Crossing Switzerland in the footsteps of Mozart

250 years ago, between August 20 and October 16 1766, the Mozart family passed through what is now Switzerland. They were on their way back from a grand tour of Western Europe, after a final French stop in Lyon. Parents Leopold and Anna Maria Mozart, children Maria Anna (called Nannerl) and Wolfgang had their own coach. Mozart's Swiss Itinerary is located between the French border at Geneva and the German border near Schleitheim, in the canton of Schaffhausen. On the Swiss route, Leopold Mozart gave concerts with his two child prodigies in Geneva, Lausanne, Berne, Zurich and Schaffhausen. These concerts aroused the same astonishment and enthusiasm here as they had earlier in London and Paris.
Ten years ago, on the occasion of Mozart Year 2006, the "Swiss Mozart Route" association was founded. Its aim was to research the historical route and make it visible through steles and commemorative plaques. The European Mozart Routes were added to the Council of Europe's Directory of Cultural Routes in 2002. The Mozart Routes create links with the unique work of this composer, with classical music in general, and with the history and culture of the time of this journey.

A bus for the 250th
To mark the 250th anniversary of this journey, a celebration will be held on September 11 in Coppet, Prangins and Morges. In the morning, a "250th anniversary bus" will be inaugurated in Coppet in the presence of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin. The bus will then head for Prangins and Morges. Musical interludes will take place along the way.

More info: mozartweg.ch/en