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Six Unusual Festivals in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the leading European countries to move to. Many people go there for work-related reasons, but others are attracted by the clean, healthy lifestyle and high standard of living.

After moving to Switzerland, you will find many interesting events to enjoy. The Geneva Motor Show and the Montreux Jazz Festival are famous the world over, not just in Europe. Hamiltons Removals have been organising international removals to Switzerland for many years. Here is our guide to six of the more unusual Swiss festivals.

The World Snow Festival

This is held every January in Grindelwald, near Interlaken. Artists who specialise in ice sculptures create all manner of weird and wonderful pieces which decorate all the town’s street corners. None of the creations are for sale; the festival comes to a natural conclusion when the ice melts.

The International Balloon Festival

More than 20 countries bring their hot air balloons to this unusual festival held in the Alpine village of Chateau d’Oex, which lies midway between Gstaad and Gruyeres.  It runs for over a week in January, and provides a magnificent spectacle, particularly at night when the balloons’ burners are lit up against the stunning mountain backdrop.

Festichoc

This is not for those who are on a diet. As the name suggests, Festichoc is a festival dedicated to chocolate. It is held in the town of Versoix, near Geneva, which is home to chocolatiers Cartier and Favarger. The event, usually held just before Easter, has demonstrations, a sculpture competition, and plenty of activities aimed at children. You will, of course, be able to buy plenty of chocolate too.

Gauklerfest

This off-beat street festival is held in Interlaken each year. Theatrical performers from all over the world, including comics, contortionists and clowns, take over the town, offering a range of entertainment. The event is usually held over three days in late July.

International Alphorn Festival

The alphorn is one of Switzerland’s traditional musical instruments and its heritage is celebrated in this annual festival in the town of Nendaz. The event, which is usually held in late July, includes a competition, plus dancing and flag waving.

Jodelfest (Yodelling Festival)

Yodelling developed as a choral singing style in the 19th century and the tradition is celebrated in the Eidgenössisches Jodelfest, an annual festival held every three years. The venue moves around the country and involves thousands of yodellers. Other, regional competitions are also staged; an annual event is held in the west Switzerland village of Saas-Fee.

Hamiltons Removals offers a range of different services for international removals to Switzerland. You can have a dedicated service, where you have sole use of a vehicle; a part load service, where you share a vehicle with other people making the same move; or our special service where you can set the collection and delivery dates. We arrange moves to cities including Zurich, Lausanne, Lucerne, Bern and Basel.

We will be happy to talk to you to make sure you get the service which is most suitable for your needs, and we can provide a packing service. We also arrange removals to a host of other destinations in Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria, as well as other parts of the world. Follow the link above to get a detailed quote for your move to Europe.