Festivals in Switzerland

Our customs are as diverse as the Swiss themselves. The fact that we originate from different cultures, and speak different languages makes the festivals we celebrate even more interesting. Valleys that were cut off in winter from the rest of Switzerland developed unique traditions that are alive to this day. Our various customs and folk traditions celebrate our rich visual and acoustic heritage. In our fast-paced world, our culture survives only when celebrated!

And celebrate we do. Heck, we even celebrate when nobody else cares except the folks in our own town. Festivals range from colourful folk spectacles to medieval celebrations, from weird sport events to sophisticated entertainment in the arts.

There's probably not a weekend that goes by without a fair, a festival, or a concert. The sheer number of our cultural celebrations is astonishing and the variety is remarkable. In fact, it would be impossible to list each and every event we celebrate in our small alpine nation.

The festivals listed below are some of the most interesting Swiss celebrations that take place throughout the year. But - wherever you stay or pass through, check in with the local tourist office to see what's going on. Sometimes, the smallest festival, only celebrated in that particular town or village, tells you more about our culture than the largest gathering can do.

Festivals in Switzerland Year-round

January

02.01.2014
Harder Potschete Parade, Interlaken West (BE)
Harder "Potschen" (Masks) have a long tradition in Interlaken. The Potschen parade is a yearly event that always takes place on January 2nd. Start at 1.30pm on the Market Square.

11. - 18.01. 2014
Witches Downhill Race, Bellalp/Blatten (VS)
Switzerland's craziest downhill race, that culminates into the witches' party night with life music.

12.01.2013
Schlittata Trophy in Savognin (GR)
Toboggan/sledge race. Not the fastest will win but the one with the most original costume and old-fashioned sledge.

13.01.2014 (and 31.12.2014)
Silvesterchlausen, Urnäsch, Herisau, Hundwil, Stein, Waldstatt, Schwellbrunn, und Schönengrund (AR)
Celebrated December 31 and January 13 (exception 2013; it will be held January 12th), the old New Years Eve. Colourful groups of masks wander from house to house, where they ring their bells, yodel and wish each family per handshake a prosperous and happy new year.

13.01.2013
Schlitteta St. Moritz, Engadin (GR)
This is an old tradition celebrated in many villages in Graubünden, though not as elaborate as in St. Moritz and Pontresina. Here, a couple in their best finery is carried through the winter landscape on a horse-drawn sleigh. Village festival atmosphere. For questions: email
T +41 81 828 88 03

26.01.2013
Vogel Gryff, Basel (BS)
A spectacle with historic significance held in Kleinbasel (district in the city of Basel), on the right bank of the Rhine River.

25. January - 2. February, 2014
International Balloon Festival in Château'd'Oex (FR)

26.01.2013
Horn Sledge Race - Hornschlittenrennen in Weisstannen (SG)

27.12.2012 - 01.04.2013
Snow and Symphony in St. Moritz (GR)
World-famous orchestras and soloists present a series of classical and jazz concerts.

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February

Swiss Carnival celebrations

The Swiss Carnival festivities (Fasnacht) take place anywhere from end of January to May.
Here's a list of the most impressive carnivals.

02.02 - 12.02.2013
Tschäggättä parade in Blatten and carnival procession in Wiler, Lötschental (VS)
The legend of the Tschäggättä is uniquely celebrated in the Lötschental. Clad in fur and elaborate masks, the creatures sneak through the village streets throughout the week.

03. / 10. / 17.02.2013
White Turf St. Moritz (GR)
International Horse race on ice!

09.02.2013
Horn Sledge Race in Fideris (GR)
Professional toboggan race 1pm; toboggan race open to the public 1.30pm.
Fideris is situated between Landquart and Klosters/Davos - approx. 24 km (14.9 mi) from Landquart, and 130 km (80,7 mi) from Zürich.

09. - 10.02.2013
Horn Sledge Race - Hornschlittenrennen in Braunwald (GL)
Approx. 88 km (55 miles) from Zürich and 18 km (11 miles) from Glarus

17.02.2013
Traditional Horn Sledge Race - Hornschlittenrennen in Adelboden (BE)

16.02.2013 For the last time!
International and Switzerland's largest Horn Sledge Race - Int. Hornschlittenrennen in St. Johann, Toggenburg (SG)
This is truly a fun day out for the whole family.

