Districts of Switzerland
Encyclopedia
In contrast to centrally organised states, in the federally constituted Switzerland
each canton
is
completely free to decide its own internal organisation. Therefore there exists a variety of structures and terminology for the subnational entities between canton and municipality
, loosely termed district
s (i.e. Urban Administration Districts).
Most Cantons are divided into Bezirke (German for districts, singular Berzirk). They are also termed Ämter (Lucerne
, singular Amt), Amtsbezirke (Bern, Amtsbezirk), district (in French) or distretto (Ticino
and part of Graubünden). The Bezirke generally provide only administration and court organization. However, for historical reasons districts in cantons Graubünden and Schwyz
are their own legal entities with jurisdiction over tax and often have their own Landsgemeinde
.
Eight of the 26 cantons – Uri
, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Glarus
, Zug
, Appenzell Innerrhoden
, Basel-City
and Geneva
– have always existed without the district level of government.
A number of further cantons have dispensed with the district level recently, Appenzell Ausserrhoden
in 1995, Schaffhausen
in 1999, St Gallen in 2003 and Lucerne
in 2007.
A number of further cantons are considering (or have already decided) an abolition of the district level in the future: Schwyz
in 2006 voted on its abolition, but voted in favour of keeping the division. Bern in 2006 decided a reduction of its 26 districts to five administrative regions. Vaud
decided a reduction from 19 to 10 districts. Valais
is planning a similar reduction and in Thurgau
, a reduction of eight to four districts is under discussion.
is divided into 12 districts (German: Bezirke):
and Seeland), Bern-Mittelland, Oberland
(with subregions Thun
, Obersimmental-Saanen, Frutigen-Niedersimmental, Interlaken-Oberhasli) and Emmental-Oberaargau (with two subregions, Emmental
and Oberaargau
)
The current division has taken effect on 1 January 2010, based on a 2006 decision to abolish the former system of districts.
On 1 January 2010, the 26 administrative districts (Amtsbezirke) were combined into 10 new administrative districts (Verwaltungskreise):
used to be divided into 5 Ämter:
These were abolished with the new cantonal constitution of 2007, although they will continue to be used as electoral districts.
is divided into 6 districts:
is divided into 7 districts:
districts are the lowest administrative division: the canton is not subdivided in municipalities. Because of that, for firefighting, energy and water, the town Appenzell
has a special-purpose municipality, the Feuerschaugemeinde
.
The Canton is divided into 6 districts:
is divided into 11 districts:
is divided into 11 districts:
is divided into five districts, and each is named after its capital:
is divided into 8 districts:
is divided into 10 districts:
is divided into 13 districts, representing the 13 stars on the flag of Valais:
District Raron is divided into:
is divided into 6 districts:
is divided into 3 districts:
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
each canton
Cantons of Switzerland
The 26 cantons of Switzerland are the member states of the federal state of Switzerland. Each canton was a fully sovereign state with its own borders, army and currency from the Treaty of Westphalia until the establishment of the Swiss federal state in 1848...
is
completely free to decide its own internal organisation. Therefore there exists a variety of structures and terminology for the subnational entities between canton and municipality
Municipalities of Switzerland
Communes , also known as municipalities, are the smallest government division in Switzerland, numbering 2,596 . While many have a population of a few hundred citizens, the largest cities such as Zürich or Geneva also have the legal status of municipalities...
, loosely termed district
District
Districts are a type of administrative division, in some countries managed by a local government. They vary greatly in size, spanning entire regions or counties, several municipalities, or subdivisions of municipalities.-Austria:...
s (i.e. Urban Administration Districts).
Most Cantons are divided into Bezirke (German for districts, singular Berzirk). They are also termed Ämter (Lucerne
Canton of Lucerne
Lucerne is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population of the canton is . , the population included 57,268 foreigners, or about 15.8% of the total population. The cantonal capital is Lucerne.-History:...
, singular Amt), Amtsbezirke (Bern, Amtsbezirk), district (in French) or distretto (Ticino
Ticino
Canton Ticino or Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland. Named after the Ticino river, it is the only canton in which Italian is the sole official language...
and part of Graubünden). The Bezirke generally provide only administration and court organization. However, for historical reasons districts in cantons Graubünden and Schwyz
Canton of Schwyz
Schwyz is a canton in central Switzerland between the Alps in the south, Lake Lucerne in the east and Lake Zurich in the north, centered around and named after the town of Schwyz....
are their own legal entities with jurisdiction over tax and often have their own Landsgemeinde
Landsgemeinde
The Landsgemeinde or "cantonal assembly" is one of the oldest forms of direct democracy. The first historically documented assembly took place in 1294...
.
Eight of the 26 cantons – Uri
Canton of Uri
Uri is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and a founding member of the Swiss Confederation. It is located in Central Switzerland. The canton's territory covers the valley of the Reuss River between Lake Lucerne and the St. Gotthard Pass. German is the primary language spoken in Uri...
, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Glarus
Canton of Glarus
The Canton of Glarus is a canton in east central Switzerland. The capital is Glarus.The population speaks a variety of Alemannic German.The majority of the population identifies as Christian, about evenly split between the Protestant and Catholic confessions.-History:According to legend, the...
, Zug
Canton of Zug
The Canton of Zug is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland. It is located in central Switzerland and its capital is Zug. With 239 km² the canton is one of the smallest of the cantons in terms of area. It is not subdivided into districts.- History :The earlier history of the canton is...
, Appenzell Innerrhoden
Appenzell Innerrhoden
Appenzell Innerrhoden is the smallest canton of Switzerland by population and the second smallest by area, Basel-City having less area.-Foundation:...
