7 Strange and Fun Superstitions in Switzerland

Switzerland is full of interesting superstitions and folklore. Here are seven strange and fun Swiss superstitions that people still believe today.

1. Making Eye Contact While Toasting

Imagine you’re at a bar or restaurant with friends. Your drink comes before everyone else’s. In Switzerland, it’s polite to wait until everyone has their drink before you take a sip. This is true even if you’re at a large table. When you all have your drinks, make sure to clink glasses and make eye contact with the person you are toasting with. Say “Zum Wohl,” “Santé,” or “Saluti.” If you’re too far away to clink glasses, a nod and a smile will do. Not making eye contact while toasting is considered impolite and some people believe it leads to seven years of bad sex!

2. Cold Drinks with Fondue Cause Tummy Trouble

When eating Swiss fondue, which is melted cheese with garlic and white wine, many people believe you shouldn’t drink anything cold or sparkling with it. They think the cold drink will make the cheese harden in your stomach, causing indigestion and stomach cramps. There’s no evidence that this is true, so enjoy your fondue and drinks as you like, but it’s fun to warn your friends about this superstition!

3. Stepping in Cow Dung Brings Wealth

Like how it’s considered good luck if a bird poops on you, stepping in cow dung in Switzerland is believed to bring wealth. This belief is also shared in India. Since Switzerland is known to be expensive, maybe sacrificing a pair of shoes is worth it for the chance of a higher salary.

4. Planting a Tree to Celebrate Marriage

To symbolize a long-lasting marriage, many Swiss couples plant a tree during or after their wedding. Traditionally, they plant pine trees, which represent fertility and the hope of having many children. As the tree grows, it reminds the couple of the passing of time and how their relationship has grown.

5. The Devils of Les Diablerets

Les Diablerets is a popular Swiss ski resort, but its name means “home of devils.” According to old folklore, the rocky mountains around the town were believed to be full of devils and evil spirits. The mountain peak, called Devil’s Kneel, was said to be where these spirits tested each other with games and strength contests. The sound of falling rocks led people to think the devils were playing bowling. The falling rocks and two big landslides in the 1700s added to the myth.

6. The Wildmännli of Canton Graubünden

In the mountains of Graubünden, a Swiss canton, people believe in the Wildmännli, or Small Wild Men. These tiny, hairy creatures are thought to live in the mountains and forests. They are strong and nimble, like small Hercules. Some say the Wildmännli were an early depiction of the first people in the Swiss Alps. Today, they are seen as protectors of miners, farmers, and herders. The town of Klosters, a favorite of the British Royal Family, has a Wildmännli on its coat of arms and a Wildmännli hiking trail.

7. Marzipan Pigs at New Year’s

In some German-speaking parts of Switzerland, people give marzipan pigs as a symbol of good luck, especially on New Year’s Eve. This tradition comes from medieval Germany and Scandinavia, where owning a pig was a sign of wealth. The marzipan version likely came later, as marzipan was expensive back then.