Public holidays in Switzerland (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: 1 August is the only federal public holiday; the cantons may equate up to eight more holidays with Sundays. On holidays equated with Sundays, work is in principle banned and a Sunday-work permit is needed.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National public holidaysPublic holidays | 1 August 2026 (Swiss National Day) is the only federal public holiday. The cantons decide which other holidays are recognised. [1] |
| Number of national public holidaysPublic holidays | One federal public holiday (1 August). Under Art. 20a ArG the cantons may equate at most eight further holidays with Sundays. [1] |
| Working on a public holidayPublic holidays | On holidays equated with Sundays (1 August and the cantons' recognised holidays) employees may in principle not be employed, and the lost working time need not be made up. Firms covered by the Labour Act need a Sunday-work permit to employ staff on those days. Other cantonal holidays are treated as working days under labour law. [1] |
| Shop opening on public holidaysPublic holidays | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Holiday falling on a weekendPublic holidays | There is no right to take back a holiday that falls on a day off. [1] |
Notes
- Apart from 1 August, public holidays are set by each canton, so the full list differs by canton.
- Shop opening on holidays is set by cantonal law, so there is no single national rule.
Sources
- Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft SECO: Freizeit und Feiertage (FAQ) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.