Annual siren test to take place in Switzerland on February 4

If you hear the sounds of sirens and alarms across Switzerland on Wednesday, don’t panic, it is mostly likely a test. A siren test (Sirenentest) is conducted every year in Switzerland on the first Wednesday of February to make sure the country’s alert systems are working. In 2026, the siren test will happen on Wednesday, February 4. Here are all the details.

What you need to know about the siren test (Sirenentest) in Switzerland

To make sure all 7.200 static and mobile sirens and alarms in Switzerland are in full working order, they will be tested between 1pm and 4.30pm on February 4, 2026. These devices are located across the country, from cities and towns to mountains, so that people can be informed about an impending threat, national emergency or natural disaster.

Though it can be a shock for newcomers to hear their first-ever Sirenentest - especially if you come from a nation that does not have such a test - the key thing is not to panic. 

In the lead-up to the test, the government notifies the public through posters put up by Swiss councils and via television, radio and press announcements. Anyone who wants to be the first to know can also check the status of the test using the AlertSwiss app on their mobile phones.

When is the 2026 siren test in Switzerland?

The 2026 siren test in Switzerland will begin at 1.30pm on February 4. From that time, the general alarm signal will sound across the country. While it may vary, the siren generally consists of a regularly ascending and descending tone. 

The first sirens will be tested for one minute at 1.30pm, and will be tested again after a two-minute silence. Local authorities reserve the right to keep testing the sirens until 2pm, but most systems will stop after two tests.

For those who live near a select number of Swiss lakes, rivers and hydroelectric dams, the test will continue at 2pm, when the first water alert systems will sound. This signal consists of 12 low continuous tones lasting 20 seconds and repeated at 10-second intervals. This test will conclude at 4.30pm at the latest.

What to do during the siren test

People in Switzerland do not have to take any action or safety precautions during the siren test. However, if the sirens sound before or after the test, be sure to tune in to the radio, TV or AlertSwiss app and follow the instructions given by the authorities.

After the 2026 siren test, the next one will take place across Switzerland on February 3, 2027.