The Swiss Artist Exchange is Switzerland's biggest event in the field of small arts, cabaret and comedy shows. A spectacle with historic significance held in Kleinbasel (district in the city of Basel). And you can learn to milk a cow :-). But the highlight sure are the Saturday races of the different groups of witches. We update it monthly, so check back often. SECHSELAUTEN (Six Ringing Festival), in Zurich, canton of Zurich Some time in April. Tip: rent a bike and follow the race along the rivers through the lush green landscape. Before you go, check by email if the event hasn't been postponed. The monastery town of St. Ursanne with its cobbled streets and squares and houses that date back to medieval times offers the perfect backdrop for this medieval festival. When: 15 - 17 September, 2017 (every six years). Thank you! The Swiss hot air balloon capital, Château-d’Oex in the Vaudois Alps plays host to hundreds of hot air balloons in January of each year. Where: Lenk in the Simmen valley (Bernese Oberland). Fantastic atmosphere guaranteed. Mr. Steinmetz has denied the charges. 2 hours and 40 minutes. The culinary walking tour costs CHF 95. Overview of holidays and many observances in Switzerland during the year 2021 Market starts at 10am; Grand entry starts around 11am. Swiss prosecutors have accused the billionaire Beny Steinmetz of securing lucrative mining deals in the West African country of Guinea with bribes. Traditional Festivals in Switzerland Year-round. Admission. You can participate or just enjoy them as a spectator. Starting at 9:30am. The "Rassegna d’autunno" is a colourful fall fest, and believe me, the Ticinesi know how to party. An event that no real "Berner" misses. Main event Sunday, 21 August. Pop and rock with life bands in the family ski resort Grüsch-Danusa. Switzerland's craziest downhill race. 600 cows return from the Alpine Pasture of Lüderenalp to Sumiswald. The sheer number of our cultural celebrations is astonishing and the variety is remarkable. Do check the weather conditions and consult with their website to see if the event can take place. The festivals in Switzerland listed below are some of the most interesting Swiss celebrations that take place throughout the year. Tip: If you are a group of people and would like to get to know the Heida vineyards, learn about the wine making and stories of the Heida, then contact the Tourism office in Vispterminen. 1 hour and 50 minutes; From Interlaken: approx. Saturday all day party with authentic folk music, charming ballade's and groovy dance music. The Best Festivals and Celebrations in Switzerland L'Escalade: Way back on December 11, 1602, the city of Geneva was attacked by Savoyard soldiers trying to scale its ramparts. You might Like Also: 9 Reasons to Visit Switzerland in the Winter. Albeuve is reached by train in just over one hour from the city of Fribourg via Bulle, and in 13 minutes from Gruyères. In the Renaissance and Baroque, Innsbruck was one of the European music centres. Homesick Swiss visit to celebrate their heritage and even international yodel groups attend. Two children aged 7 - chosen by draw lots - will be crowned Spring Queen and Spring King. Approximately 120 Wrestler (Schwinger) will challenge each other. Days filled with classical music, played by world-renowned artists. 58 B.C. Each of this actives are separately priced but there's also a package available that includes tasting as much wine as you want, typical winegrower's lunch, 1 "Pot Vaudois", cheese for desert and a wine glass as a souvenir. Switzerland's largest cross-country ski marathon. one thousand spectators. may be the most famous, but there are many other traditional celebrations in German-speaking Europe, ranging from the bizarre “Dinner for One” New Year’s custom to Karneval (Mardi Gras) and pumpkin festivals around Halloween. 800 sheep from the Alpine pasture where they have spent their summer. Kombi tickets gondola and brunch available. From Interlaken: 1 hour 40 to just over 2 hours, depending on the connection; Saturday night: crowning of the Rosen Princess after the fireworks, Lunapark: all weekend children's activities. Where: Thun (Congress center KKL) (Canton Bern). 40 minutes by train and bus; from Bern just over 1 hour by train and bus. Approx. Grand traditional Alphorn competition: concerts, performances by folk groups, traditional dances - a true festival devoted to tradition and Swiss folklore. Farmers receive the cheese that has been made while their cows have spent the summer on high alpine pastures in the Justistal (Justis Valley). Here, a couple in their best finery is carried through the winter landscape on a horse-drawn sleigh. Actress. And of course, there's lots to eat and drink and there's music too :-)! Starting at 9.30am. The celebration of Alpine culture: cattle drive, life music, alpine specialities and good food in the Prättigau village of Seewis. 