32 Swiss Yodelling Festival in Basel
At the end of June, Basel is transformed into a huge yodelling village, with 12,000 yodellers,alpenhorn players and flag-wavers bringing traditional Swiss customs to the city. Under the motto “Stadt und Land mitenand”, Basel becomes a stage for tradition, music and living customs for three days.
The Yodelling Festival is primarily held in the Old Town on the Grossbasel side of the Rhine. The 1,000-plus performances by the active musicians in front of an expert jury take place in ten churches and concert halls. School facilities in the city centre are used for the jury performances in the alpenhorn blowing and flag-waving categories.
© Jodlerfest, Fotografie: Peter Wehrli
© Jodlerfest, Fotografie: Alexandra Wey
© Jodlerfest, Fotografie: Alexandra Wey
© Jodlerfest, Fotografie: Alexandra Wey
© Jodlerfest, Fotografie: Peter Wehrli
© Jodlerfest, Fotografie: Peter Wehrli
In addition to the graded presentations, the focus is on celebrating together. On the festival grounds, visitors can immerse themselves in typical Swiss soundscapes.
Travel and accommodation
Travelling to Basel is a breeze via the three railway stations Basel SBB, Basel Badischer Bahnhof and Basel St. Johann as well as via the main motorway axes.
Please use public transport during your stay in Basel. As a hotel guest in the city on the Rhine, you enjoy the benefits of our BaselCard, which gives you free use of public transport for the entire duration of your stay. The BaselCard is included with every hotel stay.
Festival programme
| Opening ceremony | Friday, 26 June 2026, 2.00 pm, Petersplatz yodelling village |
| Festival | Friday, 26.6.2026, 12.00 pm to at least 2.00 am Saturday, 27.6.2026, 10.00 am to at least 2.00 am Sunday, 28.6.2026, 10.00 am–6.00 pm |
| Graded presentations in yodelling, alpenhorn, flag-waving | From Friday, 26 June 2026, in the afternoon until Saturday evening, 27 June 2026 |
| Ceremony | Sunday, 28 June 2026, 10.00 am, Marktplatz |
| Parade | Sunday, 28 June 2026, 2.00 pm, city centre between MĂĽnsterplatz and Messeplatz |
Festival site
The yodelling village, with the yodelling mile, is the festival site and central meeting place. Together with the alleyways and courtyards up to the Marktplatz, creates a large perimeter for the festival in the heart of Basel’s Old Town.
There, people sing, make music and celebrate together almost around the clock. Active participants and visitors come together to keep the tradition alive – often until the late hours of the morning. Around 200,000 guests are expected.
The yodelling village consists of numerous “Festbeizli” (festival restaurants), which are run by regional associations offering various dishes. As a rule, the yodelling village around the yodelling mile is complemented by other gastronomic offerings.
Other highlights of the Swiss Yodelling Festival include the ceremony on the Marktplatz and the bumper parade through Basel city centre on Sunday.
Festival badge & admission
Admission to the festival site is free. It’s a matter of honour that both visitors and participants wear the official Yodelling Festival badge – or Jodlerfest Blaggedde – as a sign of support.
However, an admission fee is required to attend the graded presentations for yodelling, alpenhorn blowing and flag-waving at the ten venues.
Festival badges, tickets and attractive festival packs for visitors will go on sale in early May 2026. Information on prices and sales outlets will appear on the official Yodelling Festival website from this time onwards.
“Basel City Guide” app
With the official “Basel City Guide” app, Basel becomes a place to experience; featuring an interactive city map, personal recommendations and helpful tips, the app is an ideal companion for anyone looking to discover Basel. The app is available free of charge in all the popular app stores.
From 22 June 2026, the app will also provide you with details of the Swiss Yodelling Festival 2026.
