonfires, paper lanterns, fireworks, farm brunches, speeches, alphorn and flag-throwing displays, and red-and-white flags flying across the country.
Is Swiss National Day a public holiday?
Yes. August 1 has been Switzerland's national holiday since 1891 and a paid public holiday nationwide since 1994, with most businesses and shops closed.