Switzerland in 2024 is a leap year with 366 days. Swiss National Day (1 August) โ the country's only federally mandated public holiday โ falls on a Thursday, making Friday 2 August an ideal bridge day for a four-day weekend. For a country with just one national holiday, this favourable placement is notable.
2024 marks the 733rd anniversary of the Federal Charter of 1291, the founding document of the Swiss Confederation. Beyond National Day, all other holidays are set by Switzerland's 26 cantons individually โ meaning a worker in Catholic Lucerne observes up to 15 public holidays, while a colleague in Protestant Bern may observe as few as 8.
Public Holidays 2024
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Nationwide Public Holidays 2024
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2024 | Mon | New Year's Day | Nationwide |
| 1 Apr 2024 | Mon | Easter Monday | Nationwide |
| 9 May 2024 | Thu | Ascension Day | Nationwide |
| 1 Aug 2024 | Thu | Swiss National Day | Nationwide |
| 25 Dec 2024 | Wed | Christmas Day | Nationwide |
School Holidays 2024
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Aargau โ School Holidays Overview
Winter Break
No break
Easter Break
No break
Pentecost Break
No break
Summer Holidays
No break
Autumn Break
No break
Christmas Break
No break
Holidays by Region
AargauAppenzell InnerrhodenAppenzell AusserrhodenBernBasel-LandschaftBasel-StadtFribourgGenevaGlarusGraubรผndenJuraLucerneNeuchรขtelNidwaldenObwaldenSt. GallenSchaffhausenSolothurnSchwyzThurgauTicinoUriVaudValaisZugZurich
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national public holidays does Switzerland have?
Switzerland has only one federally mandated public holiday: Swiss National Day on 1 August. All other holidays are set by individual cantons, meaning the total varies from about 8 to 15 days depending on where you live.
When is Swiss National Day?
Swiss National Day (Bundesfeiertag) is on 1 August every year. It marks the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291 and is celebrated with fireworks, bonfires on hilltops, and community gatherings across the country.
Why do public holidays differ so much between Swiss cantons?
Switzerland has a highly decentralised federal system. The 26 cantons have broad autonomy, including the right to designate their own public holidays based on local religious traditions and historical events. Catholic cantons observe different holidays than Protestant ones.
Does Switzerland use the Euro?
No. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, though it has bilateral agreements with the EU covering trade, free movement of people, and other areas.
Are school holidays the same in all Swiss cantons?
No. School holidays are set at the cantonal level and vary considerably across Switzerland. There is no national school calendar. Even neighbouring cantons can have non-overlapping holiday periods.