When spring takes center stage

The action gets going with the men on the ice – with the 16 best national teams from the top division and enthusiastic fans from all over the world catering for a month of thrilling action. The matches will be played in brand-new arenas that are otherwise home to HC Fribourg-Gottéron and the ZSC Lions. A summary of the schedule of matches is available here; tickets are available to purchase from Ticketcorner. 

To make the World Championship into a genuine festival, the host cities of Fribourg and Zurich will be adding to their arenas with official fan zones – complete with big screens, rhythmic beats and tasty street food. Fribourg will be taking the atmosphere even further into the city center: with an additional fan zone on Georges-Python square featuring public viewings and everything else that hockey fans love. Information on the venues and travel details are available in the official fan guide.

The game with the felt ball will soon be having its big moment again. The 125th French Open, from May 18 to June 7, 2026 will see the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris transformed into a stage for first-rate matches on clay courts. The defending champions in the singles competition are Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff, in doubles Marcel Granollers / Horacio Zeballos and Sara Errani / Jasmine Paolini, and in mixed doubles Sara Errani / Andrea Vavassori. Spectacular tennis theater is guaranteed.

By the way, did you know that tennis is considered one of the "most complete" sports? This means that almost no other sport challenges and promotes body and mind so thoroughly – while remaining surprisingly gentle on the body. Sounds interesting? Swiss Tennis has put together some interesting health-related facts about the sport of tennis. A small detail with a big impact: The correct racket stringing determines the accuracy – and also relieves the strain on the arm. And something else good to know: At Tennis Factory in Aarburg and Wallisellen, American Express Cardholders get a 50% discount on their next racket stringing.

Art, culture and entertainment also come under the influence of spring. This is evident in the inspiring events and new formats – such as the Lucerne Festival Pulse from May 8 to 17, 2026, which spans Bach all the way through to contemporary music. Its key theme is "Time and Space", which will be brought to life through Víkingur Ólafsson’s Goldberg Variations and accompanied by a light installation by Olafur Eliasson. The program includes solo concertos, chamber music, orchestral works, and contemporary pieces performed by acclaimed ensembles and soloists. Tickets are available through the festival website.

This season’s Art Basel, from June 18 to 21, will once again be providing in-depth insights into the international art scene. This cutting-edge art fair has maintained a keen sense for emerging trends – and continues to captivate an international audience with 250 leading galleries and works by more than 4,000 artists.

For those who prefer a more relaxed start to the warmer time of year, the 24th Gourmet Festival, running until May 30, 2026, provides the perfect setting. Some 24 culinary destinations in Schaffhausen’s Blauburgunderland – from Osterfingen to Steckborn, ranging from GaultMillau-rated restaurants to eateries serving traditional Swiss cuisine – will pamper guests with multi-course menus created especially for the festival. Further information is available on the festival website.