The Swiss National Day firework displays

August 1 is the day the Swiss go wild for their national holiday by setting off the fireworks and having bonfires. Thousands of people attend festivities in the largest cities (Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Lugano), but the main celebrations take place at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen and at the Ruetli Meadows alongside Lake Lucerne. For local events see our August 1 Celebrations page.