Alterations Across Switzerland in August 2025
On August 1st, Switzerland celebrates its National Day, a day filled with tradition, unity, and a hint of change. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291, an event that symbolises the foundation of the Swiss Confederation and the country's enduring spirit of unity and independence.
The Federal Charter, Switzerland’s oldest constitutional document, was rediscovered in 1758 but only officially recognised as the founding document in the late 19th century. The first official celebration of this Charter occurred in 1891 to mark its 600th anniversary, and from 1899 onward, August 1st became an annual national celebration.
In local communities, the day is marked by bonfires, fireworks, parades with children carrying lanterns bearing the Swiss cross and their canton's flag, as well as performances by yodelling choirs, alphorns, and flag-throwers. Barbecues, folk dances, and traditional alphorn performances are also common, reflecting the country’s heritage and unity.
However, the day is not only about celebration. It is also a day of reflection, with the Swiss president and all Federal Councillors addressing the nation during the official ceremony. The Federal Prüm Treaty, aimed at combating terrorism and cross-border crime, will be enforced in two parts, with the first part starting from August 1st.
Moreover, August 1st sees the enactment of a new law aimed at strengthening the circular economy. This law prioritises the reuse of old items instead of throwing them out, reflecting a growing global concern for sustainability.
On a practical note, traffic may be chaotic as holidaymakers return home, possibly causing delays and disruptions. The A3/A1 Basel-Zurich axis, A3/A13 Zurich-Chur-San Bernardino-Bellinzona-Chiasso axis, A9 Lausanne-Montreux-Martigny-Brigue, Martigny - Grand-St-Bernard tunnel axis, and Bern and surroundings (A1/A12/A6 interchange) are usually the most congested roads in Switzerland. The national rail company SBB is carrying out major maintenance work on the Fribourg-Bern line from June 27th to August 25th, 2025, which may also affect travel plans.
In terms of safety, the ordinance aimed at reducing bird electrocution from electricity pylons will start on August 1st. Overhead power lines pose a risk of electrocution to large birds, according to the Federal Council. A short circuit caused by a bird can lead to power outages, making this ordinance a necessary measure to secure the electricity supply.
It is worth noting that while nighttime fireworks displays are part of the festivities, importing fireworks from abroad requires authorisation. On the other hand, it is possible to import pyrotechnic devices without a special permission as long as their total gross weight doesn't exceed 2.5 kg per person and they are not already prohibited in Switzerland.
As the day approaches, the Federal Roads Office and TCS advise drivers to avoid certain motorways during heavy-travel periods. The amendment aimed at protecting birds and securing the electricity supply will surely add a new layer of safety to this traditional day of celebration.
References: [1] Swiss National Day. (n.d.). In Swiss National Day, August 1. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.swiss-image.ch/en/swiss-national-day
[2] Swiss National Day. (n.d.). In Swiss National Day, August 1. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/switzerland/swiss-national-day/swiss-national-day.html
[3] Swiss National Day. (n.d.). In Swiss National Day, August 1. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-national-day/45643868
[4] Swiss National Day. (n.d.). In Swiss National Day, August 1. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.swiss-image.ch/en/swiss-national-day/traditional-celebrations
- The National Day of Switzerland, on August 1st, embodies not only traditional festivities with bonfires, parades, and performances, but also moments of reflection, such as the address by the Swiss president and Federal Councillors.
- On August 1st, Switzerland will enforce the Federal Prüm Treaty, a measure aimed at combating terrorism and cross-border crime, and a new law focusing on strengthening the circular economy, encouraging the reuse of old items instead of disposal, reflecting global concerns for sustainability.
- Besides the celebrations, traffic may become chaotic on August 1st due to holidaymakers returning, causing delays and disruptions, particularly on the A3/A1 Basel-Zurich axis, A3/A13 Zurich-Chur-San Bernardino-Bellinzona-Chiasso axis, A9 Lausanne-Montreux-Martigny-Brigue, Martigny - Grand-St-Bernard tunnel axis, and Bern and surrounding areas.
- Safety measures on August 1st include an ordinance to reduce bird electrocution from electricity pylons, the necessity for authorization when importing fireworks from abroad, and advice from the Federal Roads Office and TCS for drivers to avoid certain motorways during heavy-travel periods.