, Basel-City
Basel-City
Basel-Stadt is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland. The city of Basel and the municipalities of Bettingen and Riehen form its territory.-History:...
and Geneva
Canton of Geneva
The Republic and Canton of Geneva is the French speaking westernmost canton or state of Switzerland, surrounded on almost all sides by France. As is the case in several other Swiss cantons The Republic and Canton of Geneva is the French speaking westernmost canton or state of Switzerland,...
– have always existed without the district level of government.
A number of further cantons have dispensed with the district level recently, Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Appenzell Ausserrhoden is a canton of Switzerland. The seat of the government and parliament is Herisau, judicial authorities are in Trogen. Appenzell Ausserrhoden is located in the north east of Switzerland, bordering the cantons of St...
in 1995, Schaffhausen
Canton of Schaffhausen
The Canton of is a canton of Switzerland. The principal city and capital of the canton is Schaffhausen.- History:Schaffhausen was a city-state in the Middle Ages, documented to have struck its own coins starting in 1045. It was then known as Villa Scafhusun. Around 1049 Count Eberhard von...
in 1999, St Gallen in 2003 and Lucerne
Canton of Lucerne
Lucerne is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population of the canton is . , the population included 57,268 foreigners, or about 15.8% of the total population. The cantonal capital is Lucerne.-History:...
in 2007.
A number of further cantons are considering (or have already decided) an abolition of the district level in the future: Schwyz
Canton of Schwyz
Schwyz is a canton in central Switzerland between the Alps in the south, Lake Lucerne in the east and Lake Zurich in the north, centered around and named after the town of Schwyz....
in 2006 voted on its abolition, but voted in favour of keeping the division. Bern in 2006 decided a reduction of its 26 districts to five administrative regions. Vaud
Vaud
Vaud is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and is located in Romandy, the French-speaking southwestern part of the country. The capital is Lausanne. The name of the Canton in Switzerland's other languages are Vaud in Italian , Waadt in German , and Vad in Romansh.-History:Along the lakes,...
decided a reduction from 19 to 10 districts. Valais
Valais
The Valais is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland in the southwestern part of the country, around the valley of the Rhône from its headwaters to Lake Geneva, separating the Pennine Alps from the Bernese Alps. The canton is one of the drier parts of Switzerland in its central Rhône valley...
is planning a similar reduction and in Thurgau
Thurgau
Thurgau is a northeast canton of Switzerland. The population, , is . In 2007, there were a total of 47,390 who were resident foreigners. The capital is Frauenfeld.-History:...
, a reduction of eight to four districts is under discussion.
Zurich
The Canton of ZürichCanton of Zürich
The Canton of Zurich has a population of . The canton is located in the northeast of Switzerland and the city of Zurich is its capital. The official language is German, but people speak the local Swiss German dialect called Züritüütsch...
is divided into 12 districts (German: Bezirke):
- Affoltern with capital Affoltern am AlbisAffoltern am AlbisAffoltern am Albis is a municipality in the district of Affoltern in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.It is the smallest city of Switzerland. In Switzerland a city is defined as having at least 10,000 inhabitants.-Geography:...
- Andelfingen with capital AndelfingenAndelfingen, SwitzerlandAndelfingen is a municipality in the district of Andelfingen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.-History:Andelfingen is first mentioned in 1248 as Andelfingon. Until 1970, it was known as Grossandelfingen.-Geography:...
- Bülach with capital BülachBülachBülach is a municipality in Switzerland in the canton of Zurich, located in the district of the same name, and belongs to the Glatt Valley .-History:Bülach is first mentioned in 811 as Pulacha...
- Dielsdorf with capital DielsdorfDielsdorfDielsdorf is a municipality, seat of the district of Dielsdorf in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.-Geography:Dielsdorf has an area of . Of this area, 37% is used for agricultural purposes, while 30.2% is forested...
- Dietikon with capital DietikonDietikonDietikon is the fifth biggest city of the canton of Zürich in Switzerland, after Zürich, Winterthur, Uster and Dübendorf. It is the capital of the same-named district of Dietikon and part of the Zürich metropolitan area.- Geography :...
- Hinwil with capital HinwilHinwilHinwil is a municipality in the district of Hinwil in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.- History :The village Hinwil from which the later municipality took its name is first mentioned in 745 as Hunichinwilari, in a donation made by Beata and Landolt to the Abbey of Saint Gall...
- Horgen with capital HorgenHorgenHorgen is a village in the district of Horgen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.It is one of the larger towns along the south bank of the Lake of Zurich.- History :Horgen is also the type-site of Switzerland's middle Neolithic archaeological culture...
- Meilen with capital MeilenMeilenMeilen is a municipality in the district of Meilen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.- History :Archaeological findings in Meilen date back more than 4,000 years. In January 1854 the level of lake Zürich was particularly low and the locals took the chance to gain some land...
- Pfäffikon with capital PfäffikonPfäffikon, ZurichPfäffikon is a municipality in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland. It is the seat of the district of the same name. It is not to be confused with Pfäffikon SZ on Lake Zurich but in the canton of Schwyz.-History:...
- Uster with capital UsterUsterUster is a city and capital of the district Uster in the Swiss Canton of Zürich.It is the third largest city in the Canton of Zürich, with over 30,000 inhabitants, and is one of the twenty largest cities in Switzerland...
- Winterthur with capital WinterthurWinterthurWinterthur is a city in the canton of Zurich in northern Switzerland. It has the country's sixth largest population with an estimate of more than 100,000 people. In the local dialect and by its inhabitants, it is usually abbreviated to Winti...
