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The Swiss Embassy is organizing the illumination in cooperation with the City of Budapest, supported by the Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Swisscham Hungary) and its member companies Alpiq and Stadler Rail.
The date commemorates November 5, 1946, when Switzerland’s newly appointed minister to Hungary, Ernst Feisst, presented his credentials to the Hungarian head of state, marking a milestone in the restoration of diplomatic relations.
“I could not imagine a more powerful symbol to highlight the long-standing, deep and multifaceted ties between Switzerland and Hungary than illuminating Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge in Swiss colours. It beautifully reflects the motto of our anniversary year: Connected in Many Ways!” said Alexander Renggli, Switzerland’s ambassador to Hungary.
Throughout 2026, the Swiss Embassy and its partners have marked the anniversary with cultural, scientific and economic events.
On November 5 at 7 p.m., the ROLS Quartet, comprising Swiss and Hungarian musicians, will perform at Budapest’s Old Academy of Music. Semmelweis University will host the fourth Swiss-Hungarian Healthcare Forum on November 13.
The illumination also falls on the eve of the birthday anniversary of Ábrahám Ganz, the Swiss-born industrialist who played a significant role in the development of Hungarian industry in the 19th century.
Ganz’s foundry contributed to the construction of the Chain Bridge, producing a substantial proportion of its cast-iron crossbeams. The Ganz Ábrahám Economic Development Program now bears his name.
His career reflects economic and personal connections between Switzerland and Hungary that extend well beyond the eight decades of uninterrupted diplomatic relations being celebrated this year.
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