Happy Birthday, Switzerland! Celebrating the Swiss National Day, the federal city treats locals and visitors to amusing experiences and charming festivities.

Luminous lanterns and fluttering flags as far as the eye can see. On 1 August, the Swiss Confederation celebrates its birthday, and it’s not just the Swiss who are in a festive mood.

It all starts with the big communal brunch on Bundesplatz (Parliament Square), afterwards you can enjoy the beautiful view from Bern Minster – the highest church tower in the country. The tour continues with a leisurely stroll through the almost secret garden of the Erlacherhof (seat of the Bernese municipal administration and the mayor). Of course, the festivities would not be complete without a traditional yodelling concert. But these are only the cornerstones of the day: the federal city surprises every year anew with a unique festival program.

Did you know that the first of August has only officially become a holiday in Switzerland in the beginning of the 1990s?