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05 Days / 04 Nights
Daily Tour
1 person
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Arrive in Zurich and check in to your hotel. Begin your journey with a guided city tour of Zurich, exploring its Old Town (Altstadt), the Bahnhofstrasse (one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets), and Lake Zurich. Enjoy a relaxing evening at one of Zurich’s local restaurants, where you can savor Swiss delicacies.
Today, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you watch the Sechseläuten parade preparations. Stroll through the guilds' stalls, where guild members are preparing their floats, costumes, and musical instruments. Spend the afternoon exploring Zurich’s museums or relax at a local café. In the evening, join the crowds for the pre-celebration festivities around the lake.
This is the highlight of your trip! Watch the grand Sechseläuten parade, featuring over 3,000 participants dressed in traditional costumes. Enjoy the vibrant display of horse-drawn carriages, music bands, and cultural groups. Later, witness the Böögg burning ceremony, where the Böögg is set on fire. The explosion of its head is a thrilling moment, and it’s said to predict the weather for the upcoming summer. Celebrate the event with a street party afterward.
After the grand parade, explore the guilds' local celebrations, where traditional feasts and live performances take place. Stroll through Zurich’s spring markets, where flowers and local products are on display. In the evening, attend a festive dinner at a historic Zurich restaurant and enjoy Swiss wines and local cheeses.
On your final day, enjoy some free time to explore Zurich at your own pace. You may visit landmarks like the Swiss National Museum or take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich for scenic views of the city. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading to the airport for your departure.
Sechseläuten is a traditional Zurich spring festival, marking the end of winter with the burning of the Böögg, and celebrating Zurich’s historical guilds.
Sechseläuten is celebrated in mid-April, specifically on the third Monday of the month.
The Böögg symbolizes winter. Its burning marks the beginning of spring, and the time it takes for its head to explode is said to predict the summer weather.
While the parade is for guild members and select performers, visitors can watch and enjoy the event from the streets.
The parade features over 3,000 participants in traditional costumes, horse-drawn carriages, and marching bands, showcasing Zurich’s guild traditions.
Locals celebrate with street parties, dancing, singing, and eating in public spaces, particularly around Lake Zurich.
Yes, during the festival, you’ll find traditional Swiss foods, such as ZürcherGeschnetzeltes (Zurich-style veal), cheeses, and Swiss chocolates.
No tickets are required to watch the parade, but some special events and guild dinners may require reservations.
The best spot is near Lake Zurich, where you can enjoy great views of the Böögg's explosion and the surrounding festivities.
While you don’t have to dress in costume, wearing comfortable clothing and layers for spring weather is recommended, especially since the festival involves outdoor events.
Yes, Sechseläuten is a family-friendly event, with activities for all ages, including parades, street performances, and fun outdoor activities.
The Böögg represents winter, and its burning marks the end of cold weather and the arrival of spring.
Yes, the festival welcomes visitors from around the world to join the celebrations, watch the parade, and participate in street parties.
Besides the parade and Böögg burning, you can also enjoy guild events, cultural performances, and local markets showcasing flowers and artisan goods.
Sechseläuten is celebrated over one day, but the celebrations span the weekend leading up to the main event on Monday.