Switzerland is the most seismically active country in central Europe, with frequent quakes in the Valais and Basel regions. This page pulls real records for Switzerland: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Switzerland.
Check Switzerland hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near Switzerland - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Switzerland - FAQ
Is Switzerland at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 4 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M6.2 in 1946.
What was the biggest earthquake in Switzerland?
The strongest earthquake on record near Switzerland is M6.2, in 1946 (2 km WNW of Kandersteg, Switzerland), from USGS.
Does Switzerland get tsunamis?
Yes - 13 tsunamis since 563 (most recently 1996) within 300 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 100 people.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Switzerland?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.