September 2026 in Switzerland: 12 updates, events and changes expats need to know

Residents and visitors to Switzerland can finally enjoy a breath of fresh air and cooler temperatures as the season begins to change. With a new month comes plenty of laws and updates that expats need to know. Let’s take a look at what’s changing in Switzerland in September 2026.

1. Swiss referendum: Vote on Neutrality and Food Initiatives

Anyone who can vote in Switzerland will decide on two national proposals in a Swiss referendum on September 27. The Swiss Neutrality Initiative wants to ensure the country remains neutral, limits economic sanctions and avoids participating in any kind of military conflict that isn’t a direct threat.

The Food Initiative wants the government to take more action to ensure Switzerland has a secure food supply by supporting domestic food production and encouraging a more plant-based diet, among other things.

Read the IamExpat guide to the upcoming September referendum for the latest polls and more information.

2. Federal Prosecutor’s Office will be reorganised

The Office of the Attorney General (Bundesanwaltschaft) is implementing an organisational restructure from September 1, with the aim of improving legal efficiency and increasing focus on cybercrimes.

3. Swiss fire ban restrictions ease

After a long summer of excessive heat and limited rain, cantons in Switzerland implemented total bans on lighting fires outside, such as BBQs, fireworks or open campfires. Cantons are now slowly starting to lower the level of fire risk and ease restrictions. 

According to the government’s natural hazard portal, as of August 31, much of French-speaking Switzerland, including Geneva, Bern and Lausanne, has a level 3 danger warning in place while a level 4 danger remains in place in Basel, Lucerne and Zurich.

4. EU cybersecurity regulations

Certain parts of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) will come into effect in Switzerland on September 11. This will impact Swiss companies, such as manufacturers and retailers, who will have to follow mandatory requirements for data vulnerability management and 24-hour reporting in the case of security breaches. Companies that fail to comply could face heavy fines or be excluded from the EU market.

The Federal Office for Cybersecurity is preparing a consultation draft that aims to regulate laws on the cyber resilience of digital products and services in Switzerland. A draft should be ready by this autumn.

5. Ebookers shutdown in Switzerland

Online travel agency Ebookers is ending its services in Switzerland. From September 2, residents will no longer be able to book a holiday on the Swiss Ebookers website or app. The company confirmed that “any existing and upcoming bookings and trips will not be disrupted”.

Going forward, anyone looking to book a trip using the site will be redirected to Hotels.com, an Expedia Group-owned company.

6. Some regions start autumn break

While it may feel like summer is barely just finished (and, well, technically it hasn’t), some schools in Switzerland break for the autumn holiday (Herbstferien) in late September. Schools in parts of Bern, Basel-Stadt, Aargau, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, St. Gallen and Schwyz will take a break, with other cantons following in October. 

7. Swiss university autumn semester lectures begin

Both old and new, domestic and international, students across the country are set to begin their studies at Swiss universities. Several higher education institutes will kick off the first lectures of the autumn 2026 semester. 

Here’s when university students are set to begin:

• September 14: University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Basel and University of St. Gallen
• September 15: University of Lucerne and University of Lausanne

8. Gotthard tunnel night closures in September 2026

Drivers travelling via the Gotthard road tunnel should note that planned maintenance will take place in September, resulting in several evening closures. 

The Gotthard tunnel will be closed to road traffic between:

• September 7 to 11: 10pm and 5am
• September 14 to 18: 8pm to 5am
• September 21 to 25: 8pm to 5am
• September 28 to October 2: 8pm to 5am

The Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) provides more details, including the best alternative routes.

9. Basel-Stadt salary increases for public workers

Wage packages offered to anyone working in cantonal administration roles in Basel-Stadt are going up. This includes higher starting salaries, salary adjustments for the cantonal police and increased allowances. Night work, on-call duty and Sunday and public holiday allowances will also increase by 25 percent, confirmed the cantonal government in a press release.

10. Oktoberfest 2026 starts in Lucerne

Residents in Zurich and Basel will have to wait until October to celebrate Oktoberfest in 2026, but anyone who wants to celebrate earlier can head to Lucerne. The Lozärner Oktoberfest 2026 runs from September 11 to 26 and takes place at Messe Lucerne. Unpack your Lederhosen or your Dirndl and get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest and all the Bavarian customs that come with it!

Of course, if you really want the full experience, hop on a train from Zurich HB to Munich and join the Münchner Oktoberfest running from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Prost!

11. Swiss public holidays & festivals in September 2026

Many cantons in Switzerland will celebrate Swiss Federal Fast (Eidgenössischer Dank-, Buss- und Bettag, Jeûne fédéral, Digiuno federale) on Sunday, September 20. It is generally a day for giving thanks, prayer, and often fasting rather than feasting.

Knabenschiessen, a traditional festival in Zurich, is also taking place this month from September 12 to 14. Local boys take part in a rifle shooting competition and attract crowds of spectators.

Farmers across Switzerland will also start to bring their cows, sheep and other animals down from higher altitudes. Known as Alpabzüge or Älperfeste, many Swiss villages take part in this fun and traditional activity in September. 

For a list of holidays in each canton, take a look at our public holiday guide.

Image credit: gdefilip / Shutterstock.com

12. Autumnal equinox in Switzerland

Finally, autumn will officially begin on September 23 when the autumnal equinox marks the transition of seasons in Switzerland. Leaves will change, days will get shorter and pumpkins will start to pop up all across the country.