5pm Torchlight procession and St. Nicholas Market. Cheese production demonstration, cheese dishes and entertainment on "Waisenhausplatz". From blues to Irish folk, rock, pop. Farmers and visitors meet on the Alpine Cheese Fest and spend a leisurely day together in a beautiful alpine setting on Grosse Scheidegg. From Zürich: approx. The Swiss hot air balloon capital, Château-d’Oex in the … This content was published on June 8, 2017 - 15:57 June 8, 2017 - 15:57 Outstanding opera productions and stunning concerts in historical venues. The largest cheese market in Central Switzerland, including dairy show. The highlight is the parade that starts at 1.15pm at the National Equestrian Centre (Nationales Pferdezentrum) and ends at approximately 2pm on the "Bundeshausplatz". Music, dance, fireworks, parades and the election of the Queen of Roses. If you want to stay for the night (highly recommended) make early reservations. Where: St. Moritz, Pontresina, Samedan, Champfèr, Silvaplana, Bever (Graubünden). It's a fun party for children with games, food, plays and music. Save 84% off the newsstand price! You can offer your opinions on the best, have a go at tobogganing and warm up afterward with hot wine and cheese fondue. In February, men and boys roam the streets wearing hand carved masks and goat skin tunics. Wander the streets of Interlaken during the weekend of the International Street Artists Festival and be entertained by acrobats, magicians, comedians, jugglers, and musicians, while you sample the local brew and nibble on popcorn and traditional chäsbrätel. The hike leads from Visp to Oberstalden through Europe's highest Vineyard - the Heida - where the Pearl of Alpine Wine is produced. Immerse yourself in Swiss culture with this pick of top 10 Swiss festivals. Switzerland’s big on its wine, it’s just not big on sharing it. You’ll have to rise right on time to witness the start of this huge and popular carnival – it starts at 4 am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday. Festivals of Switzerland: Switzerland is a land where tradition and modernity come together. When: 26 July - 13 August, 2019 (only every 20 years). Cattle drive. How to reach Lenzburg: by train from Zürich in 20 minutes; from Bern and Basel in just under one hour; from Lucern between 45 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes. One of the very best classic music festivals worldwide. The pilgrim route has remained unchanged the last five centuries. The "Wrestling and Alpine Fest" on Mount Rigi high above Lake Lucerne was already mentioned in the 16th century and therefore makes it one of the oldest such events in Switzerland. The Maibär parade has become a fixture in the "Bad Ragaz" event calendar. All day market festival on the cobbled main street in the medieval castle town of Gruyères. It is a day celebrated in all communities: parades, fireworks, bonfires and barbecues. There are many more products made of chestnut offered during this colourful fall festival. When: Second Sunday in May, but do contact the Nyon Tourism Office for the exact date. At 8:15pm, all lights go out and the procession starts. A feast of sound in a spectacular setting. Where: Morges - Parc de l'Indépendance (Canton Vaud). From Lungern/Giswil/Lucerne as well as from Interlaken Ost/Meiringen: Extra trains. Do contact the tourism office in Saas-Fee before you go to check if the event hasn't been postponed due to bad weather conditions. Fulehung is Swiss German for "lazy dog". Lenk is a short train ride from Zweisimmen (18 minutes), Interlaken (1 hour and 50 minutes) and Bern (1 hour and 50 minutes). Image Source. From the bus stop, you will have to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes the the fairgrounds. 1 hour and 16 minutes; Evening concerts are held on the main stage in the festival tent on Kronplatz. Switzerland set to vote on scrapping free movement with EU. Early afternoon: solemn festivities with priests, church council, cross- and flag-bearer, musicians and singers in colourful uniforms and costumes. Village festival atmosphere. It started over 80 years ago and still is going strong. Thousands of fans make a pilgrimage to the beautiful mountain village of Seewis to get carried away by the sounds of Austrian and Swiss folk music. Swiss Air Ambulance 1414. Where: Appenzell (capital of Appenzell Innerhoden), When: Last Sunday in April (yearly event). A fun festival for the whole family in a beautiful setting. Folklore entertainment from music to yodeling, flag throwing and more. Switzerland's largest and iconic open air festival. The "Schwinget" is the traditional Swiss way of wrestling. Celebrated December 31 and January 13, the old New Years Eve. From Unterbäch: Post busses between 6 am and 8 am to the Arena Please contact the tourism offices: This is an old tradition celebrated in many villages in Graubünden, though not as elaborate as in the Engadin. Costumed riders on horseback circle a field, followed by a large group of spectators. This custom is celebrated since 1389. You Can Read Also: 10 Things To Do In Switzerland This Christmas. Le Boéchet can be reached by train from Biel/Bienne in one hour, and from La Chaux-de-Fonds in 18 minutes. A real crowd gatherer (approx. The historic "Amts- and Wyberschiesset" takes place every three years, either in Schüpfheim, Entlebuch or Eschholzmatt (close to Lucerne). Where: Mount Männlichen (Jungfrau Region, Bernese Oberland). Begnins lies above Lake Geneva not far from the city of Nyon. From Montreux (Golden Pass line): 1 hour and 17 minutes via Montbovon; From Lausanne: 1 hour and 17 minutes via Romont and Bulle; From Interlaken: Just under 3 hours via Zweisimmen and Montbovon (Golden Pass Line) or 2 hours and 30 to 54 minutes via Bern; From Zürich: 2 hours 27 minutes via Fribourg and Bulle. Charmey is reached by train and bus from Gruyères in 1 hour and 15 minutes. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Watch as they create giant sculptures made from meter-high blocks of snow: mythical creatures, animals, people, and abstracts. 