Anyone know of anything going on in Zurich for the national holiday? I cannot find anything on the Zurich tourism website....

Depending on the weather, pack a book and some shades and head here:

http://www.badi-info.ch/Tiefenbrunnen.html

Stick around for the fireworks in the evening.

Check out:
http://www.englishforum.ch/travel-da...html#post87738

so.....there are fireworks in Zurich on Wednesday?

yes, the official display will take place on the lake
Uetliberg will also be doing their usual display

now I am confused, on Idgies 'free things to do in Switzerland' thread she said there wasn't anything in Zurich and also the My Switzerland website doesn't list anything in Zurich, I had always been under the impression there was fireworks until yesterday and also a swiss friend confirmed to me that they never do any celebrations or fireworks in Zurich

so who's right?

http://www.utokulm.ch/de/haus-events...t-bbq-plausch/
Deffo on at the Uetliberg.

http://www.20min.ch/tools/suchen/story/29097848
Flights coming in only from the north to Zurich airport.

Every year I have been here (most of the last ten), there have been fireworks.

dave

Usually the city provides some sort of display. Even if they don't, the whole nation usually sends several CHF Millions into the heavens. Keep Kitty indoors...

If you want a great view over most of the lake plus across to the Uetliberg and down to the city go to the Allmend Zollikon (http://map.search.ch/8702-zollikon/allmend). Bus Nr. 910 takes you there from Bahnhof Tiefenbrunnen or there's a big enough car park if you're coming by car. They have an official "do" on Wednesday evening with bonfire, speeches etc. and you'll see the fireworks and other bonfires ("Höhenfeuer) going off all around the lake.

There must be fireworks, as the swiss experts are worried about them, making it both a significant issue and worthy of study...

dave

A quotation from the unfortunately-named expert:
"When mishandled, even the least dangerous fireworks can become destructive weapons," explained Beretta.

Plus Migros City on Lowenstrasse have a wee tent outside selling them by the bucketload, no cards though, cash only, in case you rush down there with only plastic in the wallet....

..which means no traceability or proof of age or even purchase either which is interesting for a retailer selling a potentially dangerous product....

dave

It does seem a tad........mental?

Putting firecrackers in the metal post boxes or wheelie bins makes a great noise... er, according to my mate

Smoke bombs on the tram are definitely not a good idea, especially during Street Parade. But stink bombs are ok. In fact, they're to be encouraged.

The official page about events on Aug 1 in Zurich (German version only):
http://www.bundesfeier.ch/

But you can download the program in EN (which includes also a translation of the Swiss national anthem):
http://www.bundesfeier.ch/pdf/programm_e.pdf

Does anyone know where to buy fireworks in Zurich (preferably in town somewhere) on 1st August?

what time do the fireworks usually start? (if i want to be precisely on time)

"Precisely" as soon as it gets dark. It's more of a DIY fireworks event - everyone for themselves. Don't expect anything as spectacular as at the Züri-Fäscht.

Basel stadt has organised 1st of August fireworks, said to be the best in CH if it is going to be your first time in the country. You can watch them from one of the bridges over Rhine. I did my fair share when I was living there...this year, I will be in Tiefenbrunnen with my book and shades during the day and in Pumpstation for ribs and beers with friends later. waether is way too nice to go to Basel.