Easter weekend in Switzerland is a four-day mini-break — from Good Friday through Easter Monday — and if you don't plan ahead, you could easily find yourself standing in front of a closed supermarket with an empty fridge. Opening hours vary from canton to canton, public transport runs on a different schedule, and it matters whether you're living in Zurich or Lugano. We've put together everything you need to know so the holiday can actually feel like a holiday.
Key Information
- Good Friday is a public holiday in 24 cantons — exceptions are Ticino and Valais
- Easter Monday is a public holiday in 22 cantons — exceptions are Neuchâtel, Solothurn, Valais, and Zug
- Migros, Coop, Lidl, Aldi are closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday
- Holy Saturday is a completely normal working day — the ideal time to stock up
- On-call pharmacy available 24 hours a day by calling 1811
Which cantons have public holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday?
Good Friday is an official public holiday in 24 of Switzerland's 26 cantons. The two exceptions are Ticino and Valais — so if you live in Lugano, Bellinzona, or Sion, life carries on as normal on Good Friday: shops are open, offices are running, nothing out of the ordinary.
Easter Monday follows a similar pattern, but four cantons opt out: Neuchâtel, Solothurn, Valais, and Zug. In the remaining 22 cantons, Monday also falls under holiday rules — shops are closed, public transport runs on a Sunday schedule, though restaurants and cafés are generally open.
A handy rule of thumb: if you're not sure whether your canton observes the holiday, check your canton's official website or ask your employer in advance.
What can you buy on Good Friday and Easter Sunday — where can I shop?
This is where most people get caught off guard. The major chains — Migros, Coop, Lidl, Aldi — are closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. No exceptions, no "open until noon" — they're shut, full stop.
Fortunately, you won't go without food if you do forget something:
Airport and major train station shops — stores at Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and other large stations stay open on public holidays with a near-normal range of products
Coop Pronto and Migrolino — the small convenience stores at petrol stations are generally open; prices are higher, but you can pick up the essentials
Local bakeries — many bakeries open at least in the morning over Easter; it's worth checking your favourite one in advance
The smartest strategy: do your shopping on Thursday evening or Friday morning — before the shops close — and stock up for the whole weekend. Saturday is another option, but shelves can start looking bare by then.
Holy Saturday: normal working day or public holiday?
Good news: Holy Saturday is a completely normal working day throughout Switzerland. Shops operate on their usual Saturday hours, and restaurants, cafés, and cinemas welcome guests as normal.
This is the perfect opportunity to stock up for the holiday. Supermarkets tend to be busy on Friday and Saturday — it's worth either going early or ordering online if that's an option for you.
How do trains and buses run over Easter?
Public transport is running — but don't expect weekday frequency. SBB trains, city trams, and buses operate on a holiday (i.e. Sunday) timetable on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. In practice, this means less frequent services, especially late in the evening.
If you're planning a longer journey, be sure to check the timetable in advance using the SBB app or the sbb.ch website. One interesting note: if you're travelling from German-speaking Switzerland to Ticino over Easter weekend, you're in luck — this route actually sees more trains than a typical Sunday, as many people head south towards the warmer weather.
Where can I find an open pharmacy over the holidays?
Most pharmacies are closed on public holidays, but the on-call system ensures there's always somewhere accessible nearby. The easiest options:
Call 1811 — they'll tell you which pharmacy near you is open and when. This free number is available 24 hours a day.
Your canton's health portal — most cantonal websites list on-call pharmacies
SBB app — this also has a feature for finding pharmacies if you're on the go
If it's not urgent but you need a prescription medication, pop into a pharmacy on Saturday before they close — that way you'll avoid the longer queues at the holiday on-call pharmacy.
What should I do if I need a doctor over Easter weekend?
GP surgeries are closed over the holidays, but you won't be left without care in an emergency. Hospitals and A&E departments operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week — Easter is no exception.
If you're unsure whether your situation is urgent, call your GP — most practices have an answering machine message directing you to the right place. The most important numbers:
144 — Ambulance (Sanitätsnotruf)
117 — Police
118 — Fire brigade
1811 — On-call pharmacy and medical advice
Are restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues open over Easter?
Yes — and this is one of the best things about Easter in Switzerland. Most restaurants and cafés stay open over the holidays, and Easter Sunday brunch is a well-established tradition. Many restaurants offer special holiday menus, and tables fill up fast — if you have a particular place in mind, it's worth booking ahead.
Cinemas and entertainment venues are also open, with some putting on Easter-themed events. A few smaller, family-run businesses may close for the holidays — if you're unsure, check their website or give them a call beforehand.
Other things open over Easter:
Museums and galleries — most are open as normal, some with special Easter programmes
Ski lifts — generally still running at Easter if you're after one last day on the slopes
Tourist attractions — lakes, mountain trails, and waterfalls are freely accessible
Easter markets — many towns and villages host traditional events and fairs
The bottom line is simple: get your shopping done in time, book a table at your favourite restaurant, and enjoy the long weekend. Easter in Switzerland can be truly lovely — it just takes a little forward planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shops are open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Switzerland?
The major chains — Migros, Coop, Lidl, Aldi — are completely closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However, airport and train station shops (Zurich, Geneva, Bern) remain open, as do Coop Pronto and Migrolino petrol station convenience stores, and many local bakeries. Your safest bet is to stock up on Thursday evening or Friday morning for the whole weekend.
Which cantons observe public holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday?
Good Friday is a public holiday in 24 cantons — exceptions are Ticino and Valais. Easter Monday is a public holiday in 22 cantons — exceptions are Neuchâtel, Solothurn, Valais, and Zug. If you're unsure, check your canton's official website or ask your employer in advance.
Are restaurants and cafés open over Easter in Switzerland?
Yes, restaurants and cafés are generally open over Easter, even when supermarkets are closed. That said, it's worth calling ahead or checking the venue's website to make sure they'll be open when you plan to visit.
How does public transport work over Easter in Switzerland?
On Easter Monday, trains and buses run on a Sunday timetable in cantons where it is a public holiday. On Good Friday, however, transport generally runs on a normal weekday schedule, as it is only a public holiday in 24 cantons. It's worth checking the SBB website or your local transport provider's website in advance.
Where can I find an open pharmacy over Easter?
The on-call pharmacy service is available 24 hours a day by calling 1811, regardless of whether it's Easter or not. This number works in every canton and will help you find the nearest open pharmacy.
Is Holy Saturday a normal working day in Switzerland?
Yes, Holy Saturday is a completely normal working day throughout Switzerland. Shops operate on their usual Saturday hours, making it the ideal time to stock up for the holiday — though shelves may already be running low by then.
What should I do if I need medical attention over Easter?
In a medical emergency, call 144 (ambulance service) or go to the nearest hospital A&E department. For medication, call 1811 to find the nearest on-call pharmacy. For non-urgent matters, it's a good idea to arrange things with your doctor in advance so you know how to reach them over Easter.