Did you know there’s quite a lot of free things on your birthday in Switzerland that you can experience? Such as a journey to the mountains on a local funicular, a scenic boat trip on one of the lakes or a calming spa day. There’s something for everyone on their birthday. So there is no excuse not to enjoy it as Swiss as possible!
We’ve done our research and below share a full list of things to do in Switzerland on your birthday. So what are you waiting for, plan your birthday with one of these free options!
And don’t forget to scroll to the very bottom to also see the bonus free birthday treats you can discover at local shops and supermarkets!
Last updated: December 2025
Free Switzerland Birthday Activities
Spending your birthday in Switzerland is definitely an experience. A day of relaxation or exploration is always a good idea, regardless of the Swiss weather. However must highlight that those with a birthday in Spring and Summer will likely benefit from more of these activities than those in Winter. This is because some are simply closed during winter and do not open until the warmer months.
For nearly all shared in this post requires you to have a valid ID, such as your passport or official travel document with your birth date on. These activities and things to do for free on your birthday are not restricted in any way by nationality or where you live, simply based on your birthday!
Keep in mind that it is likely that after writing this post, there will be more places, or changes to the current list for free activities. We 100% advise to always check the activity or location before your birthday to be sure you can enjoy the free benefit.
Also in most cases, birthday offers cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, or special offers.
My Free Birthday Experience
For April 2025, we decided to spend my birthday afternoon in Lucerne, and took advantage of the free 1st class boat ticket for the Lake Lucerne boats. This was such a great idea, which we enjoyed for the whole afternoon. We got on at one place, got off at another, then got back on and off again. It was perfect to see more of the villages around Lake Lucerne. We were also lucky that for my birthday, it was a beautiful sunny day with 17c!
The FULL POST about this can be found here!
I simply had to buy my ticket on the boat ticket office, and showed them my ID to confirm. In return, I got my 1st class day ticket and was ready to explore!
TIP: Make sure to take valid ID with you to prove your birthday date.
Free Birthday Mountain Visits In Switzerland
Here is the first list of birthday activities with a cable car, railway, funicular or gondola in Switzerland:
| Cable Cars & Gondolas | Canton | Details |
| Hoher Kasten Cable Car | Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI) | Free ride to the revolving restaurant with a 360-degree view. |
| Schynige Platte Railway | Bern (BE) | Free ride to Schynige Platte with ID. Free dessert included. |
| Brienz Rothorn Railway | Bern (BE) | Free ticket on your birthday. Advance seat reservation recommended. |
| Niederhorn Cable Car | Bern (BE) | Free ride to the Niederhorn summit on your birthday. |
| Niesen Funicular | Bern (BE) | Free birthday ride to the “Swiss Pyramid” for panoramic views. |
| Schilthorn Cableway | Bern (BE) | Free round-trip ride to Schilthorn summit. |
| Meiringen-Hasliberg Cableways | Bern (BE) | Free ticket for birthday guests with ID. |
| Sörenberg Cableways | Lucerne (LU) | Free gondola, Brienzer Rothorn cable car & chairlift rides. Small gift at select restaurants. |
| Marbachegg Cable Car | Lucerne (LU) | Free birthday ride to the Marbachegg viewpoint. |
| Atzmännig Chairlift & Toboggan | St. Gallen (SG) | Free chairlift, toboggan run, and sliding tower rides in summer; free ski pass in winter. |
| Pizol Cableways | St. Gallen (SG) | Free birthday ride on the Pizol cableways. |
Monte Generoso | Ticino (TI) | Free round trip on the historic rack railway from Capolago to the summit |
Free Birthday Activities In Switzerland
Here is the second list of birthday activities to a museum, attraction or store experience in Switzerland:
| Activities | Canton | Details |
| Kambly Experience | Bern (BE) | Free biscuit tasting at the Kambly factory store. |
| Blausee | Bern (BE) | Free entrance to the nature park on your birthday. |
| Knies Kinderzoo | St. Gallen (SG) | Free admission for children aged 4 to 15 on their birthday upon presentation of a valid ID. |
| Swiss Miniature Park | Ticino (TI) | Free admission on your birthday. |
| Zoo Zürich | Zürich (ZH) | Free admission on your birthday. |
Free Thermal Spas and Baths in Switzerland
Here is the third list of birthday activities with a thermal spa and baths in Switzerland:
| Thermal Spas | Canton | Details |
| Aquabasilea | Basel-Landschaft (BL) | Free entry to the bathing worlds on your birthday upon presentation of a valid ID. |
| Bogn Engiadina | Graubünden (GR) | Free admission to the bathing and sauna area (3 hours) on your birthday upon presentation of a valid ID. |
| Swiss Holiday Park | Schwyz (SZ) | Free admission to the bathing area on your birthday. |
| Tamina Therme | St. Gallen (SG) | Free entry to the thermal bath/spa on your birthday. |
| Mineralheilbad St. Margrethen | St. Gallen (SG) | Free entry on your birthday. |
| Splash & SPA Tamaro | Ticino (TI) | Free admission for the birthday child if accompanied by at least 3 paying persons. |
| Les Bains de Saillon | Valais (VS) | Free admission for children aged 4 to 12 on their birthday upon presentation of proof of age. |
If you’re looking for a Swiss-inspired Birthday Gifts, check our Etsy Store for handmade items like keyrings!
Free Birthday Boat Cruises and Train Tickets In Switzerland
Here is the fourth list of birthday activities with boats and trains in Switzerland:
| Boat Cruises & Train | Canton | Details |
| Lake Thun & Lake Brienz Cruises | Bern (BE) | Free 1st class boat ride on your birthday. Present ID at the dock. |
| Lake Lucerne Cruises | Lucerne (LU) | Free 1st class day ticket on your birthday with valid ID. |
| The MOB train | Vaud (VD) | Show your ID at the ticket office of any MOB station and get a free day 1st class ticket. |
| Lake Geneva Cruises | Vaud (VD) / Geneva (GE) | Some operators offer free or discounted birthday cruises. |
| Lake Constance Cruises | Thurgau / St. Gallen | Free day ticket for travelling between Switzerland, Germany and Austria. |
We hope you get to enjoy one of these many things to do for your birthday in Switzerland. Make sure to plan ahead and check all the official websites for the opening times and prices (if others will be joining you).
Save for later:
Thanks for this brilliant overview! :-)