August 1st Is Swiss National Day

No tanks parading through the streets, no marching armies, but August 1st is the National Day in Switzerland. Since 1993 it has been a national holiday.

The national holiday status means that pretty much everything is closed but this year (2009), it falls on

We can expect the usual celebratory set up in and around Zurich, particularly in and around Bellevue although with the current roadworks it might beworth wearing some builder's boots!

There will also be a fireworks display in the evening so despite the "down" day being on a Saturday when you can usually at least do some shopping or go out to dinner, get out and enjoy the city.