Events calendar German-Speaking Switzerland

The people of Basel make the Rhine their own all year round, and each has his or her own way of doing things. But there's one particular day when everyone jumps into the water, and that's in summer, for the traditional "Basler Rheinschwimmen". It's a big swim organized by friends. You don't dive into the Rhine, you enter it... You have to swim along, taking care to stay on the right bank. The whole of Basel swims with its head resting on a waterproof buoyancy bag, the famous "Schwimmsack".

It's one of the art world's biggest events, born in 1970 when a group of Swiss gallery owners decided to promote their artists and works at a single fair in Basel. This was the beginning of Art Basel, the great adventure that continues to this day and now extends across the oceans. For four days in June, Basel becomes the nerve center of the world's most influential contemporary art market, showcasing works from the early ^20th century to the present day. Everything is for sale, and there's something for every budget.

Basel's Night of the Museums is an opportunity to discover 39 museums and 10 cultural institutions in all three countries, from 6 pm to 2 am. Concerts, cultural programs, guided tours (some in French), around 200 exhibitions and events await you. Your Museum Night ticket entitles you to free use of public transport, boats and shuttle buses from 5pm. Special connections run until late into the night. And after the museums, the clubs invite you to party the night away!

The Basel Autumn Fair is the largest and oldest fair in Switzerland. It is a commercial, informative and entertaining event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Visitors come with their families, to have fun, to ride the carousel, to taste local products on the stands. They also come to discover trades that have almost disappeared, embroidery, textiles, carpentry and manufacturers of wooden toys, but also glass blowers ...

Basel's largest open-air cinema. On Münsterplatz, a giant screen is set up throughout August, delighting spectators in an exceptional setting, with the cathedral illuminated. Most films are shown in their original version. The magic of the seventh art is so popular that the festival also takes place in two other major cities in the summer: Geneva and Zurich. In Geneva, the backdrop of Lake Geneva gives an impression of infinity, and the same impression is felt in Zurich. A different way to experience cinema!

Every year in July-August, the equestrian race field turns into a giant movie theater.

The largest livestock market in Switzerland.

The Engadine's old custom (songs accompanied by bells and bells to hunt winter).

The old town in a party.

International Ice Hockey Tournament.

Bloch's custom is celebrated one week after the carnival. It is a big tree trunk that we walk on a tank decorated and pulled by men representing the different crafts of the wood, in a joyful staging. Bloch is then sold to the auction for the benefit of the participants.

This tradition is celebrated every year at Hundwil, Stein and Schwellbrun every two years in Urnäsch.

A true tradition in Switzerland, the Zurich Carnival, nicknamed Fasnacht by the inhabitants, is a century-old tradition but still as lively as ever. For four days, the city turns into a giant outdoor party, noisy and colourful, with parades, concerts, confetti and outdoor bars! Carnival participants march through the city in extravagant costumes to the sound of the Guggenmusik (carnival bands), as the locals call them. Zug (February), Baden (March) and Winterthur (March) also have their carnival.

It's one of the biggest Latin music festivals in Europe! Tropical South American music sets Helvetiaplatz on fire. The area is cordoned off to make room for the dancers and spectators. An incredible atmosphere! The music and dance goes on, and the tropical sun shines down on Zurich for a few days. The programme includes merengue concerts, national and international DJs and samba dance performances. A large market with 250 stands also offers exotic specialities and drinks.

World-class figure skating stars meet music greats to present a large-scale sound and light show that has entertained crowds every year since 1995.

The Zurich Wine Fair is a highly original event, inviting you to climb aboard 12 boats moored near Bürkliplatz and taste over 4,200 wines from some 30 countries on 5 continents, spread over no fewer than 170 stands! Several restaurants are also open for the occasion. No fewer than 150 professionals from the wine research, production, import and trade sectors (oenologists, sommeliers) will be on hand. Wine lovers won't find anything bigger in Switzerland. Wines come from all over the world, including Swiss wines.