01 August 2025

Got your red and white flags ready for the 1st of August? On Switzerland’s 734th National Holiday (and 177th year with a democratic federal constitution), there is plenty of culture and tradition to enjoy – come rain or shine.

Unfortunately, the forecast across the country looks more like autumn, with rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, especially in the evening. So it is time to get your plan B ready. We have put together some great last-minute ideas for Basel, Zurich and Bern to help you make the most of the day – even under grey skies. Because in good company, the Swiss National Holiday is still a lovely celebration, even without fireworks and bonfires.

R(h)einfeiern on 31 July:
Basel might get lucky: the big fireworks over the Rhine on the evening of 31 July 2025 is expected to go ahead as planned. The official celebration on the Bruderholz hill on 1 August is also still scheduled.

Rainproof ideas for Basel:

• Historisches Museum Basel at Barfüsserkirche
  Open from 10:00 to 17:00, featuring the history of Basel from prehistoric times to the present
• Museum Tinguely
  Open from 11:00 to 18:00, home to the world’s largest collection of works by Jean Tinguely
• Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
  Open from 10:00 to 18:00 – a delight for children and nostalgic adults alike

Plan ahead for later this summer:
The Roman Festival in Augusta Raurica takes place on 30 and 31 August 2025 – with gladiators, a Roman market, food stalls and interactive activities for all ages

Fun in nature, even with some rain: Juckerhof Seegräben
A highlight for families: the apple labyrinth with a new layout every year and the large outdoor maze at the Juckerhof. Even light rain will not spoil the fun (just do not forget your rain boots).

Indoor classics for all ages:

• Kunsthaus Zürich with immersive art and big names
• WOW Museum: optical illusions and fun for the whole family
• Lindt Home of Chocolate, Kilchberg: with chocolate fountain and candy shop
• focusTerra (ETH Zurich): hands-on science
• Museum für Gestaltung & Haus Konstruktiv for design, graphics, and architecture

3 days – 3 events – 1 location:
From 31 July to 2 August 2025, the Bundesplatz in Bern becomes a lively festival area with concerts, culture, food, and more. If you enjoy urban vibes, live music and good food, this is the place to be.

Highlights on 1 August:

• Official celebration with speeches, live music and the national anthem
• Traditional lantern parade through the old town (starts at 19:00)
• Family programme with puppet theatre, face painting, crafts and games
• A wide culinary selection from local chefs, including a large communal grill – offering not only cervelats but also seasonal and vegetarian treats

Gurten: Family-friendly day trip to Bern’s local mountain
If you prefer a calmer setting closer to nature, the Gurten is a great place to spend the day. Even without fireworks, this local mountain offers a varied family program:

• Miniature railway (12:00–17:00) and craft activities in the Gurtengärtli (13:30–16:30)
• The "Bahnhöfli" takeaway stand provides food and snacks, with live folk music in the evening

Schloss Burgdorf
An ideal destination if the weather is mixed: Schloss Burgdorf is just a short train ride from Bern and offers interactive exhibitions, knight-themed activities and a fun treasure hunt – indoors and out.

Whether you opt for fireworks, brunch or for museums, chocolate or mazes – 1 August 2025 may not be the sunniest of holidays, but with the right expectations and a good plan B, it can still be a cheerful day. Because those who plan well are rarely alone – rather #ingoodcompany, which, in the end, matters most.

And that applies just as much to your career. If you want to plan your next career step with foresight, you are in good company with us because we see the real you behind a CV.

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Photo: Stadt Zurich