When does night rest start in Switzerland?
Usually at 22:00. In the city of Zurich, night rest runs from 22:00 to 07:00; elsewhere it typically ends at 06:00 or 07:00. After 22:00, keep balcony conversations at table volume.
Ep. 33 · This is Ueli · 54 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
Summer evenings on Swiss balconies are lovely until ten, and then the building expects quiet. Neighbours do complain, to the landlord or even the police. As a newcomer, invite people early, and when it is close to ten, move the party inside or end it.
Blüemli's verdict: Ding. Usually from 22:00. Night rest usually starts at 22:00. In Zurich it runs from 22:00 to 07:00.
NACHTRUHE: literally: “night rest”; really: quiet time, usually from 22:00 Ueli's Word
Be like Ueli. Home by ten. Or at least quiet.
Learn more: Swiss Sunday rules
The rule, explained
The tenants' association, the Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband, says it in its tip on balcony use: general night rest applies from 22:00, and after that conversation should stay at table volume. A neighbour who is disturbed can complain to the police or to the landlord. The city of Zurich sets night rest from 22:00 to 07:00. Across Switzerland, myky.ch puts it at about 22:00 to 06:00 or 07:00, depending on the commune. So the start is almost always ten; the end depends on where you live.
Sources: Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband, Miettipp Balkonnutzung; City of Zurich, Alltagslärm; myky.ch, Lärm: was ist erlaubt
Questions people ask
Can neighbours call the police for noise in Switzerland?
Yes. A disturbed neighbour can complain to the police or the landlord (Mieterverband).
When does night rest end in Switzerland?
Usually at 06:00 or 07:00; in the city of Zurich at 07:00.
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