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05 Days / 04 Nights
Daily Tour
1 person
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Arrive in Basel, the carnival capital of Switzerland, known for its world-famous Fasnacht celebrations. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a guided walking tour of Basel’s Old Town to explore its beautiful architecture, fountains, and bridges. In the evening, join a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, offering traditional Swiss fare and drinks.
Start your day early to catch the Morgenstreich, the grand opening of Basel Fasnacht at 4 am. Experience the torch-lit procession with thousands of masked figures walking through the streets, followed by the vibrant parades throughout the day. Afterward, enjoy some local delicacies at one of the carnival food stalls. In the evening, experience the Guggenmusik performances and join in the festivities until late.
Today, take a scenic train ride to Lucerne and dive into the city’s unique take on Fasnacht. Enjoy the masked parades and street performances by Guggenmusik bands that play infectious rhythms all around the city. Don’t miss the Fasnacht Ball in the evening, where you can see incredible costumes and dance to live traditional music.
Travel to Zurich, where you’ll find a lively carnival atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and celebrations. Wander through the streets, taking in the Guggenmusik bands and the masked processions that bring the streets to life. Join the street parties in the Old Town, and enjoy the cultural performances by local artists. In the evening, enjoy a festive dinner at a Zurich restaurant celebrating the carnival spirit.
On the final day, enjoy some leisure time to explore Zurich’s famous attractions, such as Lake Zurich and the Bahnhofstrasse for last-minute shopping. Depart for your journey home, filled with memories of this unique and colorful Swiss tradition.
Fasnacht is a traditional Swiss carnival held in cities like Basel, Lucerne, and Zurich, known for its parades, masks, music, and festive celebrations.
Fasnacht is usually celebrated in February or March, depending on the date of Easter.
Key events include the Morgenstreich parade, Guggenmusik performances, masked processions, and carnival balls.
Yes, you can join the crowds or even dress up and join in the celebrations as a participant during the parades.
Costumes are typically elaborate and can include masks and historical themes. Guggenmusik bands also wear distinctive outfits.
No tickets are required to attend the parades, street performances, or festivals, though some special events may require reservations.
Fasnacht is a family-friendly event, and people of all ages enjoy the festivities. Some events, like the carnival balls, may have age restrictions.
Yes, there are many souvenir stalls offering carnival-themed items, including masks, costumes, and local crafts.
The Morgenstreich is a torch-lit parade that marks the official start of Fasnacht in Basel, beginning at 4 am on Monday morning.
No, Fasnacht celebrations are held in several cities, including Lucerne, Zurich, and other Swiss towns, each with its own unique traditions.
Yes, typical carnival foods include Bäseweggli (sweet rolls), Zwiebelwähe (onion tarts), and Swiss chocolate.
If you’re musically inclined, some groups accept new members, though participation usually requires prior involvement in local bands.
Fasnacht is a family-friendly event with many activities for children, including street performers and kid-friendly parades.
Wearing a mask or costume is part of the tradition, and many people dress in colorful and creative outfits.
Fasnacht typically lasts for three days, with celebrations peaking during the weekend leading up to Ash Wednesday.