- Zürich comprises the city of ZürichZürichZurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
Bern
The Canton of Bern is divided in five regions: Berner Jura, Seeland (with two subregions, Biel/BienneBiel/Bienne
Biel/Bienne is a city in the district of the Biel/Bienne administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.It is located on the language boundary and is throughout bilingual. Biel is the German name for the town, Bienne its French counterpart. The town is often referred to in both...
and Seeland), Bern-Mittelland, Oberland
Bernese Oberland
The Bernese Oberland is the higher part of the canton of Bern, Switzerland, in the southern end of the canton: The area around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and the valleys of the Bernese Alps .The flag of the Bernese Oberland consists of a black eagle in a gold field The Bernese Oberland (Bernese...
(with subregions Thun
Thun
Thun is a municipality in the administrative district of Thun in the canton of Bern in Switzerland with about 42,136 inhabitants , as of 1 January 2006....
, Obersimmental-Saanen, Frutigen-Niedersimmental, Interlaken-Oberhasli) and Emmental-Oberaargau (with two subregions, Emmental
Emmental
For the cheese made in the region, see Emmental .The Emmental is a region in west central Switzerland, forming part of the canton of Bern. It is a hilly landscape comprising the basins of the Emme and Ilfis rivers. The region is mostly devoted to farming, particularly dairy farming...
and Oberaargau
Oberaargau
The Oberaargau is the region that encompasses the upper watershed of the Aar River in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. On the north, lie the Jura Mountains, and on the south the hills leading to the Emmental...
)
The current division has taken effect on 1 January 2010, based on a 2006 decision to abolish the former system of districts.
On 1 January 2010, the 26 administrative districts (Amtsbezirke) were combined into 10 new administrative districts (Verwaltungskreise):
- Bern-Mittelland with capital OstermundigenOstermundigenOstermundigen is a municipality in the Bern-Mittelland administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.The city is the birthplace of screen legend, Ursula Andress.-Geography:...
, made up of all or part of the former districts of Bern, Fraubrunnen, Konolfingen, Laupen, Schwarzenburg and Seftigen - Biel/Bienne with capital Biel/BienneBiel/BienneBiel/Bienne is a city in the district of the Biel/Bienne administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.It is located on the language boundary and is throughout bilingual. Biel is the German name for the town, Bienne its French counterpart. The town is often referred to in both...
, made up of all of the former district of Biel and about half of the former district of Nidau - Emmental with capital Langnau im EmmentalLangnau im Emmental-Sport:Langnau is the home of the SCL Tigers, who plays in the Swiss National League A. They play their home games at the Ilfis Stadium.- External links :* * *...
, made up of all or part of the former districts of Burgdorf, Signau and Trachselwald - Frutigen-Niedersimmental with capital FrutigenFrutigenFrutigen is a municipality in the Bernese Oberland in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is the capital of the Frutigen-Niedersimmental administrative district.-History:...
, made up of all or part of the former districts of Frutigen and Niedersimmental - Interlaken-Oberhasli with capital InterlakenInterlakenInterlaken is a municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, a well-known tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland.-History:...
, made up of all or part of the former districts of Interlaken and Oberhasli - Jura bernois with capital CourtelaryCourtelaryCourtelary is a municipality of the French-speaking Bernese Jura, in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. The town is the capital of the Jura bernois administrative district.-Geography:...
, made up of all or part of the former districts of Courtelary, Moutier and La Neuveville - Oberaargau with capital Wangen an der AareWangen an der AareWangen an der Aare is a municipality in the Oberaargau administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.This small town lies between Olten and Solothurn in rural surroundings on the Aare, a major river of the west-central lowland region of Switzerland, the Mittelland. An ancient wooden...
, made up of all or part of the former districts of Aarwangen and Wangen - Obersimmental-Saanen with capital SaanenSaanenSaanen is a municipality in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is the capital of the Obersimmental-Saanen administrative district.-Geography:Saanen has an area of . Of this area, 52.8% is used for agricultural purposes, while 33.6% is forested...
, made up of all of the former districts of Obersimmental and Saanen - Seeland with capital AarbergAarbergAarberg is a municipality in the Seeland administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.Aarberg lies 20 kilometers from Bern above the Aar River...
, made up of all or part of the former districts of Aarberg, Büren, Erlach and Nidau - Thun with capital ThunThunThun is a municipality in the administrative district of Thun in the canton of Bern in Switzerland with about 42,136 inhabitants , as of 1 January 2006....
, made up of all of the former administrative district of ThunThun (administrative district)Thun District in the Canton of Bern was created on 1 January 2010. It is part of the Oberland administrative region. It contains 35 municipalities with an area of and a population of 103,233....
Lucerne
The Canton of LucerneCanton of Lucerne
Lucerne is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the centre of Switzerland. The population of the canton is . , the population included 57,268 foreigners, or about 15.8% of the total population. The cantonal capital is Lucerne.-History:...
used to be divided into 5 Ämter:
- Entlebuch with capital SchüpfheimSchüpfheimSchüpfheim is a municipality in the district of Entlebuch in the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland. It is part of the UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve since 2001.-Geography:...
- Hochdorf with capital HochdorfHochdorf, LucerneHochdorf is a municipality in the district of Hochdorf in the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland.-Geography:Hochdorf has an area of . Of this area, 68.1% is used for agricultural purposes, while 10.1% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 21.3% is settled and the remainder is non-productive...
