On 1 August, Switzerland celebrates its bank holidays – a day that not only has historical significance, but also offers numerous festive activities in the country’s cities and regions. What better way to celebrate this special day than with an exciting journey of discovery through Switzerland? Our Foxtrails are the perfect way to experience the diversity and beauty of Swiss cities and landscapes. Whether in the Alps, through historic old towns or along idyllic lakeshores – each trail is an adventure in itself and offers exciting puzzles and tasks to solve. Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories and traditions of Switzerland and experience an unforgettable bank holidays on one of our trails.
Foxtrail Schiefer – Bern City (Bern region & surroundings)
The Foxtrail Schiefer is a special way to explore the beautiful and historic old town of Bern, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail leads participants through the picturesque city, past important sights such as the Rose Garden, which offers a breathtaking view over the city, the historic Nydegg Church and the Fountain of Justice. The trail continues to the Aare, where you can admire the Schwellenmätteli, before crossing the Marzili neighbourhood and finally taking the cable car to the Bundesterrasse to see the Federal Palace up close.
As the capital of Switzerland, Bern is a lively centre of festivities and cultural events, especially on the bank holidays. The city offers a rich programme ranging from traditional music and dance to impressive firework displays. The Bundesplatz and the Old Town are festively decorated and numerous stalls offer local delicacies and handmade products. There are also special events and festivities in the Rose Garden and on the Bundesterrasse, offering visitors a unique view of the city and the fireworks.
Foxtrail Hera – Zurich City (Zurich region & surroundings)
Foxtrail Hera is the ideal way to explore Zurich on 01 August. This interactive scavenger hunt takes you through the city centre and offers educational insights into the circular economy, water supply and sustainable mobility. The route starts in Shopville at the main railway station, leads to Velostation Nord and the Limmat, through the historic Platzspitzpark to the Dynamo youth culture centre and on into the neighbourhood. Back in the city centre, the route leads from Bellevue through the old alleyways of Niederdorf and ends on the Münsterbrücke bridge.
The bank holidays gives the trail a special flair, as the city is festively decorated and numerous events take place. The city of Zurich’s official national celebration takes place in the Stadthaus complex near Bürkliplatz. The celebration begins with the ringing of the church bells at 7.00 am and the traditional gun salute at 7.15 am. The ceremony starts at 11.30 am and lasts until 12.30 pm, followed by a family afternoon from 12.30 pm.
In the evening, an impressive fireworks display lights up the sky over Zurich. There are numerous markets offering local specialities, as well as music and dance performances to enrich the day. You can also take a relaxing boat trip on Lake Zurich or visit special programmes in the city’s museums.
Foxtrail Zeus – Lucerne City (Lucerne region & surroundings)
The Zeus Trail is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy both the sights of Lucerne and the impressive panorama of Lake Lucerne. This trail is particularly popular on Swiss National Day, when the city lights up in a festive atmosphere and numerous events take place. It is the ideal opportunity to experience Lucerne in all its splendour.
Right at the start, the trail takes you to the iconic Chapel Bridge. It then takes you through the historic old town and on to the impressive Museggmauer, a medieval landmark of the city. From there, the trail leads to the Würzenbach quarter and down to the lake, where numerous activities and performances take place on the shore on the bank holidays. After a short detour to the fascinating Swiss Museum of Transport, the trail ends back in the lively city centre.
Lucerne is also just a boat trip away from the Rütli meadow. The Rütli is of great historical significance for Switzerland, as it is considered the birthplace of the Swiss Confederation. On 1 August 1291, representatives of the original cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden are said to have signed the Federal Charter here, which is regarded as the founding document of Switzerland. For this reason, the Rütli is particularly interesting on 1 August, as the Swiss National Day is celebrated here with an official ceremony and numerous symbolic events.
Foxtrail Cyan – Basel (Basel region & surroundings)
The Foxtrail Cyan in Basel offers a unique opportunity to explore the city in an exciting and interactive way. Via winding paths and bridges, you will reach the picturesque banks of the Rhine, from where you will be led into the charming Kleinbasel old town. Enjoy the panoramic view from the middle bridge before entering the Grossbasel Old Town. The ornately painted historic town hall and the imposing Gothic Basel Cathedral await you here. After a short detour to the humorous Tinguely Fountain, the trail ends in the theatre passage.
On Swiss National Day, the Foxtrail Cyan offers a particularly festive backdrop. On this day, Basel shines in festive splendour and offers a variety of activities and celebrations, such as the Federal Celebration on the Rhine. From patriotic speeches and concerts to fireworks and traditional parades, 1 August is a day when Swiss history and culture are celebrated in a lively way.
