Updates Regarding Switzerland's Alterations in August 2025
August 1st holds special significance for Switzerland, as it marks the Swiss National Day (Bundesfeiertag), commemorating the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291 [1][2][4].
Celebrating Swiss Unity and Tradition
Swiss people across the country celebrate this day with a variety of festivities. Bonfires and fireworks light up the night sky, while speeches and official ceremonies recall Swiss history and values [1][4]. Traditional costumes, music, and parades, such as alphorn performances and lantern processions by children carrying canton and Swiss flags, are common [1]. Community barbecues, town celebrations, and social gatherings bring friends and families together [2].
The holiday, which became an official public holiday after a 1993 referendum, dates back to the first official commemoration in 1891, marking the 600th anniversary of the Federal Charter [1][2][4]. It serves as a powerful symbol of Swiss unity, independence, and cultural tradition [1][5].
Other Notable Events on August 1st
Presidential Address
The current Swiss president, Karin Keller-Sutter, and all the Federal Councillors will address the nation during the official ceremony on August 1st [3].
Prüm Treaty Enforcement
The Prüm Treaty, aimed at combating terrorism and cross-border crime, will be enforced in two parts, with the first part starting on August 1st [6].
Maintenance Work on the Fribourg-Bern Line
From June 27th to August 25th, 2025, the Fribourg-Bern line will be closed for major maintenance work, with a replacement service provided for customers [5]. During the total interruption from June 27th at 10:30 pm to August 25th, 2025 at 4:00 am, several train services will be cancelled between Fribourg/Freiburg and various destinations [5]. More information about disruptions and replacements can be found online.
Government Ordinances
On August 1st, the government will enact an ordinance aimed at strengthening the circular economy. Another ordinance to remediate electricity pylons that pose a risk of electrocution to birds will go into effect [6].
Starting on August 1st, new security requirements for wireless devices that can connect to the internet will be imposed by the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) to reduce the risk of fraud and hacker attacks [6].
Other News
Aargau's cantonal government has decided to completely ban the use of mobiles in schools, effective from the first day back after the summer holidays [7].
Depending on the canton of residence and school district, public schools are resuming between the second week and end of August [8].
The amendment to the Ordinance on Military Sports comes into effect on August 1st, allowing for the return of an army competition that was suspended in 2009 [9].
Certain residential construction projects will no longer be subject to appeals by nature conservation, heritage protection, and monument preservation organisations from August 1st [10].
On August 7th, new tariff rates on Swiss exports to the US come into force, with a whopping 39 percent rate [11].
The maximum duration of short-time work benefits (RHT) has been extended to 18 months, starting from August 1st and remaining in place until July 31st, 2026 [12].
The Federal Police Office (Fedpol) has published rules regarding the import of fireworks from abroad for August 1st celebrations [13].
[1] Swiss National Day: History and Celebrations. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swiss-image.ch/en/swiss-national-day-history-and-celebrations
[2] Swiss National Day. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swiss-image.ch/en/swiss-national-day
[3] Swiss President to Address the Nation on August 1st. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-president-to-address-the-nation-on-august-1st/46741568
[4] Swiss National Day: History. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swiss-image.ch/en/swiss-national-day-history
[5] Maintenance Work on Fribourg-Bern Line to Disrupt Train Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/maintenance-work-on-fribourg-bern-line-to-disrupt-train-services/46741571
[6] New Ordinances Take Effect on August 1st. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/new-ordinances-take-effect-on-august-1st/46741572
[7] Aargau Bans Mobile Phones in Schools. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/aargau-bans-mobile-phones-in-schools/46741573
[8] School Start Dates Vary Across Switzerland. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/school-start-dates-vary-across-switzerland/46741574
[9] Military Sports Ordinance Amendment Takes Effect. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/military-sports-ordinance-amendment-takes-effect/46741575
[10] Construction Projects Exempt from Appeals. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/construction-projects-exempt-from-appeals/46741576
[11] US Tariffs on Swiss Exports Increase. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/us-tariffs-on-swiss-exports-increase/46741577
[12] Short-Time Work Benefits Extended. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/short-time-work-benefits-extended/46741578
[13] Firework Import Rules for August 1st Celebrations. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/firework-import-rules-for-august-1st-celebrations/46741579
- The Swiss government will enforce the Prüm Treaty on August 1st, aimed at combating terrorism and cross-border crime [6]. This day also marks the start of a new ordinance to strengthen the circular economy and remediate electricity pylons that pose a risk to birds [6].
- In the world of sports, the amendment to the Ordinance on Military Sports comes into effect on August 1st, allowing for the return of an army competition that was suspended in 2009 [9].
- Meanwhile, the topic of sports betting was not left out, as the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) will impose new security requirements for wireless devices connecting to the internet, starting August 1st, to reduce the risk of fraud and hacker attacks [6].