- Luzern with capital LuzernLucerneLucerne is a city in north-central Switzerland, in the German-speaking portion of that country. Lucerne is the capital of the Canton of Lucerne and the capital of the district of the same name. With a population of about 76,200 people, Lucerne is the most populous city in Central Switzerland, and...
- Sursee with capital SurseeSurseeSursee is a municipality in the district of Sursee in the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. Sursee is located at the northern end of Lake Sempach, not far from where the Sure river enters the lake , hence the name "Sursee"....
- Willisau with capital WillisauWillisauWillisau is a municipality in the district of Willisau in the Lucerne canton of Switzerland. It was formed on 1 January 2006 from the municipalities of Willisau Land and Willisau Stadt .-Foundation:...
These were abolished with the new cantonal constitution of 2007, although they will continue to be used as electoral districts.
Schwyz
The Canton of SchwyzCanton of Schwyz
Schwyz is a canton in central Switzerland between the Alps in the south, Lake Lucerne in the east and Lake Zurich in the north, centered around and named after the town of Schwyz....
is divided into 6 districts:
- Einsiedeln including only the municipality of the same name
- Gersau including only the municipality of the same name
- Höfe with capital alternating between WollerauWollerauWollerau is a municipality in Höfe District in the canton of Schwyz in Switzerland.-Geography:Wollerau has an area, , of . Of this area, 56.9% is used for agricultural purposes, while 13.6% is forested...
and the village of Pfäffikon - Küssnacht including only the municipality of the same name
- March with capital LachenLachen, SwitzerlandLachen is a municipality in March District in the canton of Schwyz in Switzerland.-Geography:Lachen has an area, , of . Of this area, 26.7% is used for agricultural purposes, while 5.8% is forested...
- Schwyz with capital SchwyzSchwyzThe town of is the capital of the canton of Schwyz in Switzerland.The Federal Charter of 1291 or Bundesbrief, the charter that eventually led to the foundation of Switzerland, can be seen at the Bundesbriefmuseum.-History of the toponym:...
Fribourg
The Canton of FribourgCanton of Fribourg
The Canton of Fribourg is a canton of Switzerland. It is located in the west of the country. The capital of the canton is Fribourg. The name Fribourg is French, whereas is the German name for both the canton and the town.-History:...
is divided into 7 districts:
- Broye with capital Estavayer-le-LacEstavayer-le-LacEstavayer-le-Lac is a municipality of the canton of Fribourg, situated on the south shore of Lake Neuchâtel. Estavayer-le-Lac is located between Yverdon and Bern. It is the capital of the district of Broye.-History:...
- Glâne with capital Romont
- Gruyère with capital BulleBulleBulle is a municipality in the district of Gruyère in the canton of Fribourg in Switzerland. In January 2006 Bulle incorporated the formerly independent municipality of La Tour-de-Trême.-History:...
- Saane with capital FribourgFribourgFribourg is the capital of the Swiss canton of Fribourg and the district of Sarine. It is located on both sides of the river Saane/Sarine, on the Swiss plateau, and is an important economic, administrative and educational center on the cultural border between German and French Switzerland...
- SeeSee DistrictSee District may refer to:* See District, Fribourg, a district in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland* See District, St. Gallen, a former district in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland...
with capital MurtenMurtenMurten is a municipality in the See district of the canton of Fribourg in Switzerland.It is located on the southern shores of Lake Morat. Morat is situated between Bern and Lausanne and is the capital of the Lake District of the canton of Fribourg.... - Sense with capital TafersTafersTafers is a municipality in the district of Sense in the canton of Fribourg in Switzerland.-External links:*...
- Veveyse with capital Châtel-Saint-DenisChâtel-Saint-DenisChâtel-Saint-Denis is a municipality and district capital of the district of Veveyse in the canton of Fribourg in Switzerland.The bog and Lac de Lussy are a nature preserve.-External links:* /...
Solothurn
From 2005, Solothurn's ten districts are merged pairwise into five electoral districts, termed Amtei. From 2005, districts only have a statistical meaning.- Bucheggberg, Amtei Wasseramt-Bucheggberg
- Dorneck, Amtei Dorneck-Thierstein (unofficially Schwarzbubenland)
- Gäu, Amtei Thal-Gäu
- Gösgen, Amtei Olten-Gösgen (unofficially Niederamt)
- Lebern, Amtei Solothurn-Lebern
- Olten, Amtei Olten-Gösgen
- Solothurn, Amtei Solothurn-Lebern
- Thal, Amtei Thal-Gäu
- Thierstein, Amtei Dorneck-Thierstein
- Wasseramt, Amtei Wasseramt-Bucheggberg
Basel-Landschaft
Basel-Landschaft is divided into 5 districts:- Arlesheim with capital ArlesheimArlesheimArlesheim is a municipality in the district of Arlesheim in the canton of Basel-Country in Switzerland. Its cathedral chapter seat, bishop's residence and cathedral are listed as a heritage site of national significance....
- Laufen with capital LaufenLaufen, Basel-CountryLaufen is a municipality and the capital of the district of Laufen in the canton of Basel-Country in Switzerland.Laufen is a principal train station for the surrounding area, connecting it to Basel.-History:...
- Liestal with capital LiestalLiestalLiestal is the capital of the canton of Basel-Country in Switzerland, south of Basel.It is an industrial town with a cobbled-street Old Town.-History:...
- Sissach with capital SissachSissachSissach is a municipality and the capital of the district of Sissach in the canton of Basel-Country in Switzerland.-Geography:Sissach has an area, , of . Of this area, or 28.2% is used for agricultural purposes, while or 46.6% is forested...
