The Embassy of Switzerland in Budapest, in collaboration with the Municipality of Budapest, Swisscham Hungary, the Budapest Global Association and other partners, is proud to announce the launch of the “Switzerland in Budapest 2025” programme. This project aims to highlight the deep historical, cultural and economic ties between Switzerland and Hungary by showcasing the diverse Swiss traces that can be discovered in Budapest. The series of events kicked off in March 2025 with various cultural events, film screenings, an art exhibition, music performances and a literature event.
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 workday, Hungarians commuting to Budapest might be travelling on a Stadler Rail, sipping a Nespresso coffee, and reading Blikk, a newspaper published by Swiss media company Ringier. They might pass through Kálvin tér, drive along the Carl Lutz quay in Pest, or the Friedrich Born quay in Buda – both named in honour of Swiss citizens recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations” by YadVashem. After work, they might buy flowers from Swiss florist Arioso, pick up a pastry from Swiss-founded Café Gerbeaud, 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 Swiss pharmaceutical companies Roche, Novartis, or Sandoz for a speedy recovery. On their Sunday stroll, Budapesters might enjoy crossing the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge, an icon of Budapest’s architecture, built from steel by the Swiss-born iron manufacturer and industrialist Abraham Ganz.
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
From March to September 2025, numerous cultural activities spanning cinema, literature, art, and music will take place, allowing Budapest citizens to experience the richness and diversity of Swiss culture. Highlights include:
• Exhibition: Zoltán Kemény & Madeleine Kemény-Szemere – at the Hungarian 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: Reading by the Swiss-Hungarian writer Christian Campiche (26 March, French Institute)
Details of the events can be found on the embassy website and will be shared on the Facebook and Instagram channels of the Swiss Embassy 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 offer the opportunity to explore Budapest’s cultural, economic and historical sites 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 presence of Swiss business in Budapest. The Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce will celebrate this anniversary throughout the year with a series of thematic events, a grand Gala Dinner on 15 May, and a Swiss-Hungarian Business Forum in autumn.
A highlight of the “Switzerland in Budapest 2025” program is the Swiss Picnic in mid-June in the garden of the Embassy of Switzerland. The picnic offers 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, please visit our Website and follow the Embassy of Switzerland in Hungary on social media (Facebook and Instagram).
https://www.facebook.com/SwissEmbassyBudapest
https://www.instagram.com/swissembhungary
We thank our partners:
