Festivos y vacaciones en Suiza 2026

Federal holiday

The Swiss National Day of August 1 is the only public holiday applicable throughout Switzerland. It commemorates the Federal Pact of 1291 between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. In 2026, August 1 falls on a Saturday — meaning most employees don't get an extra day off unless collectively agreed otherwise.

All other public holidays are determined by the cantons. Certain days such as Christmas (December 25) and New Year (January 1) are recognized by all cantons, but this remains a cantonal decision, not federal.

Cantonal public holidays 2026

The number of public holidays varies from 7 to 15 depending on the canton. Here is the calendar for the main cantons where expatriates are settling.

School holidays by canton

School holidays vary considerably from one canton to another and even from one municipality to another. In 2026, here are the main periods to remember.

Strategic bridges and days off

In 2026, several public holidays fall conveniently to create long weekends. Ascension (Thursday May 14) allows a 4-day bridge by laying down on Friday May 15. Pentecost Monday (May 25) naturally offers a 3-day weekend.

Tip: Many companies close between Christmas and New Year. Some employers deduct these days from the vacation balance, others offer them. Swiss law provides for a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation per year (5 weeks up to 20 years old).

Plan your vacation

The federalist system means that school holidays are not synchronized between the cantons. This has an advantage: Swiss tourist destinations are less saturated if you can travel outside of your canton's holidays. Flight and hotel prices drop significantly outside of peak periods.

If you have children at school, note that unauthorized absences during school periods are punishable in certain cantons (notably Zurich and Bern). Plan your trips during your municipality's official holiday periods.

Differences with other countries

Compared to France (11 national public holidays), Switzerland has a variable number depending on the canton: Geneva has 9, Zurich 9, Ticino up to 14. Cantonal public holidays are added to the minimum vacation entitlement — a point to check when negotiating your contract.