- Waldenburg with capital WaldenburgWaldenburg, SwitzerlandWaldenburg is a municipality in the canton of Basel-Country in Switzerland, and the capital of the district of the same name.-Geography:Waldenburg has an area, , of . Of this area, or 31.4% is used for agricultural purposes, while or 62.4% is forested...
Appenzell Innerrhoden
In Appenzell InnerrhodenAppenzell Innerrhoden
Appenzell Innerrhoden is the smallest canton of Switzerland by population and the second smallest by area, Basel-City having less area.-Foundation:...
districts are the lowest administrative division: the canton is not subdivided in municipalities. Because of that, for firefighting, energy and water, the town Appenzell
Appenzell (town)
Appenzell is the capital of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in Switzerland. Appenzell has no municipal government of its own; rather, the different parts of Appenzell belong to the districts Appenzell, Schwende and Rüte...
has a special-purpose municipality, the Feuerschaugemeinde
Feuerschaugemeinde
Feuerschaugemeinde is a special-purpose municipality for firefighting, energy and water for the town Appenzell, capital of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in Switzerland. The special-purpose municipality exists because parts of the town Appenzell belong to the districts Appenzell, Schwende and...
.
The Canton is divided into 6 districts:
- Appenzell
- GontenGontenGonten District is a district of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in Switzerland.-History:Gonten is first mentioned in 1200 as Gumbton. This refers to a pool of water, which points at the nearby peat-bog.-Geography:...
- Oberegg
- RüteRüteRüte District is a district in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in Switzerland.-Name:The name Rüte goes back to Reuten, which refers to the German word roden...
- Schlatt-HaslenSchlatt-HaslenSchlatt-Haslen District is a district of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in Switzerland. It was formally established in 1872 from the rhode Schlatt and the village Haslen.-Name:...
- SchwendeSchwendeSchwende District is a district in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in Switzerland.-Name:In the 12th century the name was recorded as Swendi or swandjan. This is a derivate of the German expression schwinden machen ....
St. Gallen
The canton abolished the district level in 2003, but it remains divided into eight constituencies (Wahlkreise) without administrative significance:- Rheintal with capital AltstättenAltstättenAltstätten is a town in the district Rhine Valley, in the canton of St. Gall in Switzerland.- Overview :The town consists of the following tracts: Alter Zoll, Altstätten, Bächis, Baumert, Bieser, Büeberg, Bühl, Bühl , Bühl bei Hinterforst, Burgfeld, Bürglen, Burst, Domishäuser, Fidern, Gätziberg,...
- RorschachRorschach (Wahlkreis)Rorschach is a constituency in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. Wahlkreis has been established on June 10, 2001, totalling 40,454 inhabitants on an area of 50.37 km². Rorschach is the capital of the Wahlkreis....
with capital Rorschach - Sarganserland with capital SargansSargansSargans is a municipality in the Wahlkreis of Sarganserland in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland.Sargans is known for its castle, which dates from before the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291...
- See-GasterSee-Gaster (Wahlkreis)See-Gaster is a constituency in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The Wahlkreis has been established on June 10, 2001 with an area of .It was formed from See District and Gaster District.-Demographics:...
with capital Rapperswil-JonaRapperswil-JonaRapperswil-Jona is a municipality in the Wahlkreis of See-Gaster in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland.Besides Rapperswil and Jona, which were separate municipalities until 2006, the municipality includes Bollingen, Busskirch, Curtiberg, Kempraten-Lenggis, Wagen, and Wurmsbach.-Today:On... - St. GallenSt. Gallen (Wahlkreis)St. Gallen is a constituency in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The Wahlkreis has been established on June 10, 2001 with an area of . The Wahlkreis has its name by the city of St. Gallen.-Demographics:...
with capital St. GallenSt. GallenSt. Gallen is the capital of the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. It evolved from the hermitage of Saint Gall, founded in the 7th century. Today, it is a large urban agglomeration and represents the center of eastern Switzerland. The town mainly relies on the service sector for its economic... - Toggenburg with capital LichtensteigLichtensteigLichtensteig is a municipality in the Wahlkreis of Toggenburg in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland.-History:Lichtensteig is first mentioned in 1228 as Liehtvnsteige. In 1310 it was mentioned as Liechtensteig.-Geography:...
- WerdenbergWerdenberg (Wahlkreis)Werdenberg is a constituency in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The Wahlkreis was established on June 10, 2001. The Wahlkreis has its name by the municipality Grabs-Werdenberg.-Demographics:...
with capital BuchsBuchs, St. GallenBuchs is a municipality in the Wahlkreis of Werdenberg in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland.-Geography:Buchs has an area, , of . Of this area, 39.6% is used for agricultural purposes, while 27.8% is forested... - WilWil (Wahlkreis)Wil is a district of the canton of St.Gallen, Switzerland. It is named after the regional centre Wil, which is the largest city of the district.However, the district capital is Jonschwil.-Demographics:District Wil has a population of...
with capital WilWilWil is the capital of the Wahlkreis of Wil in the canton of St. Gallen in Switzerland.Wil is the third largest city in the Canton of St. Gallen, after the city of St...
Graubünden
GraubündenGraubünden
Graubünden or Grisons is the largest and easternmost canton of Switzerland. The canton shares borders with the cantons of Ticino, Uri, Glarus and St. Gallen and international borders with Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein...
is divided into 11 districts:
- Albula with capital TiefencastelTiefencastelTiefencastel is a municipality in the district of Albula in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.-History:Tiefencastel is first mentioned in 831 as in Castello Impitinis. Starting around in the 14th Century it was known as Tüffenkasten.-Geography:Tiefencastel has an area, , of...
