Life Transformations in Switzerland April 2025: A Comprehensive Overview of Alterations Experienced Across Swiss Life During This Particular Month
April Spectacle in Switzerland: A Month Full of Happenings
Get ready to experience Switzerland like never before as April 2025 brings a plethora of exciting events. From political shifts to environmental celebrations, cultural excitement, and travel opportunities, there's something for everyone!
April 1st: Elevating Ranks
The Swiss political landscape will undergo a transformation as new blood enters the federal council. Army Colonel Martin Pfister, aged 61, will replace Defence Minister Viola Amherd and step into the Federal Council. Known for his unconventional approach to governance and rich military background, Colonel Pfister won't shy away from making his mark.
Cybersecurity Advancements
With the growing threat of cyber incidents, Switzerland will strengthen its defenses by introducing a reporting obligation for cyber attacks on critical infrastructure such as energy and drinking water suppliers, transport companies, hospitals, and administrative bodies. These incidents must be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre within 24 hours of detection.
Photovoltaic Subsidies
In a significant effort to support renewable energy, Switzerland will implement various measures for solar panels. For installations with a tilt angle of at least 75 degrees, the bonus will increase substantially. Additionally, the compensation rate will be altered to encourage the construction of large-scale, integrated rooftop installations.
April 1st: Say So Long to Plastic
In a move towards sustainability, the canton of Geneva will enforce a ban on disposable tableware on public property starting April 1st, 2024, with the actual enforcement on April 1st of this year. The ban includes plastic straws, cutlery, crockery, and cups.
Visa Waivers for UK Travel
Starting April 2nd, 2025, all travelers to the UK will require a digital ETA, costing 10 pounds or 11.20 Swiss francs. This waiver will be mandatory for anyone traveling on an EU or EFTA passport.
April 20th: Celebrating Earth
Switzerland joins the global community in celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd with the theme 'Our Power, Our Planet'. Various towns across the country will host earth-related events for people of all ages.
April Travel
Prepare for more travel destinations, as Easyjet will start flying to Faro, Portugal, twice a week from April 1st. From April 12th, Edelweiss will add two flights a week to Tbilisi, Georgia. SWISS will begin flying to Dubrovnik, Croatia, twice weekly from April 17th.
Lucerne's Enchanting Lantern Show
From April 4–14, 2025, the Lilu Light Festival will illuminate the streets of Lucerne with stunning light installations, providing a magical evening experience.
Steam-Powered Adventures
Swiss Vapeur Parc will open its doors from April 5, 2025, inviting visitors to embark on a historical journey with miniature trains in a carefully crafted Swiss landscape.
Thrilling Toboggan Rides
Introducing adrenaline-pumping adventures with the Pilatus & Kronberg Toboggan Runs, open from April 5, 2025, in Lucerne and Appenzell.
Zurich's Craft Beer Festival
Savor the taste of Switzerland's finest beers as the Zurich Craft Bier Festival, although the exact dates may vary, typically occurs around the beginning of April.
Shop 'Til You Drop
Get ready for great deals as the Sport Shop Time Out Spring Opening takes place in Uster around early April 2025.
- Army Colonel Martin Pfister, replacing Defence Minister Viola Amherd and joining the Federal Council on April 1st, will bring fresh perspectives to Swiss politics, particularly in defense and governance, having a compulsory reporting system for cyber attacks being one of his policy-and-legislation initiatives.
- In order to maintain the security of critical infrastructure such as energy and drinking water suppliers, transport companies, hospitals, and administrative bodies, Switzerland will implement a report obligation for cyber attacks, with Colonel Pfister's general-news arrival potentially influencing this legislative move.
- As part of Switzerland's commitment to sustainable energy, Zurich will host the Zurich Craft Bier Festival around the beginning of April, promoting local photovoltaic policy through the brewing industry, as craft beer production can significantly reduce carbon footprints compared to mass-produced alternatives.
- Attracting both tourists and locals, the Lilu Light Festival in Lucerne that runs from April 4-14 will embrace renewable energy technologies through innovative light installations powered by photovoltaic systems, fitting in with the city's green ethos and Switzerland's commitment towards sustainability.
