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Our list of events not to be missed in Switzerland

There’s a reason Switzerland has been dubbed the ‘happiest country on the planet’ (according to the 2015 Happiness Report): in addition to all that nature, there’s always something fun and fabulous worth seeing, doing and experiencing.

 

Read on to discover your list of potential things to do in Switzerland… 

Lucerne Festival

The Lucerne festival is a festival in three parts, with orchestras, conductors and soloists coming together during summer (the summer Festival), at easter (the easter festival) and in November (the piano festival) to celebrate the wonder of music.

Art Basel

Art Basel is one of the world’s premier art fairs, bringing together artists, galleries and patrons in celebration of modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries. For the duration, the city is abuzz with events, exhibitions, parties and lots more. Next year Art Basel will be held 15-18 June.

Montreux Jazz Festival

The jazz world’s preeminent festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016. Next year the festivities kick off on 30 June and continue until 15 July, with concerts and live shows headlined by some of music’s biggest names. montreuxjazzfestival.com

Locarno Film Festival

Featuring an always eclectic mix of indie and mainstream film, as well as awards and honorees, one of the big drawcards here is the outdoor screenings in the Piazza Grande. Next year’s festival takes place 2-12 August. pardolive.ch

Sechseläuten or Burning the Böögg

Held in Zurich on the third Monday in April every year, this ancient custom involves the ceremonial chasing away of winter by burning the Böögg, a giant snowman sitting atop a stack of wood. Prior to setting him alight, there is a procession of the guilds from the Bahnhofstrasse to Limmatquai and the Sechseläutenplatz.

Swiss National Day

Celebrated since 1891, the Swiss National Day is held on 1 August each year, with community-based celebrations, fireworks and bonfires in many big cities and larger communities.

The return of the Maid of the Mountain

The story of Heidi, Johanna Spyri’s tale of an orphan who is sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps, was originally published in 1880, and since then no fewer than 19 movies, television adaptations, and animated features have been made of the classic tale.

This year will see the release of another film adaptation: Heidi stars screen veteran Bruno Ganz as Grandfather and newcomer Anuk Steffen in the title role, not to mention some pretty spectacular Swiss scenery.

and don’t miss…

  • Late night at Zurich Museums – First Saturday in September
  • Eidgenössisches Jodelfest, the largest yodeling festival in Switzerland  – Held every three years in Brig-Glis; in 2017 it’s happening 22-25 June
  • Fête des Vignerons (Winegrowers’ Festival) – Held every 20 years in Vevey; the next one takes place from 26 July-13 August 2019
  • The Alpine Ascent in the Bernese Oberland, and the Alpine Descent in Sumiswald – Held in June and mid-September respectively; cattle adorned with garlands and decorations come or go from the mountains.

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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

    Our list of events not-to-be-missed in Switzerland - International Traveller