- Bernina with capital PoschiavoPoschiavoPoschiavo is a municipality in the district of Bernina in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.-History:Poschiavo is first mentioned in 824 as in Postclave though this comes from a later copy of the original document.. In 1140 it was mentioned as de Pusclauio. It was formerly known by the...
- Hinterrhein with capital ThusisThusisThusis is a municipality in the district of Hinterrhein in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.-Geography:Thusis has an area, , of . Of this area, 18% is used for agricultural purposes, while 58.2% is forested...
- Imboden with capital Domat/EmsDomat/EmsDomat/Ems is a municipality in the district of Imboden in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.- History :Domat/Ems is first mentioned in 765 as colonia de Amede. Ems is the German name for the municipality, Domat is the Romansh name and since 1943 the official name has been the combination of both.-...
- InnInn (district of Switzerland)Inn District is an administrative district in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It has an area of and has a population of .It consists of four Kreise and thirteen municipalities:-Languages:...
with capital ScuolScuolScuol is a municipality in the district of Inn in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The official language in Scuol is Romansh.-Name:The official name has undergone several changes in the 20th century:... - Landquart with capital IgisIgisIgis is a municipality in the district of Landquart in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Far more known than its proper name Igis is its hamlet Landquart, for its Rail Station and motorway exit.-History:...
- Maloja with capital SamedanSamedanSamedan is a town and municipality in the district of Maloja in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.-History:Samedan is first mentioned in 1139 as Samaden. In 1334 it was mentioned as Semeden, in 1367 as Semaden, in 1498 as Sumada and in 1527 as Sameden...
- Moesa with capital RoveredoRoveredoRoveredo is a municipality in the district of Moësa in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.-Geography:Roveredo has an area, , of . Of this area, 8.6% is used for agricultural purposes, while 75% is forested...
- Plessur with capital ChurChurChur or Coire is the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden and lies in the northern part of the canton.-History:The name "chur" derives perhaps from the Celtic kora or koria, meaning "tribe", or from the Latin curia....
- Prättigau/DavosPrättigau/Davos DistrictPrättigau/Davos District is an administrative district in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It has an area of and has a population of .It consists of seven Kreise and fifteen municipalities:...
with capital DavosDavosDavos is a municipality in the district of Prättigau/Davos in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It has a permanent population of 11,248 . Davos is located on the Landwasser River, in the Swiss Alps, between the Plessur and Albula Range... - Surselva with capital IlanzIlanzIlanz is a municipality in the district of Surselva in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.-History:Ilanz is first mentioned in 765 as Iliande. Ilanz became the capital of the newly formed Grey League in 1395. The Grey League was the second of Three Leagues which eventually formed canton Graubünden...
Aargau
AargauAargau
Aargau is one of the more northerly cantons of Switzerland. It comprises the lower course of the river Aare, which is why the canton is called Aar-gau .-History:...
is divided into 11 districts:
- Aarau with capital AarauAarauAarau is the capital of the northern Swiss canton of Aargau. The city is also the capital of the district of Aarau. It is German-speaking and predominantly Protestant. Aarau is situated on the Swiss plateau, in the valley of the Aar, on the river's right bank, and at the southern foot of the Jura...
- BadenBaden (district, Aargau)Baden District is a district in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. The district capital is the town of Baden and the largest municipality is Wettingen, located in the Limmat Valley . The district has a total of 26 municipalities, an area of , and a population of about 129,000.-Geography:Baden...
with capital BadenBaden, SwitzerlandBaden is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Aargau, on the west bank of the river Limmat, located in the Limmat Valley , northwest of Zürich. It is the seat of the district of Baden... - Bremgarten with capital Bremgarten
- Brugg with capital BruggBrugg, SwitzerlandBrugg is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Aargau and is the seat of the district of the same name. The city is located at the confluence of the Reuss, Aare, and Limmat Rivers, with the Aare flowing through the city’s old town...
- Kulm with capital UnterkulmUnterkulmUnterkulm is a municipality in the district of Kulm in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland.-History:Both Roman ruins near the church and late-Roman coins at Sonnenhof indicate that the area near Unterkulm was settled during the Roman era. However, Unterkulm is first mentioned in 1045 as Chulenbare...
- Laufenburg with capital LaufenburgLaufenburg, SwitzerlandLaufenburg is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It is the seat of the district of the same name. On 1 January 2010 the municipality Sulz merged into Laufenburg....
- Lenzburg with capital LenzburgLenzburgLenzburg is a town in the central region of the Swiss canton Aargau and is the capital of the district of the same name. The town, founded in the Middle Ages, lies in the Seetal valley, about 3 kilometres south of the Aare river. Lenzburg and the neighbouring municipalities of Niederlenz and...
- Muri with capital MuriMuriMuri, Formerly known as Muri , is a municipality in southeastern Swiss Canton Aargau and is the capital of same district. The present municipality of Muri was created in 1816 from the merging of the four municipalities Langdorf, Egg, Hasli and Wey....
- Rheinfelden with capital RheinfeldenRheinfeldenRheinfelden is a municipality in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland, seat of the district of Rheinfelden. It is located 15 kilometres east of Basel. The name means the fields of the Rhine, as the town is located on the Hochrhein. It is home to Feldschlösschen, the most popular beer in...