2 hours by train and bus from Zürich. The Jazz Days in Lenk enthuse the audience since 1989, and enliven the holiday resort at the foot of Mount Wildstrubel each July for ten days. This is the biggest jazz festival in Europe (and second in the world after the Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada) and held on the banks of Lake Geneva. Colourful groups of masks wander from house to house, where they ring their bells, yodel and wish each family per handshake a prosperous and happy new year. An impressive and very unique St. Nicholas parade. But - wherever you stay or pass through, check in with the local tourist office to see what's going on. 14 September, 2015: Monday market. Contact Approximately 500 animals climb the steep slope up to Engstligenalp. In the last 20 years, all animals made it unharmed to the top. The Street Parade is the largest techno party in the world. As the name implies, the event is dedicated to women shooters which make up about half of the participants (a bit over 1000 shooters). Access to the park is free, and most attractions are free too. This is more a culinary hiking tour than a festival. All it means is that this is a fabulous mountain fest with traditional Appenzell folklore music, yodel and dance in a stunning alpine locations and people wear their traditional colourful dress with rich embroideries and . From Zürich by train in just over one hour. Make early hotel reservations since this is a very popular event. Switzerland’s top festivals celebrate everything from street artists to opera to ice. Traditional St. Nicholas and christmas Market. Many customs also revolve around agriculture, an important part of the Swiss economy and daily life in the countryside. The regular racers start first, followed by groups of witches. Before crossing over the röstigraben – the … A week long celebration of Alpine Culture. Of course, it also needs knowledgeable volunteers who understand their job. Carl Jung. Every January Grindelwald hosts the international Snow Festival, international artists converge on the natural ice rink in the village of Grindelwald for six days. It's a fun week for all ages, starting with a mini witch (kids) race. The race usually takes place on Mother's day, but if the weather does not cooperate it is postponed. Music plays an important role in the yearly festivals, but so does cuisine, dance and history. Holiday and Festivities Calendar for Austria, Germany, Switzerland Oktoberfest (which begins in September!) Valleys that were cut off in winter from the rest of Switzerland developed unique traditions that are alive to this day. When: anywhere between end of January to May. From Zürich: approx. Celebrating authentic and uniquely Swiss traditions, including cow fights, in a gorgeous Alpine setting. When: June 2023 (every three years - exact date will be announced). 6 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE VISITING SWITZERLAND, TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY – SWITZERLAND ON A BUDGET, 10 Things to Do in Switzerland This Christmas, Switzerland : Top 10 Festivals You Should Absulotly Assist, 5 Swiss Music Festivals You Can not Miss This Summer, 2- International Balloon Festival, Château-d’Oex, 8- Interlaken International Street Artists Festival, 9 Reasons to Visit Switzerland in the Winter, 10 Things To Do In Switzerland This Christmas, Valentine Day: Top Places to Explore Switzerland With Your Lover, Switzerland in Winter – Switzerland Winter Itinerary. Shuttle bus service every 30 minutes from St. Antönien to the fest ground. Another musician and composer from the nation, Andreas Vollenweider, has been recognized internationally with Grammy awards for his talent in harp music. Can you pronounce that? A leisurely 8 km hike through the vineyards where approx. One of the very best classical festivals worldwide. "Wii-Grill Fäscht" is Swiss German and literally translated means "Wine and Grilling Fest". Sometimes, the smallest festival, only celebrated in that particular town or village, tells you more about our culture than the largest gathering can do. This insect is very important and useful in the vineyard since it lives on insect parasites. Mardi Gras Party, Jazz Walk, Dinner dance, Jazz train to Bergün, Street parade, Jazz BBQ, and more. Limited space. Why not stay for the night in the village "left behind the moon" - St. Antönien - or even in one of the cozy rooms in Partnun? We dig down the inspiring lives of the famous Swiss people in the timeline, trivia, and interesting facts in the biographies here. Where:Various villages in the Engadin and Albula regions (Graubünden). 40 wine growers offer wine for tasting and local specialties. Where: Bregaglia Valley (Canton Graubünden). Saturday and Sunday: starts at 9am. The World Watch and Jewelry Show. Fasnacht Basel is the largest and most famous carnival in Switzerland. Europe. Once a year it's performed as an open air and and fest-tent alpine festival on Urnerboden, where dairymen, -women, alpine farmers and friends of the traditional alpine music meet on the largest Alp in Switzerland. Expect some of the biggest international names in not only jazz but in other musical genres, among the performers on two main auditoriums, the Montreux Jazz Café, and other smaller venues. Free of charge. Cheese delicacies (Cows, goats and sheep) produced during the alpine summer throughout the canton Ticino are presented on market stands during the three-day fall fair in the old town of Bellinzona, the capital of the Canton Ticino. The coming home of approx. 3000 participants. When: 10 - 11 October, 2015 (postpone date in case of bad weather: 16 - 18 October). 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