Welcome to our VOX Cultural Digest, Issue N. 41!
August brightens Zurich and its surroundings with a blend of tradition and celebration. As Swiss National Day inspires a sense of national pride, you’ll find a variety of events that honour Switzerland’s heritage.
If travelling isn’t on the agenda this holiday, VOX-Sprachschule offers excellent language courses for you and your family. Our teachers with a university background in linguistics will guide you through new languages with ease.
VOX Quiz:
🇨🇭1. Which Swiss city is home to the largest clock face in Europe?
🗣️2. What is the term for a word that has different meanings in different languages, often causing confusion for language learners?
(Keep scrolling for the answer)
CUSTOMS
Brunch on the Farm
Celebrate Swiss National Day on August 1st with the “1 August Brunch auf dem Bauernhof” (August 1st Brunch on the Farm). Enjoy a delightful meal of locally sourced farm produce while soaking in the scenic charm and warm hospitality of a traditional Swiss farm.
WHEN > 1 August
FESTIVALS
Dörflifäscht
Explore Zurich’s vibrant local culture at the Dörflifäscht. Discover a world of flavours, from traditional Swiss delicacies to international street food. Dance the night away to live music on multiple stages, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere among friends.
WHEN > 23 – 25 August
WHERE > Zurich
Seenachtfest
Seenachtfest Rapperswil-Jona returns to the shores of Lake Zurich, marking its centenary with a dazzling array of festivities. This grand event, held every three years, promises to captivate attendees with its spectacular attractions.
WHEN > 9 – 11 August
WHERE > Rapperswil-Jona
Music Festivals
Discover an abundance of music festivals happening in Switzerland, covering genres from jazz to techno. Dive into the rhythm at these exciting events: Winterthurer Musikfestwochen, 7 – 18 August; Lethargy Festival, 9 – 11 August; Zürich Openair, 23, 24, 30, 31 August.
Zurich Theater Spectacle
Zurich Theater Spektakel: a vibrant international festival for contemporary performing arts, featuring drama, dance, concerts, installations, and a family program, which attracts artists and audiences from around the world!
WHEN > 15 August – 1 September
WHERE > Zurich
Locarno Film Festival
Set against Switzerland’s stunning backdrop, the Locarno Film Festival offers a rich array of films, workshops, and interactive events. It’s a perfect opportunity to engage with diverse cultures and languages through cinema.
WHEN > 7 – 17 August
WHERE > Locarno
SPORTING EVENT
Limmatschwimmen
Join Zurich’s beloved aquatic tradition at the 58th Zürcher Limmatschwimmen when the Limmat River transforms into a lively course where swimmers of all levels can enjoy a refreshing and picturesque swim through the city.
WHEN > 17 August
WHERE > Zürich
MUSEUMS
Swissminiatur
Swissminiatur in Melide, Switzerland offers a captivating experience where language learners can explore the country’s diverse regions through meticulously crafted miniatures and practice their language skills in German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
WHEN > until 5 November 2023
WHERE > Melide
Archaeological window
Experience the thrill of being an Indiana Jones and unlock the secrets of Zurich’s archaeological history. Delve into the hidden past, explore ancient civilizations, and unearth fascinating mysteries that lie beneath the modern cityscape.
WHERE > Zurich
Greisinger Museum
The Greisinger Museum, welcomes enthusiasts into the fantastical world of Middle-earth. Home to the world’s largest and most significant collection dedicated to Middle-earth, the Greisinger Collection features a fascinating range of art, literature, and collectables.
WHEN > open year-round
WHERE > Jenins
Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum
Ever tried living as the people did in the early days? Imagine yourself living without electricity, technology, or cars. You learn everything through experience and apprenticeship. Now you can experience that at the Ballenberg open-air museum!
WHERE > Brienz
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The big meeting of the Alphorns
Don’t miss the grand gathering of Alphorns amid the picturesque mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland, as the significant Alphorn meeting happens only every few years.
WHEN > 4 August
WHERE > Berghaus Männlichen
3823 Wengen
Open-air cinema
This July marks the start of Zurich Allianz open-air cinema, an event with open-air cinema in a marvelous location: on the water’s edge of Lake Zurich. Throughout several weeks, audiences will flock to this scenic place to enjoy drinks and food before the show.
WHEN > 18 July – 18 August
WHERE > Zurich
Canyons
Who said you have to travel abroad to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of canyons? In Switzerland, you can find two remarkable canyons that rival any exotic destination. The Viamala Gorge and the Aareschlucht offer breathtaking natural wonders right at your doorstep, proving that you don’t have to go far to witness the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpieces in Switzerland.
Summer Badis
Explore different swimming areas, such as local lakes, rivers, or public pools, where you can relax, cool off, and embrace the essence of summer. While the weather may not always cooperate, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season and create wonderful memories.
WHERE > Zurich
Vitaparcours
Zurich vitaparcours offers a network of fitness trails. Work out for free, whenever you choose, and enjoy the invigorating fresh air while getting fit amidst stunning scenery. You can also personalise your workout and discover trails near you with the vitaparcours app.
WHERE > Zurich or throughout Switzerland
Pop-Up Glamping
Trade the city lights for alpine nights! TCS Pop-Up Glamping whisks you away to a luxurious escape in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Reconnect with nature in style in a comfortably furnished tent. The surrounding area brims with activities, catering to all interests.
WHEN > summer 2024
WHERE > Flims Laax
Unforgettable Experience
Taking a train ride is one of the best ways to experience the country’s beauty. From Zweisimmen to Montreux, you can choose between 2 different trains – the traditional Belle Époque or a new train with a prestige class. Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows as you journey through this majestic region.
CITY TOURS
Vintage Tram Tour
Travel back a century on either a charming motorised carriage from the 1920s or a breezy pen-air summer carriage built in 1905. This 75-minute tour winds through Basel’s historic centre, showcasing the city’s architectural gems and vibrant atmosphere.
WHEN > until September 2024
WHERE > Basel
VOX Quiz Answers:
🇨🇭1. Zurich is home to the largest clock face in Europe on St. Peter’s Church.
🗣️2. A false friend is a word that has different meanings in different languages, often causing confusion for language learners.
Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of the VOX Cultural Digest.
Have fun exploring and learning new languages!