- Zofingen with capital ZofingenZofingenZofingen is a city in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland. It is the capital of the district of Zofingen. Zofingen is a walled city and home of an ancient monastic settlement.-Geography:...
- Zurzach with capital Zurzach
Thurgau
ThurgauThurgau
Thurgau is a northeast canton of Switzerland. The population, , is . In 2007, there were a total of 47,390 who were resident foreigners. The capital is Frauenfeld.-History:...
is divided into five districts, and each is named after its capital:
- Arbon with capital ArbonArbonArbon may refer to:* Arbon, Haute-Garonne, French commune* Arbon, Switzerland* Arbon , in Switzerland* Arbon Valley, Idaho...
- Frauenfeld with capital FrauenfeldFrauenfeldFrauenfeld is the capital of the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland.-Early history:The earliest trace of human settlement are several La Tène era graves to the east of Langdorf. The Roman road from Oberwinterthur to Pfyn ran through what is now the Allmend in Frauenfeld. Two Roman villas were...
- Kreuzlingen with capital KreuzlingenKreuzlingenKreuzlingen is a municipality in the district of Kreuzlingen in the canton of Thurgau in north-eastern Switzerland. It is the seat of the district and is the second largest city of the canton, after Frauenfeld, with a population of over 18,000...
- Münchwilen with capital MünchwilenMünchwilen, ThurgauMünchwilen is a municipality and district capital of the district of Münchwilen in the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland.-History:Münchwilen is first mentioned in 1160 as Munchiwillar. Oberhofen bei Münchwilen is first mentioned in 1160-70 as Obirhovin. Sankt Margarethen is first mentioned in 1275...
- Weinfelden with capital WeinfeldenWeinfeldenWeinfelden is a municipality in the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland. It is the capital of the district of the same name.Weinfelden is an old town, which was known during Roman times as Quivelda .-History:...
Ticino
TicinoTicino
Canton Ticino or Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland. Named after the Ticino river, it is the only canton in which Italian is the sole official language...
is divided into 8 districts:
- Bellinzona with capital BellinzonaBellinzonaBellinzona is the administrative capital of the canton Ticino in Switzerland. The city is famous for its three castles that have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000....
- Blenio with capital Acquarossa
- Leventina with capital FaidoFaidoFaido is the capital of the district of Leventina in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland.On 29 January 2006, Faido grew by incorporating the villages of Chiggiogna, Rossura, and Calonico.-History:...
- Locarno with capital LocarnoLocarnoLocarno is the capital of the Locarno district, located on the northern tip of Lake Maggiore in the Swiss canton of Ticino, close to Ascona at the foot of the Alps. It has a population of about 15,000...
- Lugano with capital LuganoLuganoLugano is a city of inhabitants in the city proper and a total of over 145,000 people in the agglomeration/city region, in the south of Switzerland, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, which borders Italy...
- Mendrisio with capital MendrisioMendrisioMendrisio is a municipality in the district of Mendrisio in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland.Mendrisio is the seat of the Accademia di Architettura of the university of Italian speaking Switzerland ....
- Riviera with capital BiascaBiascaBiasca is a town of the district of Riviera in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland.-History:Biasca is first mentioned in 830 as Aviasca in the Liber viventium of Pfäfers Abbey. In 1119 it was mentioned as Abiasca.-Early history:...
- Vallemaggia with capital CevioCevioCevio is the capital of the district of Vallemaggia in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. On 22 October 2006 Cevio grew by incorporating the villages of Bignasco and Cavergno, previously municipalities in their own right.-History:...
Vaud
VaudVaud
Vaud is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and is located in Romandy, the French-speaking southwestern part of the country. The capital is Lausanne. The name of the Canton in Switzerland's other languages are Vaud in Italian , Waadt in German , and Vad in Romansh.-History:Along the lakes,...
is divided into 10 districts:
- Aigle with capital AigleAigleAigle is the capital of the district of Aigle in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. The town has a population of 8,100 people.The name of this municipality in French means eagle.-Geography:...
- Broye-Vully with capital PayernePayernePayerne is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud. It was the seat of the district of Payerne, and is now part of the district of Broye-Vully....
- Gros-de-Vaud with capital EchallensEchallensEchallens is a municipality in the district of Gros-de-Vaud in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland.-History:The territory of the municipality was already settled very early. There are remains of a Bronze Age foundry....
- Jura-North Vaudois with capital Yverdon-les-BainsYverdon-les-BainsYverdon-les-Bains is a municipality in the district of Jura-Nord vaudois of the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It is the seat of the district...
- Lausanne with capital LausanneLausanneLausanne is a city in Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland, and is the capital of the canton of Vaud. The seat of the district of Lausanne, the city is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva . It faces the French town of Évian-les-Bains, with the Jura mountains to its north-west...
- Lavaux-Oron with capital Cully
- Morges with capital MorgesMorgesMorges is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud, located in the district of Morges and is also the seat of the district.-History:...
- Nyon with capital NyonNyonNyon is a municipality in the district of Nyon in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. It is located some 25 kilometers north east of Geneva's city centre, and since the 1970s it has become part of the Geneva metropolitan area. It lies on the shores of Lake Geneva, and is the seat of the district of...
- Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut with capital VeveyVeveyVevey is a town in Switzerland in the canton Vaud, on the north shore of Lake Geneva, near Lausanne.It was the seat of the district of the same name until 2006, and is now part of the Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut District...
- Ouest Lausannois with capital RenensRenensRenens is a municipality in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It is located in the district of Ouest lausannois, and is a suburb of the city of Lausanne. It is the fourth largest city in the canton. It is considered a very multiethnic town, as more than 50% of the inhabitants are resident foreign...
