Published on 1 February 2026

Square of the Swiss Abroad

The Square of the Swiss Abroad in Brunnen is a point of reference for the more than 800,000 Swiss citizens living abroad and a symbol of their attachment to their homeland.

The Square of the Swiss Abroad in Brunnen (Ingenbohl, canton of Schwyz) attracts visitors from around the world. — © BOTTFOTO.CH

The ‘Square of the Swiss Abroad Brunnen’ foundation was established in 1899. Its foundation board consists of the Swiss Confederation (represented by the FDFA), the Canton and District of Schwyz, the Commune of Ingenbohl, the Schwyzer Kantonalbank and the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). Most of the foundation board's ten members are provided by the OSA (including representatives based in A, DE, F, I, UK).

The foundation was able to acquire the land – a 5,400m² field – thanks to donations from the Swiss abroad and financial support from the Confederation. The Square of the Swiss Abroad was opened to the public on 1 August 1991 by the Swiss president at the time, Jean-Pascal Delamuraz, and the rest of the Federal Council. The event was part of the celebrations marking the 700th anniversary of the Confederation.

A block of Grimsel granite near the entrance to the site acknowledges the generous donations that enabled its purchase and its renovation in 2016.

The Square of the Swiss Abroad is directly in front of Brunnen harbour on a peninsula opposite the Rütli. It offers a magnificent view of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains, including the Mythen and Rigi. The spectacular vista never fails to leave an impression on visitors.

Thanks to its unique location and striking setting, the Square of the Swiss Abroad attracts visitors from around the world and is often used as a venue for public and private events. It is the final stop on the ‘Swiss Path’ and the starting point of the ‘Waldstätterweg’ hiking trails, and was the main venue for the Confederation's 700th anniversary celebrations in 1991, which featured Mario Botta's celebrated tent. The Square of the Swiss Abroad can be hired for events and functions.

30th anniversary of the Square of the Swiss Abroad in Brunnen

• Video transcript

  Behind me, you can see the Rütli, the focal point of the Swiss Confederation. I am standing on the Square of the Swiss Abroad, the focal point for all Swiss citizens living abroad.

  In 1991, on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation, it was dedicated to all the Swiss abroad as an anchor tying them to their homeland.

  The founders and donors were the government of the canton of Schwyz, the commune of Ingenbohl-Brunnen, the Schwyzer Kantonalbank, the Swiss Confederation and the Swiss abroad themselves.

  The first president was Professor Walther Hofer.

  Aside from the Swiss Path, the Square of the Swiss Abroad is the last reminder we have of Switzerland's 700th anniversary celebrations. So what's happened over the last 30 years?

  To mark the foundation's 25th anniversary, the site was expanded and completely renovated, and the technical facilities were improved.

  A new website was set up and there have been an increasing number of high-profile events, including SRF's bi de Lüt, Donnschtig-Jass, Wind Week, and Spettacolo. There have also been public art exhibitions, and the most recent event here was Hollywood in Brunnen.

  There are a series of information panels retracing the history of the Swiss abroad, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, and how their story has developed.

  I'm delighted to see so many young people active in the OSA, giving up their time to protect the interests of the Swiss abroad. I'd like to mention in particular our ‘Artist in Residence’ project, which allows Swiss artists abroad to work here for a month at the foundation's expense and present their art to the general public. We'd be delighted for you to spread the word about our beautiful Square of the Swiss Abroad wherever you are – and make sure every Swiss person living abroad visits at least once. Even on a rainy day, it's still an unforgettable experience.

Links

• Square of the Swiss Abroad
• Event hire (German, French, Italian)