Building on the success of the "Switzerland in Your City" series realised in Debrecen, Veszprém, Pécs, and Kecskemét, the focus now shifts to Budapest, where Swiss businesses, historical figures, and cultural institutions showcase the common European heritage shared by Hungary and Switzerland, forming a community of destiny in the heart of Europe.
The following scenario illustrates Switzerland’s presence in Budapest quite nicely: On a typical working day, Hungarians commuting to work in Budapest might be travelling on a Stadler Rail, sipping a Nespresso coffee and reading Blikk, a newspaper published by the Swiss media company Ringier. They might pass through Kálvin tér or drive along Carl Lutz quay in Pest or along Friedrich Born quay in Buda, both named in honour of Swiss citizens recognized by Yad Vashem as “Righteous Among the Nations”. After work, they might buy flowers from the Swiss florist Arioso, pick up a pastry from the Swiss-founded Café Gerbeaud, or chocolate from a Lindt shop to take home as a token of appreciation for their loved ones. When they feel unwell, they might take one of the latest medications from the Swiss pharmaceutical companies Roche, Novartis, or Sandoz in order to recover quickly. On their Sunday stroll, Budapesters might enjoy crossing the famous Chain Bridge, an icon of Budapest’s architecture which was built using steel produced by Abraham Ganz, a Swiss-born iron manufacturer and industrialist.
Hence, Hungary and Switzerland’s close relation is not simply founded on a historical friendship, but it is a living part of everyday life in Budapest!
Discover Swiss Culture in Budapest
A rich array of cultural activities spanning cinema, literature, art, and music will take place from March to September, allowing the citizens of Budapest to experience the richness and diversity of Swiss culture. Highlights include:
Exhibition: Zoltán Kemény & Madeleine Kemény-Szemere (until the 16th of March, National Gallery)
Concerts: Performances of various Swiss musicians and ensembles across Budapest, including Okvsho + experience, E-L-R, the Basel Chamber Orchestra, Andreas Schaerer, Jojo Mayer, and others.
Literature: A reading by Swiss-Hungarian writer Christian Campiche (26 March, French Institute).
Details of the events can be found on the website of the Embassy and will be shared on the Facebook and Instagram channels of the Embassy of Switzerland in Hungary and visitors will have the opportunity to win concert tickets.
Discover Swiss Historical and Economic Footprints in Budapest
Later this spring, a number of guided walking tours will allow participants to explore cultural, economic and historic locations in Budapest with a Swiss touch. Participants in the city rally "Swiss Traces in Budapest" will even have the chance to win a trip to Switzerland. As part of the "Switzerland in Your School" initiative, the Swiss Ambassador will visit schools to engage with Hungarian students on Switzerland’s political system, EU relations and historical connections with Hungary.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Swisscham Hungary, commemorating the longstanding Swiss business presence in Budapest. The Swiss Hungarian Chamber of Commerce will celebrate this anniversary through a series of thematic events all year, a big Gala Dinner on 15th of May and a Swiss-Hungarian Business Forum in autumn.
A highlight of the “Switzerland in Budapest 2025” programme will be the Swiss Picnic in mid-June in the garden of the Embassy of Switzerland. The Picnic will offer Budapesters a chance to experience the taste of Swiss cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The event will be open to the public upon registration.
For more information, check the Website and follow the Embassy of Switzerland in Hungary on Facebook and Instagram.