27.12.2012 - 01.04.2013
Snow and Symphony in St. Moritz
World-famous orchestras and soloists present a series of classical and jazz concerts.

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March

March through September (each year)
Combat des Reines - Cow Fighting in different towns and villages in the Canton of Valais (VS)

01.03. Every Year
Chalandamarz (GR)
Children ring enormous cow bells to drive out the evil spirits. An outdoor party of whip-cracking, singing, and good food in Guarda, Pontresina, Silvaplana, Samedan, Scuol, Zuoz, La Punt, Bergün-Filisur, Lenzerheide, Tiefencastel, Poschiavo (Pupocc da marz)

02.03.2013
Horn Sledge Race - Hornschlittenrennen in Saas Fee (VS)

07. - 17.03.2013
International Motor Show (Auto Salon) in Geneva (GE)
Europe's most prestigious annual Motor Show.

10.03.2013
Engadine Ski Marathon, Maloja (GR)
A real crowd gatherer (approx. 12,000 participants). Major cross-country skiing marathon between event Maloja and S-chanf.

23. - 31.03.2013
Verbier Xtreme, Verbier (VS)
Daredevil off-piste freerider snowboard competition. The final stop for the Free Ride World Tour.

23.03.2013
Fuchsfestival Grüsch-Danusa (Foxfestival)
A snow festival for young and old. Pop and rock with life bands in the family ski and snow board arena Danusa.

Until 01.04.2013
Snow and Symphony in St. Moritz (GR)
World-famous orchestras and soloists present a series of classical and jazz concerts.

27. - 29.03.2013
Easter procession, Mendrisio (TI)
One of the best!

29.03.2013 (Every year on good Friday)
Les Pleureuses, Romont (FR)

End of March - Mid May (every year)
Tulip Festival in Morges (VD)

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April

April Cow Fighting Events(each year)
Combat des Reines - Cow Fights in the Canton of Valais.

01.04.2013
Frühjahrsschwinget, Ibach (SZ)
The Swiss version of Sumo wrestling - well, kind of :) - More events on different locations listed on the same page.

04.04.2013
Näfelser Fahrt, Näfels (GL)
The people of Glarus commemorate their victory over the Hapsburg's in 1388 with a colourful historic procession.

10. - 14.04.2013
All day entertainment (10am to 11pm). Over 300 Swiss and international artists show their new program. From a-cappella to comedy and puppet shows, from break dance to hipp hopp, jazz, and salon music to dance theater. Multiple platforms in and around Kultur and Kongresszentrum Thun, Seestrasse 68.

15.- 16.04.2013 (3rd Monday in April - yearly event)
Sechseläuten, Zürich (ZH)
Children's parade April 15, 2012
Guild parade and burning of the Böög April 16, 2012

25. April - 02. May, 2013
Basel World - The World Watch and Jewelry Show, Basel (BS)

27.04.2014 (every second year, always on Sunday after Easter Sunday)
Eierleset, Effingen (AG)
Easter Egg fun born out of the age-old tradition of celebrating spring each year.

Last Sunday in April (yearly event)
Open Air Voting, Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI)

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May

May Cow Fighting Events(each year)
Combat des Reines - Cow Fights in the Canton of Valais.

01.05. at Midnight (30. April/1.May)
Maisingen, Lindenhof in Zürich (ZH)

03. - 05.05.2013
PrättIGA in Grüsch (GR)
Mingle with the locals. Over 90 exhibitors show their products. Sample local specialties. Frühschoppen (pre lunch folk music concert) on Sunday morning. Lot's of entertainment for children, especially on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Grown ups dance on Friday and Saturday night to folk and "Alpenrock" till morning dawns.
Eishalle (Ice skating arena). Grüsch lies at the entrance to the Prättigau Valley (between Landquart and Klosters).

04.05.2013
Epesses nouveau en fête - Lavaux Wine Fest, Epesses (VD)
Wine testing sessions, winegrower's lunch with saucisson vaudois (special sausage). Wine testing itself is free (you must be 18 years of age). All day activities from helicopter round trips over the vineyards to a ride on the Lavaux Express through the vineyards, filling up your own wine bottles, Uncle Paul's Fondue and workshops. Each of this actives are separately priced but there's also a package available that includes testing as much wine as you want, typical lunch winegrower's lunch, 1 "Pot Vaudois", cheese for desert and a wine glass as a souvenir.

05.05.2013 (always on the first Sunday in May)
Open Air Voting in Glarus (GL)

05.05.2013 (always on the first Sunday in May)
Maibär Festival, Bad Ragaz (SG)
Chasing away winter and welcoming spring. 10am on the main city square.

05.05.2013
Cheese Festival, Gruyères (FR)
A market festival on the cobbled main street in the medieval castle town of Gruyères.

Second Sunday in May
Crowning of the King and Queen in Begnins (VD)
During the so-called May-Day, entirely reserved for children. Crowning of the May Queen and May King on Sunday morning, followed by a procession in the afternoon.

09.05.2013
Ascension Day procession on foot and horseback in Beromünster (LU)
A religious celebration that starts early in the morning. Costumed riders on horseback circle a field, followed by a large group of spectators.

12.05.2013 Second Sunday in May (Mothers Day)
Mammoth Soapbox Competition (Flossrennen), River of Sitter and Thur, Degenau, Bischoffszell to Kradolf-Schönenberg
If the weather does not cooperate, it could take place one week later.

17. - 20.05.2013
International Street Artists Festival - Festival Artisti di Strada in Ascona (TI)

18. - 19.05.2013
Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises, Aigle (VD)
Approx. 300 wineries open their doors for visitors. Saturday/Sunday 10am - 7pm; Cost of the pass: CHF 15.00. A bus (fair included in the pass) will bring you from winery to winery. Self-guided tour.

25. - 28.05.2013
YOUNG STAGE - International Circus Festival Basel (BS)
The best young professional artists meet in Basel.

30.05.2013 (Second Thursday after Pentecost)
Corpus Christi procession in Düdingen (FR)
It is celebrated throughout the catholic regions, but in Düdingen, this day is especially colourful with girls wearing rare traditional costumes.

End of May until Beginning of June 2013 (every two years)
Wildwuchs, (Festival of the Arts) Basel (BS)
Theatre, music, dance, film, paintings, photography…

30.05.2013 (Fronleichnam - Thursday, ten days after Whitsunday)
Our Lord's Day Ceremonial Procession (Fronleichnam) in Appezell Innerrhoden (AI) Women in their traditional and very elaborate costumes and headdress's, most of them handed down from generation to generation.

May 2015 (every 3 years)
Wyberschiesset in Escholzmatt and/or Schüpfheim, Entlebuch (BE)
A shooting competition (in traditional costumes) for women of all ages living in the Entlebuch region.

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June

June Cow Fighting Events(each year)
Combat des Reines - Cow fights in the Canton of Valais.

07. - 08.06.2013
Prätti-Ziller in Seewis (GR)
Largest folk music event in Graubünden, a cross-border festival shared by two beautiful valleys - Prättigau in Graubünden and Zillertal in Austria.
Fest arena in Seewis (above Grüsch), a small village perched on a sonny slope with gorgeous views over the valley. This is a very popular event amongst the natives, so be prepared for a crowd :)
Approx. 10 km (6.2 mi) from Landquart toward Klosters - Davos.

13.-16.06.2013
Art Basel (Basel)

2014
(exact date will be published later) Bollywood Film Festival, Thun (BE)
A whiff of India in the Bernese Oberland Metropolis of Thun.

29. - 30.06.2013
Rosenfest, Hausen am Albis (ZH)
Saturday 10am to midnight; with concerts (starting at 11am resp. 10.30 on Sunday); Sunday 10am-5pm, barbecues, and entertainment for the whole family.

End of June
Alpaufzug Adelboden - Bringing the cows up to the mountain pasture for summer, Engstligenalp (BE)

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July

July until September
Lucerne Summer Music Festival, Lucerne (LU)

03. - 06.07.2014 (every three years)
Eidgenössisches Jodlerfest, the National Swiss Yodel Contest, in Davos (GR)
This is a huge event. If you want to attend, make early hotel reservations or stay in close-by villages.

2014 (exact date will be published later)
Alpine Music Festival, Saas Fee (VS)
Swiss Folk Music till you drop. Authentic and uniquely Swiss in a gorgeous Alpine setting.

05. - 20.07.2013
Jazz Festival Montreux (VD)

05. - 07.07.2013
Rosenfest, Weggis (LU)
A delightful summer festival on the shores of the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne) that started over 80 years ago. Music, dance, fireworks and the election of the Queen of Roses.

06. July - 17. August 2013
Music Festival, Ernen (VS)
The picturesque village of Ernen hosts world-class classical concerts during the summer.

09. - 14.07.2013
Davos Sounds Good, Davos (GR)
Mardi Gras Party, Jazz Walk, Dinner dance, Jazz train to Klosters, Street parade, Jazz BBQ, and more.

12. - 14.07.2013 (every two years)
Les Médiévales in St-Ursanne (JU)

12. - 21.-7.2013
Jazz Lenk, Lenk (BE)
Small Open Air Jazz Festival featuring international musicians.

16. July - 05. September 2013
Thunerseespiele, Thun (BE)
Musical Productions on the shores of Lake Thun. Open Air Stage with a magnificent view to Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Don't forget to watch the stage :)

18. - 21.07.2013
Gurtenfestival, Bern (BE)
Annual, iconic open air music festival on top of Bern's house mountain.

18. July - 07. September 2013
Menuhin Festival Gstaad (BE)
One of the very best classical festivals worldwide.

19. July - 4. August, 2013
Verbier Festival, Verbier (VS)
Days filled with classical music, played by world-renowned artists. A feast of sound in a spectacular setting. Considered one of the most important European classical festivals.

20.07.2013
Street Artist Festival, Adelboden (BE)
(Gaukler und Drehorgel Festival). Comedy, visual art, music and barrel organ.

23. - 28.07.2013
Paléo Festival Nyon, Nyon (VD)
The largest open air festival in Switzerland.

26. July - 13. August 2019 (only every 20 years)
Fête des Vignerons - Wine Festival in Vevey (VD)
It's said to be the World's most important wine festival. The celebration of centuries old wine making traditions is an unforgettable spectacle that takes place in the medieval city of Vevey. It takes the "Brotherhood of Wine growers" about five years to organize the event with approx. 3000 participants.

28.07.2013
National Costume Festival (Trachten Festival), on the Männlichen (mountain) (BE)
Authentic and traditional. A uniquely Swiss festival. You reach the Männlichen by aerial cable way from Wengen or Gondola from Grindelwald. Start: 11am.

31.07.2013
Rhine fall Festival, Neuhausen am Rheinfall (SH)
The Rhine fall, Europe's largest waterfall, provides a dramatic backdrop for this giant firework festival.
Start: 9.45pm

31.07.2013
Bielerseefest "Big Bang" (Festival on the Lake), Biel/Bienne (BE)
Fireworks, live music, and good food. Approx. 70'000 spectators attend this festival of fireworks.

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August

August Cow Fighting Events(each year)
Combat des Reines - Cow fights in the Canton of Valais.

July until September 2013
Summer Music Festival, Lucerne (LU)

July until September 2013
Menuhin Festival Gstaad (BE)
One of the very best classical festivals worldwide.

01 August Yearly event.
Swiss National Day. The best way to see the fireworks and bonfires, with which the Swiss celebrate their National Day, is by taking a boat trip on one of the larger lakes. It is a day celebrated within communities, and depending on the size of the community, the festivities can range from small to sophisticated with parades, fireworks, bonfires and barbecues.

03. - 05.08.2012 (2013 date will be announced later)
Apricot Festival, Saxon (VS)

07. - 17.08.2013
Film Festival, Locarno (TI)
International Film Festival in a spectacular outdoor setting.

09. - 10.-08.2013
Thun Fest
Street fest with various artists. From blues to Irish folk, rock, pop. Street market.
Old town center Bälliz, Thun.

10.08.2013
Street Parade Zürich, City of Zürich (ZH)
This has become an annual event for over over 20 years - the biggest outdoor party far and wide that promotes love, freedom, tolerance and respect.

Mid August 2015
National Hornusser Fest (Eidgenössisches Hornusserfest) in Lyss (BE)
Hornussen is an indigenous Swiss sport.

17.08.2013
ArtMarket in Zofingen, (AG)
Over 100 artists present their works of art in an outdoor exhibition in the charming and beautiful city of Zofingen. 9am to 6pm.

18.08.2013
International Alpine Beard Festival, Chur (GR)
This is an annual event is part of the the Chur Festival, the largest summer fest in the capital of Graubünden. Approximately 60 hairy men compete in this "alpine beauty contest".

23.08. - 08.09.2013
Art and Symphony in St. Moritz

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September

September Cow Fighting Events(each year)
Combat des Reines - Cow fights in the Canton of Valais.

July until September
Summer Music Festival, Lucerne (LU)

July until September 2013
Menuhin Festival Gstaad (BE)
One of the very best classical festivals worldwide.

August until October (each year)
Combat des Reines - Cowfights thoughout the Canton of Valais (VS)

01.09.2013
Chüefladefäscht (Cow Pie Fest), Riederalp (VS)
Think Golf but you use cow patties instead of golf balls!

06. - 07.09.2013
VINEA, Wine Tasting Fair in Sierre (VS)
The largest Swiss Wine testing event.

Annual event on the first Saturday in September
Wii-Grill Fäscht - Wine and Barbecue Fest, Vispterminen (VS)
This is more a culinary hiking tour than a festival. Located in Europe's highest Vineyard, the Heida, who produced the Pearl of Alpine Wine. Reservation necessary. The culinary walking tour costs CHF 90. In the price included are: Complete 6-course dinner including soft drinks and at least 12 different wines, bus transfer, memory glass and a fantastic atmosphere.

2017 (exact date to be announced)
Unspunnenfest. Interlaken (BE)
The history of Unspunnen dates back to the 13th century, the Unspunnenfest itself started 1805 as a cow herder's festival. Today, the stone throwing competition adds many Swiss cultural components; from traditional Schwingen, a type of Swiss wrestling, to dance, yodel, music and more. The Unspunnenfest takes place every 12 years!

08.09.2013
Sheep Procession Gemmi, Leukerbad (VS) The coming home of approx. 800 sheep from the Alpine pasture where they have spent their summer. It's quite a sight to see the sheep coming down the steep Gemmi path. Raclette, BBQ and music.

12.09. - 21.09.2013
Octoberfest in Lucerne (LU)
Call to make reservations for a table +41 (0) 41 367 61 61.

Mid September 2013 (exact date will be announced later)
Traditional Alpabfahrt, Sumiswald (BE)
Approx. 600 cows return from the Alpine Pasture of Lüderenalp to Sumiswald. 9.30am in Sumiswald.

13 and 15.09.2013
Medieval Market at the Lenzburg Castle, Lenzburg (AG)
Tradesmen, knights, mercenaries, gamblers, artists, musicians…

14.09.2012 (exact date will be published later)
Désalpes de la Fouly and Sembrancher (VS
The coming home of the cows who have spent the summer high up in the mountains. Near Orsière and Verbier.

15.09.2013
Alpine Cheese making competition, Frutigen (BE)
Bernese Alpine Cheese making competition with live folklore music.

September 2013 (exact date will be announced later)
Alpabfahrt in Grüsch, Prättigau (GR)
When the summer ends, cows and herdsmen return home from alpine pasture in a colorful procession.

15.09.2013
Alpine Cheese Festival, Grosse Scheidegg, Grindelwald (BE)

Mid September 2013
Alpabzug, Urnäsch (AR)
One of the most colourful rituals of the Alpabfahrt in Switzerland, the coming home of the cows from the Alpine summer pasture. Between 9.30am and 2pm through Urnäsch. The exact time can't be predicted, but the annual farmers market in Urnäsch will keep you busy until the big spectacle.

Mid September 2015 (every 4 years)
Air Show, Breitling, Sion (Valais)

16.09.2013
Sichlete, Bern (BE)
The legendary harvest festival "Sichlete" starts at 10am on the Bundeshausplatz, the square in front of the federal building in Bern. Bernese farmers bring life to the city with cows, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, music and dance. The highlight is the parade that starts at 1.15pm at the National Equestrian Centre (Nationales Pferdezentrum) and ends at approximately 2am on the Bundeshausplatz. 3pm: The most beautiful cow will be crowned Miss Sichlete.

20. - 21.09.2013
Pfyfoltru-Weinfest Week, Varen (VS)
Pfyfoltru (meaning Butterfly in the local language) Wine festival.

20.09.2013
Chästeilet Justistal (BE)
Farmers receive the cheese that has been made while the cows spent the summer in the alpine pastures.
Where: Spycherberg Justistal. Catch a bus at the main square in Sigriswil, starting at 7:30am

14.09.2013
Alpabzug - The cows coming home from the Alpine Pasture in Parsonz near Savognin (GR)

14.09.2013
Alpine Cheese Fest, Grosse Scheidegg - Jungfrau Region (BE)
Cheese fest, local food and entertainment.

21.09.2013
Goat Désalpe Rona. The Goat herders will bring the goats from spending summers in the Alps. Approximately 11am in Rona near Savognin (GR)

Second half of September, 2013
Alpabzug - Coming home of the Cows from the Alpine Pasture (Alpabfahrt) Sörenberg - Schüpfheim (LU)

22. - 24.09.2013
Chase of the Fulehung (Swiss German for "lazy dog").
This fool plays a central role at the "Ausschiesset" (crossbow shooting by cadets), a folk festival in Thun, with roots dating back to the 16th century. Old town center.

25.09.2013
Brächätä, Zäziwil (BE)
If you want to know how the Swiss lived and worked in the times of Jeremias Gotthelf (beloved Swiss novelist and poet, 1797 - 1854), and want to get close up with the culture of the Emmental (where the "Emmentaler", known as Swiss Cheese to the rest of the World, is produced), then this is a festival not to miss.

27. - 29.09.2013
Wine Festival Neuchâtel (NE)
This three-day festival celebrates the wine growing region of the three lakes.

End of September, 2013
Alpabzug - Homecoming of the Cows (Désalpe) - a great festival that marks the end of the Alpine season, St-Cergue (VD)

28.09.2013
Désalpe in Charmey, (FR)
The homecoming of cows after they have spent a few month high up in Alpine pasture. Starting at 9.30am.

End of September 2013 (exact date to be announced)
Goat Alpine procession in Rona (near Savognin) (GR)
Coming home of the goats from the alpine pasture (Ziegen-Alpabzug.

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October

August until October (each year)
Combat des Reines - Cowfights in different villages in the Canton of Valais (VS)

Beginning of October, 2013
Désalpe in Albeuve (FR)
Coming home of the cows from the Alpine pastures.

05.-06.10.2013
Cheese Festival (Käsefest), Schwägalp (SG)
With musical entertainment to celebrate the end of the alpine summer.

05.10.2013 (first Saturday in October)
Désalpe, Le Boéchet (JU)
The celebration of the home-coming of the cows from the alpine pasture. Starting at 10am.

06.10.3013
Glarner Alpine cheese and "Schabziger" Market, Elm (GL)
Alpine festival with local specialties, music and dance.

07.10.2012 (each year first Sunday in October)
Glarner Alpchäs und Schabziger Märt in Elm (GL)
A colourful Alpine festival, cheese and "Zigerstöckli" market, the latter a Swiss specialty produced only in this region. Cattle drive.

07. - 19.10.2013
AlpKultur in Lenk im Simmenthal (BE)
A week long celebration of Alpine Culture
Main events: 12.10.2013 Alpfest; 19.10.2013 Hornussen tournament and festival

10. - 13.10.2013
Prättigauer Alp Spektakel in Küblis and Seewis (Graubünden)
The celebration of the coming home of the cows that have spent their summer on Alpine pastures; life music, alpine specialities and good food in the villages of Küblis and Seewis.

