Where to go for your 1st of August Brunch

1st of August - Edith O.  / pixelio.de

In just a few days, Switzerland will celebrate 1st of August. This day became an official Swiss national holiday in 1891 and commemorates the signing of the Bundesbrief, a letter declaring union between the three regions of Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden, that took place in the beginning of August 1291.

The celebrations for the Swiss national holiday on 1st of August usually include a speech by the president, fireworks, lampion processions, bonfires on mountain ridges called Höhenfeuer ('high fires') and lots of good Swiss food. Many people capitalize on this free day to enjoy an especially large (and late) breakfast, a typical 1st of August brunch, either at home or at one of the many farms that offer this Swiss staple on their premises.

What Food is served at a Swiss 1st of August Brunch?

A Swiss brunch isn't all that different from a usual Swiss 'Zmorge' (breakfast) but it usually includes not only more food and more variety of food but is also eaten over a considerably longer time span than the daily breakfast. At home, all food is served at once. At a farm, the food is usually served as an all-you-can-eat buffet and most people make several rounds getting the different foods offered. Thus, good company for conversation in between the rounds is just as important for the experience as the food itself.

One of the staple foods offered at most Swiss farm brunches is the 'Zopf'. This plaided sweet bread is a traditional sight on Sunday breakfast tables all over Switzerland and cannot be missing at any brunch in our country! Of course, there is usually a selection of other breads available as well.

Other foods served on 1st of August include:

• eggs (scrambled, boiled, fried)
• fried bacon
• Röschti (grated potatoes baked into a pancake)
• butter, jams & honey
• a selection of cold cuts
• a large selection of cheeses
• fruit salad and/or slices of fruit
• a variety of yoghurts and cereals

For drinks, Swiss people love their morning coffee (with or without milk) or black tea. Herbal infusions and cold drinks like milk or juice are usually available as well. In some places, you can even finish your brunch with a cold Swiss beer.

Brunch buffet - Erwin Lorenzen  / pixelio.de 

Where to go for your 1st of August Brunch

You can find at least one local farm brunch almost anywhere in Switzerland. Most farms advertise their event well in advance and recommend you reserve a spot beforehand since entrance numbers are usually limited - even more so in our times of Coronavirus restrictions!

If you haven't seen a 1st of August brunch advertised locally, you can check out the farm search on brunch.ch and you'll definitely find one within reasonable distance of your home!

Is it safe to go out for a brunch in times of Coronavirus?

Brunch.ch assures that it's safe to visit a 1st of August brunch and informs about Corona measures farms are applying: "The Corona virus had us under control for weeks. Fortunately, normality is slowly returning - also on Swiss farms. When you visit, follow the recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health. This includes hygiene measures such as thorough hand washing, not shaking hands and sufficient distance from other people. That way nothing stands in the way of a relaxed stay. The farming families look forward to seeing you!"

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