Knabenschiessen 2026, Zurich

05/09/2026

Knabenschiessen is Zürich’s best-loved traditional festival and one of the biggest popular celebrations in Switzerland — a curious and very Swiss combination of a historic shooting competition for young people and a huge, boisterous funfair. Its roots reach back to the 17th century, when the city’s youth trained in marksmanship for the defence of the republic; the contest was first documented in 1656, and the event has been held in its present form since 1899. Today it takes place each September at the Albisgütli, on the wooded slopes of the Uetliberg above the city, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors over a long weekend. In 2026 it runs from 12 to 14 September.

What to See

At its heart is the shooting competition itself, in which teenagers aged around 13 to 17 from the city and canton of Zürich fire at targets with rifles, competing for the coveted title of “Schützenkönig” or “Schützenkönigin” — the king or queen of the shoot; since 1991 girls have taken part alongside boys. But for most visitors the real draw is the enormous fair that fills the Albisgütli grounds: one of the largest funfairs in Switzerland, with roller coasters and carousels, shooting galleries and games, and rows of stalls selling everything from Swiss sausages and raclette to sweets and the giant gingerbread hearts that are a festival tradition. There are beer tents and food stands, family attractions by day and a lively fairground atmosphere into the night, making it as much a social occasion for the people of Zürich as a competition.

How to Get There and Practical Information

The festival takes place at the Albisgütli, at the foot of the Uetliberg on the south-western edge of Zürich, easily reached from the city centre in around fifteen to twenty minutes by tram (line 13 runs to the Albisgütli terminus) or by the Uetliberg railway; using public transport is strongly recommended, as parking is very limited and the crowds are large. Entry to the festival grounds is free, and you simply pay for the rides, games, food and drink you choose; the funfair is busiest in the evenings and over the weekend. In 2026 the event is held from Saturday 12 to Monday 14 September, with the Monday traditionally a half-day holiday for Zürich schoolchildren. Come hungry, bring some cash for the stalls, and expect a cheerful, crowded, quintessentially Zürich celebration.