Sechseläuten – 5 Things You Must Do at this Zurich Spring Festival

Sechseläuten is a Zurich holiday celebrating the end of winter by burning a symbolic snowman called the Böögg. Depending on how fast it’s head explodes predicts how hot the summer will be. This festival is always on a Monday, usually the second or third Monday in April, with a big parade of locals in traditional dress during the day and the bonfire starting at 18:00, thus the “six bells” of the title.

When is Sechseläuten

This year, the children’s parade is on Sunday 16 April 2023 at 14:30. The main parade is on Monday 17 April 2023 at 15:00, the Böögg burning starting at 18:00 at Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue. At around 20:00, people can grill sausages on the bonfire.

You can see the official program and route here. More info and history at www.sechselaeuten.ch

Sechseläuten Parade Route

Here is the parade route for Monday. To watch the parade, we typically stand near Bürkliplatz, where there is room to spread out. The section along the Limmat is a more picturesque setting, but it is where important people sit and are filmed by TV crews.

How to get there

It’s best to come by public transportation. If you arrive at the Zurich HB main station, you will need to walk down the parade route since the tram routes are rerouted to bypass the parade routes. Zürich Stadelhofen station is a bit closer to the action.

If you must come by car, note that some streets that cross the city will be closed. On the east side of the city, you could park at the Hohe Promenade garage – Rämistrasse 22A, 8001 Zürich

On the west side of the city, perhaps Mythenquai 87, 8002 Zürich, which is a metered lot that allows you to park at least 4 hours. Of course, it’s a busy weekend and these spots could fill up fast.

What to do at Sechseläuten

1. Watch the Böögg burn

To watch the Böögg burn, you can squeeze in with the crowds near Sechselautenplatz, near the Bellevue tram stop. But we like to stand on the ferry docks near Bürkliplatz, where we get a clear view across the water. Yes, it’s a bit far away but you can still see it burn and see/hear the explosions.

The event is so crowded that you cannot get close up to the Böögg. So my kids have enjoyed going by earlier in the day to see it being set up before the crowds circle.

Here is the Böögg on fire!

2. Children’s parade on Sunday

On the proceeding Sunday afternoon, the Sechselauten Kinderumzug, aka Children’s Parade, kicks off the festivities. We find this parade a bit more interesting for children to attend. This was the second year that we have attended and have enjoyed it both times. 

Each time we have viewed the parade from Burkliplatz and arrived ~20 minutes before it started to get a front row seat. The parade goes in rain or shine, the children often in clear rain jackets so you can still see the costumes.

The children’s parade is a miniature version of the main parade on Monday. Both parades have lots of people in traditional outfits people often passing out candy, marching bands, and horse drawn floats. The children’s parade last about an hour and ends with horses pulling the Boogg along in wagon.

3. Guild parade on Monday

On Monday, the various guilds parade around Zürich in their traditional guild clothing. 

There are lots of local marching bands.

4. Fair rides at Bürkliplatz

Starting on the Saturday before the parades, there are fair rides and food booths setup at Bürkliplatz.

We always take a ride on the Ferris wheel and a spin on the bumper cars.

Views of Zurich from the Ferris wheel.

5. Roast sausage on the bonfire

After the Böögg explodes, there is an unofficial after-party where people roast sausages with coals from the fire. Learn more about it here.

Cross your fingers for a fast burn this year and a hot summer!