What can't you do on Sunday in Switzerland?
Anything loud. In Zurich, Sundays and public holidays are rest time all day, with no loud activities such as DIY. Weekdays have a rest time from 12:00 to 13:00 and night rest from 22:00 to 07:00. Rules differ by commune and building.
Ep. 36 · This is Ueli · 57 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
Sunday in Switzerland is quiet by agreement and often by rule: no drilling, no hammering, no loud work. Many newcomers find out with a drill in their hand. As a newcomer, keep DIY for Saturday, and check your commune's rest times and your building's house rules.
Blüemli's verdict: Depends on your Gemeinde. Zurich: Sundays and public holidays are rest time, all day.
SONNTAGSRUHE: literally: “Sunday rest”; really: no drilling, no mowing, no noise Ueli's Word
Be like Ueli. On Sunday, the drill waits.
Learn more: Swiss Sunday rules
The rule, explained
The city of Zurich lists its rest times in its page on everyday noise: on weekdays from 12:00 to 13:00, on Sundays and public holidays all day, and night rest from 22:00 to 07:00. During rest times, loud activities such as DIY work are not allowed. Other communes set their own times, and each building's house rules can add more, which is why Blüemli's bell wobbles. The safe rule for a newcomer: the drill waits until Monday morning.
Sources: City of Zurich, Alltagslärm
Questions people ask
Can you drill on Sunday in Switzerland?
Not in Zurich: Sundays and public holidays are rest time all day. Other communes have similar rules.
What are the quiet hours in Zurich?
Weekdays 12:00 to 13:00, Sundays and public holidays all day, and night rest 22:00 to 07:00 (City of Zurich).
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