In Switzerland, most shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays. For many people, that is the point: Sunday is meant to be a day for rest, family time, and outdoor life. The rules also protect workers, because paid work on Sundays is limited by law.
Key takeaways
- Swiss labour law usually bans Sunday work, with clear exceptions and permit rules.
- Shop opening hours are mainly set by each canton, so Sunday shopping differs by region.
- Many “open on Sunday” options are tied to travel and tourism: stations, airports, and hospitality.
- Lawmakers are debating whether to allow more “shopping Sundays” in retail.
Where the tradition comes from
Sunday as a rest day has religious roots, but it also became a worker-rights issue as Switzerland grew more industrial. Over time, the “quiet Sunday” turned into a common social norm, especially outside major tourist zones.
The legal basis in plain language
The main national rule is the Swiss Labour Act (ArG). It usually bans employees from working between 11pm on Saturday and 11pm on Sunday. Some jobs can work on Sundays without a permit (for example, parts of health care, hotels and restaurants, and some small shops such as bakeries). In other cases, employers must apply for a permit.
If Sunday work happens only now and then, workers are usually owed extra pay and time off. Rules are stricter when Sunday work becomes regular.
Shop opening hours are mostly set by the cantons. That’s why a shop can be allowed to open in one canton but not in another.
What is a “shopping Sunday”?
For retail staff, cantons can name up to four Sundays per year when employees may work in sales shops without a special permit. These days are often used around Advent or seasonal sales, but the details vary by canton.
There is also a live debate about expanding this cap. As of 2026-02-01, a proposal would let cantons allow up to 12 permit-free Sundays per year for retail staff. Whether it becomes law, and when, depends on the next law-making steps and could face a referendum.
Official overview: Working on Sundays and at night in Switzerland (ch.ch).
What Sunday closures mean for business and workers
Supporters say closures stop a “7-day opening race” and make scheduling more humane. They can also help smaller shops that cannot staff long hours.
Critics say closures reduce convenience, especially for people who work long weekdays. Some also worry about lost sales to online shopping or to nearby places with more Sunday opening.
For workers, the main upside is predictable rest time. The main downside shows up in sectors that already work weekends. People in health care, transport, media, and hospitality may work while others are off.
Common exceptions: what stays open on Sundays
Even when most retail is closed, these services often operate:
- Train stations and airports (travel-related shops and services)
- Some service-station shops on major travel routes
- Kiosks/newsstands and bakeries (often with limited assortments)
- Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and leisure venues
- Essential services in health and public safety
Tourist resorts may also have more Sunday opening, based on local rules and demand.
How Switzerland compares
Switzerland is not unique. Countries like Germany and Austria also restrict Sunday trading in many areas. By contrast, places like the UK and the US tend to allow broad Sunday shopping. The difference often comes down to labour policy, culture, and expectations about “time off.”
Enforcement and compliance
Cantonal offices check the rules. Because rules differ by canton and business type, mistakes can happen. Results can include fines or other measures, based on local law and what happened.
Future outlook
Sunday closures are likely to remain part of Swiss life, but the edges may keep shifting. If the law changes to allow more retail “shopping Sundays,” Switzerland would still keep stronger limits than many countries, because the idea of a shared rest day remains widely valued.
FAQs
What are Sunday closures in Switzerland?
They are rules and norms that keep most shops closed on Sundays, so Sunday stays a rest day.
Why are shops closed on Sundays in Switzerland?
Swiss labour law limits Sunday work, and cantonal shop-opening rules often keep retail closed.
Are there exceptions to Sunday closures?
Yes. Common exceptions include major stations and airports, many hospitality businesses, plus some service-station shops, kiosks/newsstands, and bakeries. The exact rules vary by place.
What happens if a business violates the rules?
Officials can investigate and issue fines. The details depend on the canton and the rule involved.
Could Sunday shopping rules change?
Possibly. As of 2026-02-01, lawmakers have discussed a proposal to raise the number of permit-free retail Sundays. Any change would still go through the full law-making process and could face a referendum.
