World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Olma fair draws 335,000 visitors to St. Gallen over 11 days
The 83rd Olma fair ended after 11 days in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
It brought together agriculture, food and entertainment, and about 335,000 people visited this year.
Around 650 exhibitors took part, while Schwyz was the guest canton, presenting its culture and attractions.
Two members of the Federal Council attended the same Olma for the first time: President Guy Parmelin opened the fair, and Karin Keller-Sutter visited on Schwyz’s day.
The Swiss army’s display drew interest, although some politicians questioned its size, cost and game-like elements.
Police intervened 21 times over aggressive behaviour and 14 times over assaults; one man suffered a skull fracture, while major incidents were otherwise limited.
The 83rd Olma fair in St. Gallen drew about 335,000 visitors over 11 days, according to reports after it ended.
Around 650 exhibitors took part in the Swiss fair focused on agriculture and food.
Canton Schwyz was the guest canton, with about 1,300 people joining its parade watched by around 25,000 spectators.
For the first time, two members of Switzerland’s Federal Council visited the same Olma: Guy Parmelin and Karin Keller-Sutter.
Organizers and police gave the event a positive overall assessment, although police reported more interventions and several thousand francs in property damage.
- Who
- About 335,000 visitors attended the 83rd Olma, which had around 650 exhibitors.
- What
- The Olma, a fair focused on agriculture and food, ended after 11 days.
- When
- It ended on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
- Where
- At the Olma fairgrounds in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
- Why
- Not stated.
Swiss Army showcase organizers
Politicians who criticized the showcase
Aspect
Swiss Army showcase organizers
side A's view
Politicians who criticized the showcase
side B's view
Purpose
Swiss Army showcase organizers
Organizers said the showcase addressed a socially relevant topic and brought the military and public into conversation.
Politicians who criticized the showcase
Politicians questioned its scale, cost and game-like character.
Federal President Guy Parmelin attended the opening of the fair.
Two F/A-18 aircraft flew over the fair on Army Day, and parachutists landed in the Olma arena.
Around 1,300 people from Schwyz joined the parade in St. Gallen, watched by about 25,000 spectators.
The 83rd Olma ended after 11 days.
- Visitors
- About 335,000; one report said more than 335,000
- Exhibitors
- Around 650
- Guest canton
- Schwyz
- Parade participants
- Around 1,300 people from Schwyz
- Parade spectators
- Around 25,000
- Police interventions
- 21 for aggressive behaviour and 14 for physical assaults
3 sources
What people are saying
almost a Switzerland in miniature
During the eleven fair days, there was a peaceful and exuberant atmosphere.