Enjoy the 1 August fireworks on Switzerland's bank holidays. In many places in Nidwalden there are celebrations with speeches, country music and traditional food such as ‘Chäs-Schnitten’ or ‘Älplermagronen’. In Central Switzerland, many bonfires are lit and can be seen from afar.
History
The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 with the Rütli Oath. 1 August has only been a bank holiday since 1994 and is treated as a Sunday under labour law. The date was derived from one of the first treaties between the three original cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden.