Why is August 1st the Swiss National Day? The history behind Switzerland’s birthday

Discover why August 1st is celebrated as Swiss National Day. Learn about the 1291 Federal Charter, Switzerland’s founding, and how the holiday became official.

Every year on August 1st, people across Switzerland celebrate the country’s founding with fireworks, music, and patriotic pride. But have you ever wondered why this specific date was chosen as Swiss National Day?

The answer goes back over 700 years, to a historic agreement among three Alpine regions that changed the course of European history.

In the summer of 1291, leaders from three mountain cantons – Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden – came together to sign a pact of mutual defense and cooperation. This document, known as the Federal Charter of 1291 (Bundesbrief in German), is widely regarded as the founding moment of the Swiss Confederation.

The charter was a reaction to growing political uncertainty in the region. After the death of King Rudolf I of Habsburg, the local population feared that external powers might try to impose control over their lands. To protect their freedom, they pledged to support one another and resist foreign domination.

This was not a declaration of independence, but rather a promise of unity—one that laid the groundwork for the unique Swiss model of direct democracy and federalism that exists today.

While the exact date of the charter’s signing isn’t known, historians believe it happened in early August 1291. When the idea of creating a national holiday first emerged in the 19th century, August 1st was chosen as a symbolic date to commemorate this historic alliance.

The first large-scale celebration of August 1st occurred in 1891, during the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. It was embraced by both the public and political leaders as a unifying national event. However, the date wasn’t made an official public holiday until 1994.
Today, August 1st serves as a national reminder of Switzerland’s roots: independence, cooperation, neutrality, and civic responsibility.

The values expressed in the 1291 charter – local autonomy, shared responsibility, and freedom from foreign rule – are still deeply embedded in Swiss identity. These principles shaped the country’s development into one of the world’s most stable democracies, known for neutrality, direct democracy, and cultural diversity.

Although Switzerland has changed dramatically over the centuries, the spirit of the founding pact lives on. Celebrating August 1st is about more than tradition – it’s a tribute to a country built on cooperation instead of conquest.

Today, Swiss National Day is marked with both official ceremonies and local festivities across the country:

If you're in La Tour-de-Peilz, Vevey, or Montreux, you're in one of the most scenic places to experience Swiss National Day:

These celebrations not only bring communities together but also reflect the founding values of the nation: shared identity, self-governance, and unity.

Swiss National Day on August 1st is more than just a public holiday – it’s a celebration of how Switzerland began. The Federal Charter of 1291 represents a bold act of unity and independence, values that still define the nation today.

Whether you’re attending a fireworks show in Montreux or walking along the lake in Vevey, take a moment to reflect on the centuries-old decision that gave birth to one of the world’s most respected nations.