Swiss National Day and 1 August in Basel
1 August is the Swiss National Day. The celebration on the Rhine takes place on 31 July with an evening celebration organized by the city and the big firework display at 11 pm.
On 1 August, Basel is all set to welcome thousands of visitors to celebrate Swiss National Day on the Bruderholz. Visitors will be able to feast their eyes on a fantastic new light show with a fireworks and water display at 10.15 pm.
Celebration on the Rhine
On 31 July, Basel celebrates the Swiss National Day with fireworks on the Rhine. Around 100 vendors’ stalls will create a festival atmosphere from 5.00 pm to 2.00 am on both banks of the Rhine.
The festivities extend along the Kleinbasel bank from the Johanniterbrücke to Wettsteinbrücke and on the Grossbasel side from the Johanniterbrücke to the Mittlere Brücke and to Marktplatz.
The fireworks are lit from two boats, and the best place to see them is on the Kleinbasel bank between the Johanniterbrücke and Wettsteinbrücke.
Swiss National Day on the Bruderholz
Basel invites you to the official celebrations of Swiss National Day, taking place on the Bruderholz on 1 August. Here, on the Wiesenarena and festival benches, people can meet up for a chat, enjoy some delicious food and take in the acrobatic and musical performances on offer.
An address by President of the Grand Council of Basel, Bülent Pekerman, will be followed by the lighting of the bonfire, led by a large group of children with paper lanterns. Visitors will then be able to enjoy the singing of the national anthem, as well as an impressive light and fire show.
Organizers recommend arriving by public transport. BVB shuttle buses will be available for those departing the event.
