The Women’s European Championship is set to unfold across eight captivating Swiss cities, marking an exhilarating month for soccer fans. Scheduled matches will bring energy and enthusiasm to the streets of Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Sion, St. Gallen, Thun, and Zurich. The action commences this Wednesday with a thrilling opening match between Iceland and Finland at the Arena Thun.
Switzerland’s soccer venues are rich with history, four of them having hosted games during the 2008 Men’s European Championship, co-hosted with Austria. Now, two years ahead of Euro 2025, excitement builds as we take a closer look at these notable locations and the stadiums that will become home to passionate fans and exceptional players.
**Basel**
Recognized as the cultural heartbeat of Switzerland, Basel takes pride in its deep-rooted artistic history, featuring the world’s oldest public art collection at the Kunstmuseum Basel since 1661. As Switzerland’s third-largest city, Basel borders France and Germany, adding a multicultural flair to its identity. The city’s beloved tennis legend, Roger Federer, hails from here, embodying local enthusiasm for sports.
Basel’s St. Jakob-Park is the nation’s largest soccer stadium, with a seating capacity of 34,250. It stands ready to host five matches, including the grand final on July 27. Frequent appearances in the Champions League and memorable matches such as Euro 2008’s quarterfinals have solidified its reputation. Locals fondly call it “Joggeli,” weaving it into the fabric of the city beyond just sports. Aside from soccer, the stadium has welcomed global music icons, enhancing its diverse allure.
**Bern**
At the heart of Switzerland lies its federal capital, Bern, a city where medieval charm intermingles with the rhythms of modern life. Its city center, adorned with historic buildings like the Zytglogge clock tower and the towering Münster cathedral, earns its UNESCO Cultural World Heritage designation. The Stadtion Wankdorf, a vibrant venue, offers seating for 29,800 fans and will be the arena for four Euro 2025 matches, including the Argentine-Spanish faceoff. Beyond sports, concerts and cultural events, such as those featuring Bruce Springsteen, add to its eclectic importance.
**Geneva**
In Geneva, global diplomacy harmonizes with the backdrop of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. The city is a bastion for international organizations like the United Nations. The Stade de Genève, carrying spectators to a capacity of 26,750, channels the city’s worldly nature into its soccer events, having hosted three Euro 2008 group stage games. As a versatile venue, it has seen legendary soccer match-ups and a vibrant parade of rugby and ice hockey events. Euro 2025 will again spotlight Geneva through five matches, showcasing its pivotal role in international sports.
**Lucerne**
Lucerne’s allure lies in its historical charm, known for Europe’s oldest covered bridge from 1333. Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of Lake Lucerne, the city attracts visitors with its colorful townscape narrative. The Allmend Stadion Luzern, opened in 2011, carries a capacity for 14,350 spectators. It will bear witness to key group stage matches featuring debutant teams such as Poland and Wales, cultivating a fresh spirit of competition against a beautiful scenic backdrop.
**Sion**
Steeped in antiquity, Sion offers a picturesque escape coupled with ancient history stretching back to 6200 BC. The Stade de Tourbillon, although the smallest Euro 2025 venue with 7,750 seats, has hosted numerous international fixtures and notable Swiss qualifiers. Perched near the remains of Castle Tourbillon, it weaves history into the fabric of the modern sporting landscape.
**St. Gallen**
A city that celebrates high-altitude views and academic excellence, St. Gallen also proudly presents its arena, a hub capable of seating 16,300. A 2008 addition, Arena St. Gallen will host key group stage matches, including an exciting duel between England and Wales. Sustainable efforts manifest in its expanded solar-electric plant, revealing a commitment to future generations through sport and green energy.
**Thun**
With a scenic location just southeast of Bern, Thun rests quietly at the outflow of Lake Thun into the Aare River. Its majestic 12th-century castle sets a fairy-tale stage for the Arena Thun. Although holding the modest capacity of 8,100 seats, the stadium received special attention for Euro 2025, transforming artificial turf to natural grass for key matches, including Spain’s game against Belgium.
**Zurich**
Zurich stands as Switzerland’s bustling metropolis, resonating with rich cultural offerings and a global status in banking and insurance. The Stadion Letzigrund, with its history of legendary athletic achievements, offers 22,700 seats for Euro 2025. This venue promises electrifying moments as it plays host to group games involving defending champion England, along with a thrilling quarterfinal and semifinal. Event-rich, the stadium remains an immortal ground for athletic achievements, dedicating its history to timeless sporting prowess and an enduring legacy.