February 2026 in Switzerland: 8 things expats need to know

With a snowy, wet and windy January behind us, February is set to bring a number of important changes and events to Switzerland. From Fasnacht to national siren tests and motorway vignettes, here are 8 important changes happening in February 2026.

1. Swiss sirens to be tested on February 4

Don’t panic when you hear a nationwide siren on February 4. This is an annual siren test (Sirenentest) that takes place on the first Wednesday in February across Switzerland. In 2026, the Sirenentest will happen between 1.30pm and 4pm on Wednesday, February 4.

On the day, around 7.200 mobile and static sirens will be tested across the country, starting with a “general alert” which sounds like a regular ascending and descending tone. The test will continue for one minute before being repeated after a two-minute silence. You are not required to take any action when you hear the alarm.

Those living near some Swiss lakes, rivers and hydroelectric dams will also hear the “water alert” signal test between 2pm and 4.30pm. This signal consists of 12 low continuous tones lasting for 20 seconds and repeated at 10-second intervals.

2. 2026 Swiss motorway vignette deadline

From February 1, drivers in Switzerland who want to use the motorway will need the 2026 motorway vignette. The 2025 vignette will no longer be valid. The annual pass costs 40 francs and gives unlimited access to major highways.

If you are caught driving without a vignette on a Swiss motorway, you will be fined 200 Swiss francs plus the cost of the vignette. 

The vignette can be purchased at most petrol stations, post offices and border crossings, and should placed on the front windshield of your car. An online version is also available via the official website.

3. Blood donation criteria changes in Switzerland

Switzerland is set to relax the rules around who can give blood from February 1. The criteria are being expanded after it was found that the risk of transmitting Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is now deemed to be low. 

You will now be able to give blood if you:

• Have had a blood transfusion
• Spent longer than six months in the UK between 1980 and 1996
• Have had neurosurgical procedures in Switzerland
• Have had dental implants after 1993

4. Smartphone bans in Jura schools

Canton Jura is introducing a ban on smartphones and smartwatches in schools starting February 1. Students will only be allowed to use devices provided by their school.

Similar policies are already in place in other Swiss cantons, including Aargau, Valais and Nidwalden. Tighter restrictions around mobile phone use aim to reduce distractions in schools and classrooms, improve social interactions and address increasing mental health issues that can be caused by social media. 

5. Jura to capture and release lynx into Graubünden 

Authorities in Jura will begin an effort to capture a lynx and release it into Graubünden in eastern Switzerland. This comes after an accident in 2024 where three lynx were shot after they were mistaken for wolves. 

In collaboration with the Kora Foundation and the Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, two new lynx (one from Jura and one from Romania or Slovakia) will be released into Graubünden to help maintain and protect the species.

6. Swiss schools to break up for the sports holiday

Schoolchildren and families can look forward to the first holiday after Christmas as schools will break for “sports holiday” (Sportferien) throughout February. Many will head to the Swiss mountains and ski resorts to enjoy a winter break. The Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) has warned that there could be an increase in traffic and delays on many roads as a result.

The holiday itself is staggered so that not every part of the country will have the same days off. Check our guide on school holidays for more information.

7. Fasnacht returns to Switzerland

February is also the month when the streets of many towns and cities in Switzerland come alive with the sound of Guggenmusik. That can only mean one thing of course: Fasnacht is back! 

Fasnacht (or carnival) typically begins on Schmutziger Donnerstag (dirty Thursday) ahead of Lent. In 2026, this fall on February 12 and can run for a number of days over the weekend. Each city celebrates in its own way, typically with a parade, costumes, food, drinks and live music. Celebration dates can vary by town and city. 

8. Valentine's Day in Switzerland

Finally, Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on Saturday, February 14. However you like to celebrate, with flowers, chocolates, a takeaway or an evening with your single friends, we hope you enjoy the day that is increasingly popular in Switzerland!