Foxtrail Columban – St. Gallen (Eastern Switzerland region)
Your starting point is the platform at St. Gallen railway station. From here, you make your way to the Lokremise cultural centre. A detour to the famous Abbey Library and the Textile Museum will take you deep into the city’s past. The Abbey Library is one of the oldest and most important libraries in the world and houses valuable manuscripts and historical books. The Textile Museum is a reminder of the heyday of St. Gallen embroidery, which made the town an important centre of the textile industry in the 19th century. From the Abbey Library, the trail leads you through the monastery courtyard and into the charming old town. Here you can admire the many bay windows, which are one of the town’s special architectural features.
St. Gallen has a rich and important history within Switzerland. The city dates back to the 7th century, when the Irish monk Gallus founded a monastery here, which later became an important religious and cultural centre. The monastery of St. Gallen and its library were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and are a symbol of the long tradition of education and culture in the region.
On 1 August, the bank holidays, St. Gallen shines in festive splendour. Festivities, parades and events celebrating Switzerland’s history and culture take place throughout the city. It’s the perfect time to experience the Trail Columban and savour the special atmosphere of this historic day.
Foxtrail Desoria – Aletsch Arena (Valais region)
The Alps play a central role in the history and identity of Switzerland. They are not only a symbol of the country’s natural beauty, but also bear witness to its thousands of years of history. The Foxtrail Desoria takes you through this impressive scenery and tells the story of a 2000-year-old secret of the Alps. A particular highlight of this route is the view of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in Switzerland. This impressive ice giant is a natural wonder and is under special protection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike offers numerous opportunities to admire this gigantic glacier from different perspectives and marvel at its sheer size and beauty.
The Foxtrail Desoria starts at the Riederalp West mountain station. From here, you stroll through the charming village of Riederalp and then follow the hiking trail through meadows and forests above Bettmeralp. On your way, you will pass the impressive ice grotto, which gives you a fascinating insight into the world of ice. The trail continues to the picturesque Bettmersee, where the trail comes to an end. Please note that the mountain railway is not included in the ticket price. Plan accordingly to organise your journey to the Riederalp West mountain station.
The Foxtrail Desoria on 1 August is the perfect opportunity to leave the crowds behind and immerse yourself in the impressive nature and history of the Swiss Alps.
Foxtrail Ballenberg – Ballenberg (Bern region & surroundings)
Experience the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum in a fun way on 1 August. The trail begins in the Valais and Bernese Oberland themed areas, where you can learn about traditional Alpine farming. It continues to the Central Switzerland area, past centuries-old buildings, cuddly farm animals and hard-working craftsmen. Nowhere else does the past culture of Switzerland feel so alive and tangible. The trail ends in the eastern Mittelland, in the middle of the open-air museum, where you can experience the diversity and historical significance of Swiss culture at first hand. This trail is particularly suitable on National Day, as you have the opportunity to discover and celebrate Swiss history in a festive atmosphere.
Please book your tickets online. You can collect your tickets from the museum ticket office (Ballenberg East) once you have received your booking confirmation. Foxtrail bookings are not possible at the Ballenberg ticket office, but admission to the open-air museum is included in the Foxtrail ticket.
Foxtrail Clarona – Glarus (Eastern Switzerland region)
The famous reformer Huldrych Zwingli took up his pastorate in Glarus 500 years ago. The time he spent in Glarus had a formative influence on his career. With the Clarona Trail, you can follow in the footsteps of Huldrych Zwingli. Years before his time as a pastor and reformer, he was a talented musician who achieved considerable wealth through his art. After his death, construction workers working on the new Glarus town church accidentally discovered the treasure that Zwingli had hidden in the cellar of his home. The revelation of this secret by Fredy Fox and his team through an anonymous tip sheds new light on Zwingli’s true intentions for his fortune and puts the question of his last will and the fate of the treasure centre stage.
An important point on the trail is the Landsgemeindeplatz. This square has an important historical and cultural role in Glarus. Since 1387, the citizens have gathered here for the Landsgemeinde, one of the oldest forms of direct democracy in Europe. The Landsgemeinde enables citizens entitled to vote to pass laws, elect officials and vote directly on important matters. This unique form of civic participation has contributed significantly to the political and social development of the canton and reflects Switzerland’s democratic traditions.
Foxtrail Lenzburg Castle – Lenzburg (Aargau region)
Lenzburg Castle is one of the oldest and most important hilltop castles in Switzerland. It towers majestically over the small town of Lenzburg in the canton of Aargau and looks back on more than a thousand years of history. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1036, and for centuries it served as the residence of powerful aristocratic families and influential personalities.
