Knabenschiessen

The next dates

• 2026Monday, 14 September
• 2027Monday, 13 September
• 2028Monday, 11 September

In which cantons is Knabenschiessen a holiday?

• 1cantoncustomary day off
• 25cantonsnot a holiday

Origin

The Knabenschiessen is a shooting competition for young people from the city and canton of Zurich. It is first mentioned in 1656, when around 150 boys took part in a shooting contest. In its current form, it has been held at the Albisgüetli since 1899, and girls have taken part since 1991. It comes with one of the largest folk festivals in the city; on the Monday, the afternoon is customarily off in the City of Zurich.

Sources: Zürich Tourismus: Knabenschiessen

What the three types mean

Public holiday

Treated like a Sunday (Art. 20a Labour Act). Employees have the day off.

Cantonal rest day

Public rest day under cantonal law, e.g. shops are closed. Under employment law it is a working day.

Customary day off

Not a public holiday, but many employers give the day off. Your employment contract decides whether you are off.