Valais
ValaisValais
The Valais is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland in the southwestern part of the country, around the valley of the Rhône from its headwaters to Lake Geneva, separating the Pennine Alps from the Bernese Alps. The canton is one of the drier parts of Switzerland in its central Rhône valley...
is divided into 13 districts, representing the 13 stars on the flag of Valais:
- Brig with capital Brig-Glis
- Conthey with capital ContheyContheyConthey is a municipality in the district of Conthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Conthey is first mentioned about 800 as curtis Contextis. In 1146 it was mentioned as ecclesiam de Plano Contesio.-Geography:...
- Entremont with capital SembrancherSembrancherSembrancher is a municipality in the district of Entremont in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Sembrancher is first mentioned in 1177 as Sancti Pancratii de Branchi. Its German name St Branschier is no longer used.-Geography:...
- Goms with capital Münster-GeschinenMünster-GeschinenMünster-Geschinen is a village in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It was formed in 2004 from the union of the municipalities of Münster and Geschinen.-History:...
- Hérens with capital EvolèneEvolèneEvolène is a municipality in the district of Hérens in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Evolène is first mentioned in 1250 as Ewelina. In 1444 it was mentioned as in loco de Evolena.- Avalanches of the 21st of February, 1999 :...
- Leuk with capital LeukLeukLeuk is a municipality in the district of Leuk in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.Since it controls access to the Gemmi Pass, it had some importance from the time of Roman Raetia. The Leukerbad thermal baths are just North of Leuk, towards the pass...
- Martigny with capital Martigny
- Monthey with capital MontheyMontheyMonthey is the capital of the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.- History :The castle in the town center was built in 950 on a hill, the first houses of Monthey surrounded it. Monthey is first mentioned in 1215 as Montez At the 13th century, the counts of Savoy owned the...
- Saint-Maurice with capital Saint-Maurice
- Sierre with capital SierreSierreSierre is the capital of the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of 14,355.It is situated on the French–German language border of the canton of Wallis...
- Sion with capital SionSion, SwitzerlandSion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais. it had a population of .Landmarks include the Basilique de Valère and Château de Tourbillon. Sion has an airfield for civilian and military use, which, because of its location in a valley, causes a reasonable amount of noise pollution. FC Sion...
- Visp with capital VispVispVisp is the capital of the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Visp has an area, , of . Of this area, 17.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 59.7% is forested...
District Raron is divided into:
- Östlich Raron with capital Mörel-FiletMörel-FiletMörel-Filet is a municipality in the district of Östlich Raron in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It was formed on 1. January 2009 when Mörel and Filet were merged.-History:...
- Westlich Raron with capital RaronRaronRaron is a municipality in the district of Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Raron is first mentioned around 1101-1200 as Rarogni...
Neuchâtel
The Canton of NeuchâtelCanton of Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel is a canton of French speaking western Switzerland. In 2007, its population was 169,782 of which 39,654 were foreigners. The capital is Neuchâtel.-History:...
is divided into 6 districts:
- Boudry with capital BoudryBoudryBoudry is the capital of the district of Boudry in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland.-History:Boudry is first mentioned in 1278 as Baudri.There are numerous prehistoric settlements around Boudry...
- La Chaux-de-Fonds with capital La Chaux-de-FondsLa Chaux-de-FondsLa Chaux-de-Fonds is a Swiss city of the district of La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchâtel. It is located in the Jura mountains at an altitude of 1000 m, a few kilometres from the French border. After Geneva and Lausanne, it is the third largest city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of...
- Le Locle with capital Le LocleLe LocleLe Locle is a municipality in the district of Le Locle in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland.It is situated in the Jura mountains, a few kilometers from the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds....
- Neuchâtel with capital Neuchâtel
- Val-de-Ruz with capital CernierCernierCernier is the capital of the district of Val-de-Ruz in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland.The municipalities of Boudevilliers, Cernier, Chézard-Saint-Martin, Coffrane, Dombresson, Engollon, Fenin-Vilars-Saules, Fontainemelon, Fontaines, Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane, Les Hauts-Geneveys,...
- Val-de-Travers with capital Val-de-TraversVal-de-TraversVal-de-Travers is a municipality in the district of Val-de-Travers in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. It was created on 1 January 2009, when the former municipalities of Boveresse, Buttes, Couvet, Fleurier, Les Bayards, Môtiers, Noiraigue, Saint-Sulpice and Travers merged to form...
Jura
The Canton of JuraCanton of Jura
The Republic and Canton of the Jura , also known as the Canton of Jura or Canton Jura, is one of the cantons of Switzerland. It is the newest of the 26 Swiss cantons, located in the northwestern part of Switzerland. The capital is Delémont...
is divided into 3 districts:
- Delémont with capital DelémontDelémontDelémont is the capital of the Swiss canton of Jura. The city has approximately 11,000 inhabitants as of 2007.-Geography:Delémont lies southwest of Basel, about halfway between Basel and Bienne...
- Porrentruy with capital PorrentruyPorrentruyPorrentruy is a Swiss municipality and seat of the district of the same name located in the canton of Jura.-Geography:The municipality lies on both sides of the Allaine River, in Ajoie at the foot of the Jura Mountains on the north...
- Franches-Montagnes with capital SaignelégierSaignelégierSaignelégier is a municipality in the canton of Jura in Switzerland. It is the seat of the district of Franches-Montagnes. On 1 January 2009, the formerly independent municipalities of Goumois and Les Pommerats merged into Saignelégier....