The Lenzburg Castle Foxtrail is more than just a walk through a historic building. It is an interactive experience that combines fun and education in a marvellous way. The trail starts at Hypiplatz and leads through the picturesque alleyways of Lenzburg’s old town. Here you are already immersed in the charming atmosphere of the historic town. The trail continues up to the Schlossberg, along the nature and culture trail, which offers interesting information about the local flora and fauna as well as the history of the region. The highlight of the trail is reaching the castle entrance (admission is included in the Foxtrail ticket) from where participants can immerse themselves in the castle gardens and museum rooms.
On 1 August 2024, special celebrations will take place at Lenzburg Castle to mark Swiss National Day. The National Day celebrations will begin at 9.30 am with an ecumenical service in the large Knights’ Hall, followed by a musical interlude and the official welcome and 1 August speech. After the trail, you can take part in the festivities in the castle and round off the day in a unique historical setting.
Foxtrail Galileo – Lugano (Ticino region)
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through a charming residential neighbourhood and the picturesque Parco del Tassino. Here you can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature before the path leads you down to the lake, where you can marvel at the impressive church of Santa Maria degli Angioli. Your journey continues through the enchanting alleyways of the old town, which are bursting with history and culture. Be enchanted by the architecture of bygone times as you pass lovingly restored houses and picturesque squares. Piazza Reforma, the heart of the city, awaits you with its lively hustle and bustle and offers numerous opportunities for a well-earned break in one of the many cafés and restaurants.
On 01 August, Lugano is transformed into a veritable festival mile. The Swiss National Day celebrations include a colourful programme with traditional Swiss customs, live music and a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Lugano. The celebratory speech is particularly impressive, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and values of the Swiss nation. The trail ends near the railway station, a perfect starting point for planning further adventures in the region or a relaxed journey home.
Foxtrail Baccara – Rapperswil (Zurich region & surroundings)
You start your trail on the picturesque beach path, which takes you past the popular children’s zoo. Families in particular can take a break here and marvel at the animal inhabitants. Continue to the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, where you will come across an idyllic island that invites you to linger. The trail leads into the charming old town, where you can stroll through narrow alleyways lined with historic buildings and experience the city’s rich history at first hand. The trail takes you up to the impressive castle complex perched on a hill. From here, you have a breathtaking view over Lake Zurich, which lies at your feet in all its splendour.
Rapperswil Castle is a significant landmark and an important part of Swiss history. It was built in the 13th century and played a central role in the defence of the region. To round off your trail, head down to the lakeside path, where you can end the day with a leisurely stroll along Lake Zurich. On National Day, the lakeshore shines in special splendour with festivities celebrating Switzerland’s rich history and culture.
Foxtrail Emma – Emmental (Bern region & surroundings)
On 1 August, Swiss National Day, Foxtrail Emma offers you an unforgettable adventure in the paradisiacal nature of the Emmental and the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. This trail is not only an experience for nature and adventure lovers, but also a tribute to the impressive landscape and cultural treasures of the region.
You start either in Langnau or Schüpfheim and follow the trail of the fox to Trubschachen. Along the way, you will encounter beautifully preserved Bernese houses, idyllic landscapes and an abundance of Swissness that will make the heart of every Switzerland lover beat faster. The Emmental is known for its rolling hills, green meadows and dense forests, which provide a picturesque backdrop for every hiker and nature lover. The traditional Bernese farmhouses with their sweeping roofs are a symbol of the region and reflect the rich history and craftsmanship of its inhabitants.
Foxtrail Rosalie – Winterthur (Zurich region & surroundings)
Rosalie takes you from the railway station through the enchanting historic old town of Winterthur. Colourful facades, picturesque alleyways and idyllic courtyards await you there, inviting you to linger.
On the trail, you will meet the Sulzer family, who played a decisive role in Winterthur’s industrial history and thus also in the economic development of Switzerland. Rosalie brings the impressive history of the Sulzers into play and links the historical significance of the family with the places you visit on your exploration tour through Winterthur. This brings history to life and makes it tangible as you stroll through the city and discover its rich past.
Whether you want to explore the historic alleyways of Bern, the vibrant culture of Zurich, the majestic panorama of Lucerne or the impressive Alpine landscapes of the Aletsch Arena – our Foxtrails offer the right adventure for every taste and age. Let yourself be enchanted by the stories and secrets of Switzerland and enjoy a day full of excitement and discovery.
If this selection doesn’t appeal to you, with over 70 trails in Switzerland we are sure to have something for you. Discover our variety now!
