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Näfelser Fahrt

Join in the Näfelser Fahrt, an age-old Swiss tradition! Honour history, unite in unity, and march forward towards a peaceful future.

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Thursday in April (shifts out of Holy Week)

OBSERVED INSwitzerland

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Experience a slice of vibrant Swiss history on April 4 with the celebration of Näfelser Fahrt! This historical event commemorates the legendary Battle of Näfels which took place in 1388, where the determined Swiss resistance managed to triumph over Austrian invaders. Now, each year, the people of Glarus come together in peace, unity and pride on this memorable day. Pound the same path in unison as the brave Swiss fighters once did, ensuring their enduring spirit lives on. So, mark your calendars and get ready to step back in time to join this grand procession of history and victory!

TIMELINE

Näfelser Fahrt Timeline

Battle of Näfels

At the crucial Battle of Näfels, Swiss Confederates achieve a pivotal victory over the Habsburg army, shaping Swiss history.

First Näfelser Fahrt Commemoration

The canton of Glarus begins its annual commemoration of the victorious battle, starting the tradition of Näfelser Fahrt.

French Invasion Suspension

Due to the French occupation of Glarus, the Näfelser Fahrt tradition is temporarily suspended.

Näfelser Fahrt Reinstated

The tradition of Näfelser Fahrt is reinstated post-French occupation, signalling a return to normalization of Swiss cultural practices.

Glarus Bicentenary Celebrations

The Battle of Näfels is commemorated on a larger scale on its 550th anniversary, with the event attracting widespread attention. This enhances the prominence of the tradition.

Continuing Tradition

The Näfelser Fahrt remains an important event in the calendar of Glarus, symbolizing its historical triumph and ideology of unity and peace.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Näfelser Fahrt

Join the procession

Truly be a part of the history and experience it first hand by joining the annual procession of the Näfelser Fahrt parade. As you march with fellow citizens, you'll feel a strong sense of unity and pride that is at the heart of this tradition.

LEARN

Learn about the Battle of Näfels

Understanding the significance behind any celebration is crucial. Spend some time learning about the Battle of Näfels and why this procession is so significant to the people of Glarus.

VISIT

Visit the memorial cross

In memory of the fallen during the Battle of Näfels, a commemorative cross was erected on Battlefield Hill. Make it a point to visit and pay your respects at this meaningful site as part of your Näfelser Fahrt celebrations.

SING

Sing along to the songs

Music plays a big part in the Näfelser Fahrt celebrations. Learn the words to traditional songs like "La Suisse passé" and "Les Avanchets" that are sung during the procession to deeply immerse yourself in the tradition.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in local traditions

The people of Glarus also observe other local traditions during Näfelser Fahrt - they clean and decorate their houses, bake special bread called "Näfelser Brot" and visit family and friends. Get involved in these aspects of the celebration and get a feel for the community spirit that surrounds this event.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Näfelser Fahrt is Important

Promotes Community Spirit

Näfelser Fahrt Day brings the community together by encouraging citizens to clean and decorate their homes, bake traditional bread, and visit family and friends. The collective participation in these activities instills a strong community bond and spirit among the people of Glarus, further highlighting the importance of celebrating Näfelser Fahrt Day.

Celebrates History and Unity

Näfelser Fahrt Day is a wonderful opportunity to commemorate a significant moment in Swiss history. The Battle of Näfels represents a testament to Swiss resilience, unity, and bravery. Participating in the annual procession not only allows us to honor the past but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among participants.

Cultural Learning Experience

Celebrating Näfelser Fahrt Day offers a rich cultural learning experience. From understanding the Battle of Näfels to visiting the memorial cross, this daylong celebration provides an abundance of historical knowledge. Additionally, engaging in traditional songs and participating in local customs allow attendants to deeply immerse themselves in Swiss culture.

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