Holiday terms explained clearly

Bridge day

A bridge day is a working day between a public holiday and a weekend. In Switzerland, first check whether the holiday applies in the relevant canton.

Example: The Friday after Ascension is only useful when canton, school and workplace line up.

Calendar subscription

A calendar subscription keeps holidays and school breaks current in the user's calendar. Canton selection is essential in Switzerland.

Example: A Zurich subscription can differ from Geneva or Ticino.

Calendar week

Calendar weeks help coordinate school breaks, public holidays, projects and travel across cantons.

Example: CW references help when school breaks do not align between cantons.

Canton

The canton is the key regional layer for Swiss public holidays and school holidays.

Example: All Saints' Day applies in several cantons, but not nationwide.

Cantonal holiday

A cantonal holiday does not automatically apply across Switzerland. Workplace, municipality and school can matter.

Example: Geneva Fast is important in Geneva, not a nationwide holiday.

Data export

Data export provides holiday and school-break information as CSV or iCalendar files.

Example: For teams across cantons, export is more reliable than a manually maintained list.

Municipality

The municipality can affect local holidays, opening hours and event calendars.

Example: For local holidays, a nationwide or cantonal answer may still be incomplete.

School holidays

Swiss school holidays are organised by canton. Families should compare the school location with the holiday date.

Example: Summer and autumn breaks can differ substantially by canton.

Substitute holiday

There is no single Swiss substitute-holiday rule for every case. Canton, employer and contract decide what happens when a holiday falls on a weekend.

Example: New Year's Day on a weekend needs a workplace-specific check.

Swiss Labour Act Art. 20a

Article 20a lets cantons equate public holidays with Sundays. The practical answer still depends on canton, workplace and contract.

Example: For cantonal holidays, start with canton and workplace before checking rota or agreement.

Swiss National Day

Swiss National Day on 1 August is the nationwide public holiday. Events, opening hours and traffic remain local.

Example: Travel around 1 August should include rail, hotel and return-trip checks.

Vacation day

A vacation day is the leave day used to turn a holiday into a longer break.

Example: A Friday after a Thursday holiday still needs vacation, compensation or an employer rule.