Discovering Swiss Footprints in the Hungarian Capital

The Embassy of Switzerland in Budapest, in cooperation with the Budapest City Administration, Swisscham Hungary, Budapest Global Association and other partners, has announced the launch of the "Switzerland in Budapest 2025" program.

This project aims to highlight the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between Switzerland and Hungary by showcasing the many Swiss traces that can be discovered in Budapest. The series of events kicked off in March 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 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 March 16, 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 (March 26, 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 May 15 and a Swiss-Hungarian Business Forum in the fall.

A highlight of the “Switzerland in Budapest 2025” program will be the Swiss Picnic in midJune 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.