We are going to be in Switzerland during the Swiss National Day holiday (August 1). I am trying to keep a flexible itinerary but wondering if I should plan to be in Lausanne or Gimmelwald for the holiday. What should I expect in each city/village for holiday celebrations?
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1353 posts
There is a big celebration in Murren (4 minute cable car ride up from Gimmelwald) - fireworks, bonfires, food, games, cultural music (alphorn, yodeling, etc.) and a lantern parade through the village that everyone can participate in as you follow the village men playing the giant cowbells against their legs in unison. It's all based at the Sportzentrum on the upper road and festivities start in the early evening and go til around 1 am. I'd much prefer to be in a small mountain village for Swiss National Day personally.
Posted by
Switzerland
410 posts
All the things that Wanderweg describes are pretty typical ways that August 1st is celebrated here and you will find them all over. One difference would be that traditionally the lantern parade (Lampions) is for children and not really something that everyone would participate in. Mürren is of course a tourist location so it sounds like it is done differently there.
Here is the schedule for Interlaken with some great photos. If you are in Gimmelwald you could always check the timing of events and enjoy both areas that day. https://www.interlaken.swiss/en/planning/events/top-events/1-august-in-interlaken
In Lausanne the fireworks are over the lake, which can be very beautiful, but they also have this event starting August 1 - so it depends on your interest in cycling vs dealing with the added crowds it might bring.
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/events/tour-de-france-femmes-avec-zwift-2026/
If you really want to celebrate like a Swiss you can participate in a farm brunch. They book up very quickly though so you will have to reserve a spot early enough.
https://www.swiss-farmers.ch/experience-a-farm/events-of-swiss-farmers/1st-august-farm-brunch/