Life's Transformations Across Switzerland in February 2025: An Overview of Major Life Alterations that Occurred in the Swiss Territory During the Month of February in the Year 2025.
February 2025 - A Busy Month Ahead!
Welcome to the first month of spring, packed with events, regulations, and a few surprises! Buckle up, because we're diving into what's happening in Switzerland this February.
February 1st:1. Swiss Motorway Sticker Update: The grace period for the 2025 vignette comes to an end. Avoid a 200 Swiss franc fine by making sure your vehicle sports the mandatory 40-franc sticker. Grab yours at Petrol stations, post offices, border crossings, or online. Check out this map to know where the vignette is necessary.
- New Puppy Import Rules: Under the amended Animal Protection Ordinance, importing dogs under 15 weeks old is forbidden, primarily affecting those in the resale business. Private owners planning to buy younger puppies abroad can do so, provided they have all the required documents and proof of vaccinations.
- Cracking Down on Wolves: Although wolves remain a protected species, their increasing population and attacks on livestock have been a cause for concern. An amended hunting legislation enables cantons to shoot wolves under strict conditions to prevent livestock damage.
February 5th:Nationwide Alarm System Test: The annual siren test will take place, lasting between 1:30 pm and 4 pm. Communication channels on the Alertswiss app will also be tested. Know the difference between the steady oscillating siren for an impending emergency and the series of 12 bursts for water-related danger near dams.
February 9th:National Referendums: Be ready to cast your vote on the 'Environmental Responsibility Initiative,' a proposal to limit the consumption of resources and pollution by economic activities. Meanwhile, voters in Basel-Country and Solothurn will decide whether to accept the minimum hourly wage of 22 and 23 francs, respectively.
February 20th:Daylight Speeding Up: According to the Almanac, this date marks the beginning of longer days, with daylight speeding up by approximately three minutes per day, ending the dark early mornings and evenings. Here's hoping spring isn't far behind!
Ski Holidays Throughout February:As usual, February is family ski month in many regions of Switzerland, so don't miss out on the ski resorts and winter holidays fun! Dates and regions may vary, so check out our guide for the exact schedule.
⚠️ Recommendation: For the latest updates on referendum agendas, import/animal regulations, and other changes concerning the topics mentioned above, we recommend checking the Swiss Federal Chancellery’s website directly. And remember, always verify your sources to stay well-informed! 🌱🎉🏔️🇨🇭
- Switzerland is updating its Swiss Motorway Sticker requirements, with the 2025 vignette becoming mandatory from February 1st, avoiding a fine of 200 Swiss francs.
- New rules for importing puppies under 15 weeks old have been introduced under the amended Animal Protection Ordinance, affecting those in the resale business.
- Strict conditions have been set for hunting wolves, owing to their increasing population and attacks on livestock, under the amended hunting legislation.
- A nationwide Alarm System Test is scheduled for February 5th, allowing citizens to familiarize themselves with the difference between siren types.
- Voters will be participating in national referendums on February 9th, deciding on the 'Environmental Responsibility Initiative' and minimum hourly wage proposals in Basel-Country and Solothurn.
- Daylight will start increasing from February 20th, marking the beginning of longer days and hopefully spring isn't far behind. Meanwhile, ski holidays remain a popular activity throughout the month of February in many regions of Switzerland.
