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Are you new to Switzerland? Welcome! Have you already wondered why your colleagues in Lucerne have the day off on 15 August, but you in Zurich don’t? Or why shops suddenly close, even though it’s not a national public holiday? You’re not alone in this confusion.
For those who have recently moved to Switzerland, the holiday calendar can be puzzling. What’s straightforward in many countries appears here as a federal puzzle. This article brings clarity to the chaos and explains the system in a clear, practical way. Because knowing the holidays helps you plan better, live more calmly and feel at home more quickly.
Table of Contents
- Why are public holidays confusing for expats in Switzerland?
- Which holidays are observed throughout Switzerland in 2025?
- What are cantonal holidays and why should you know them?
- Holidays as a key to Swiss culture?
- Fasnacht: the loud and colourful start of the year
- Sechseläuten: Zurich’s spring awakening
- 1 August: Switzerland celebrates itself
- What’s open and what’s not on public holidays?
- How to make the most of holidays and bridge days in 2025
- What are your rights on public holidays?
- Do you have to work?
- What if the holiday falls on a weekend?
- Do your home and work cantons differ?
- Conclusion: how to make the most of Swiss public holidays in 2025
Why are public holidays confusing for expats in Switzerland?
In many countries, it’s simple: a public holiday is nationwide. In Switzerland, things work differently. The only federal holiday recognised in all 26 cantons is 1 August – Swiss National Day.
All other holidays are set by the individual cantons. This creates confusion: what’s a day off in Zurich might be a regular Monday in Geneva – and vice versa.
This isn’t because the Swiss enjoy being confusing. It simply shows how federalism is a real part of everyday life here. Each canton has its own history, religious influences and thus, its own holidays.
Which holidays are observed throughout Switzerland in 2025?
Even though federalism can be confusing, some days are (almost) universally recognised as public holidays:
Important: Holidays that fall on a weekend are not moved to a weekday. So, if 25 December falls on a Sunday, there’s no extra day off on Monday.
What are cantonal holidays and why should you know them?
Each canton can designate up to eight additional public holidays per year. This leads to clear differences. Some examples:
Tip: On publicholidays.ch, you can filter by canton to see exactly when which holidays are observed in your area.
Holidays as a key to Swiss culture?
In Switzerland, holidays are more than red squares on the calendar. Many are tied to cultural traditions. Understanding them helps you understand the country better – and joining in helps you integrate more quickly.
Whether it’s a carnival parade, a brunch on 1 August or a quiet walk on the Day of Prayer, these moments stay with you and connect you to your new home.
Fasnacht: the loud and colourful start of the year
In Basel, Lucerne or Solothurn – from February onwards, it gets bright and noisy. Carnival isn’t mandatory, but it’s a spectacle you should experience at least once. In Basel, it kicks off with the “Morgestraich” at 4 a.m.
Sechseläuten: Zurich’s spring awakening
On 28 April 2025, Zurich will once again burn the “Böögg”. This giant snowman represents winter – the faster his head explodes, the better the summer is believed to be. The afternoon is a holiday in Zurich. For many, it’s the city’s main public holiday.
1 August: Switzerland celebrates itself
Fireworks, mountain bonfires, sausages, lantern parades – 1 August is the perfect mix of patriotism, picnics and family celebrations. In 2025, it falls on a Friday – a perfect opportunity to plan a long weekend!
What’s open and what’s not on public holidays?
The golden rule in Switzerland: public holiday = Sunday. In practice, that means:
Supermarkets: closed (exceptions: railway stations, petrol stations)
Post offices and banks: closed
Public transport: runs on a Sunday timetable
Museums and restaurants: often open, but with reduced hours
Good to know: in tourist destinations like Lucerne or Interlaken, some shops may open on public holidays, but it’s best not to rely on it.
How to make the most of holidays and bridge days in 2025
Smart holiday planning can really pay off! By combining public holidays with bridge days, you can easily turn a few days off into a full week of rest. Here are some popular options for 2025:
Easter: With just four days of annual leave (14–17 April), you can enjoy ten consecutive days off.
Ascension: 29 May falls on a Thursday. Take the Friday off and you’ve got a long weekend.
1 August: In 2025, it falls on a Friday – ideal for a summer getaway.
Many people take these opportunities to travel abroad – a weekend in Tuscany, a quick trip to the Côte d’Azur, or a few days in Lisbon. To keep your holiday financially stress-free as well, here’s an extra tip:
Open a free Alpian account. It lets you pay in multiple currencies abroad – with no hidden foreign exchange fees. Thanks to excellent exchange rates, you stay in control of your spending, whether it’s at a hotel, a restaurant or a last-minute museum visit. So your bridge day becomes a smart short break, not a budget headache.
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Open your free multi-currency bank account in only 10 minutes.
What are your rights on public holidays?
Do you have to work?
You are only entitled to a day off if the public holiday is recognised by law in your canton. If you do have to work (for example in hospitals or hotels), you’re entitled to extra pay or time off in lieu.
Important: working on a public holiday is only permitted with authorisation. The usual surcharge is 50%, depending on your collective or individual employment contract.
What if the holiday falls on a weekend?
Then you’re not entitled to a substitute day off. However, if the public holiday falls during your holiday period, it does not count as a holiday – a small bonus compared to other countries.
Do your home and work cantons differ?
The rules of your workplace canton always apply. So if you live in Aargau but work in Zurich, Zurich’s public holidays count.
Conclusion: how to make the most of Swiss public holidays in 2025
If you live and work in Switzerland, it’s worth getting to know the public holiday calendar – not just to stay stress-free throughout the year, but also to spot opportunities:
for more time off
for better planning
and for real cultural integration
Make the most of bridge days, ask your employer about any special arrangements, and take time to join in with local festivities. It’s worth it!
And if you ever lose track of the public holidays – no worries. Even lifelong Swiss residents need to double-check the dates for their canton every year. What matters is knowing where to look – and this article is a great place to start.
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