Best weeks for travel in Switzerland
When are the quietest and busiest weeks in the Swiss school year? This overview helps travellers and families avoid peak times or take advantage of them.
Quieter weeks (few cantons on holiday)
During these weeks, only a few cantons are on holiday – ideal for quieter travel within Switzerland.
Week 34 (Aug 2026)3 cantons
Week 35 (Aug 2026)2 cantons
Week 43 (Oct 2026)5 cantons
Week 44 (Oct 2026)1 cantons
Week 45 (Nov 2026)1 cantons
Busiest weeks
During these weeks, most cantons are on holiday simultaneously – destinations, trains, and roads are busier.
Week 31 (Aug 2026)26 cantons
Week 32 (Aug 2026)26 cantons
Week 52 (Dec 2026)26 cantons
Week 53 (Jan 2027)26 cantons
Week 41 (Oct 2026)24 cantons
Week 40 (Oct 2026)20 cantons
Week 42 (Oct 2026)18 cantons
Week 33 (Aug 2026)16 cantons
Travel tips
- Book accommodation early when multiple cantons are on holiday at the same time.
- Use edge weeks (start/end of holidays) for less crowding.
- Note that Western Swiss cantons often have longer summer holidays than German-speaking cantons.
- Sport breaks are spread across January to March depending on the canton – an advantage for flexible skiers.