12.10.2013
Savogniner Schafschur (GR)
Sheep shearing and the celebration of the Alpine Culture.

13.10.2013 (Various activities between 05. - 20.10.2013)
Chestnut Festival in Castasegna, Bregaglia (Kastanienfestival Bregaglia)

The chestnut calls the valley of Bregaglia home and is celebrated during a two week harvest festival each October. The main Festival Event takes place mid October, 2013 in Castasegna (program will be released later), just a hence race outside of Soglio, (6.5 km/4 miles), and not too far from St. Moritz.

During these two weeks, various activates around the chestnut take place each day: gourmet meals in Restaurants, cooking classes, guided cultural tours, visits with families who harvest and conserve chestnut products; you can even get down and dirty and help with "hitting chestnuts" to free them from their shells.

The Valley of Bregaglia is a hidden jewel, far off the beaten path. Their website is only written in German and Italian. Hardly any visitors from overseas make it into this stunning alpine valley with its dramatic backdrop of craggy and impressive mountains on each side. You sure will experience something special worth to write home about!

You could plan a trip with the Palm Express (by Postbus) from St. Moritz to Lugano with an overnight or two in Castasegna to attend this very authentic event. Seat reservation is mandatory for the Palm Express. You can do that online: just reserve a seat from St. Moritz to Castasegna, and then from Castasegna to Lugano, and the Postbus will stop to pick you up.

Of course, the regular post bus will take you there too, but then you will have to return to St. Moritz - only the Palm Express will continue to Lugano (via Italy).

17.October - 02. November, 2013
Octoberfest in Winterthur (ZH)

19.10.2013
Cheese Festival in Lucerne (LU)
Kapellplatz, Lucerne

26.10.2013
Cheese Festival (Käsemarkt) Bern (BE)
Waisenhausplatz, Bern

25. - 27.10.2013
Trüelete - Wine Fest, Twann (BE)
The vintner town of Twann (on Lake Biel/Bienne) is one big party place, celebrating the grapes of the region.

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November

16.- 16.11.2013
Nidwaldner Alpchäs Market in Beckenried (NW)
Alpine Cheese market and festival.

23.- 24.11.2013
Ürner Alpchäsmärcht in Seedorf (UR)
Alp Cheese Market and festival.

25.11.2013
Zibelemärit - Onion-Market, Bern (BE)
Come in the wee hours of the morning for breakfast. It's a crowd pleaser and people visit from all over Switzerland.

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December

07. - 08.12.2013 (always on the first weekend in December)
Christmas Market in St-Ursanne (JU)

05.12.2013
St. Nicholas Chase, one of the most impressive St. Nicholas traditions in Europe (Klausjagen), Küssnacht an Rigi (SZ)
Pupil Parade: 2.15pm St. Nicholas Chase: 8.15pm

05. - 08.12.2013
Christmas Market in Bremgarten. This very traditional annual event features over 320 stalls. It's mostly visited by the Swiss themselves, and still considered an insider tip for visitors. Bremgarten (AG)

07. - 09.12.2013
Fête de l'Escalade, a medieval celebration that commemorates the victory over the Duke of Savoy. Geneva (GE)

07.12.2013
Chlousemärit (St. Nicholas Market), Spiez (BE)
Small but enchanting. The idyllic bay of Spiez is one of the most romantic bays in Europe. 18 minutes by train from Interlaken, 9 minutes from Thun or 30 minutes from Bern.
2pm - 9pm

12.12.2013 (held every second Thursday each year)
Chlausmarkt and Chlauschlöpfe in Lenzburg (AG)
Traditional St.Nicolaus market.

26. - 30.12.2013
Trychle procession in Meiringen-Oberhasli (BE)

27.12.2012 - 01.04.2013
Snow and Symphony in St. Moritz (GR)
World-famous orchestras and soloists present a series of classical and jazz concerts.

31.12.2013 (and 13.01.2014)
Silvesterchlausen, Urnäsch, Herisau, Hundwil, Stein, Waldstatt, Schwellbrunn, und Schönengrund (AR)
Celebrated December 31 and January 13, the old New Years Eve. Colourful groups of masks wander from house to house, where they ring their bells, yodel and wish each family per handshake a prosperous and happy new year.

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