No democracy without archives
The Swiss Federal Archives preserve the documentation of government actions and make it accessible. This enables the administration to account for its activities and work more efficiently. For the public and researchers alike, archiving is essential for the formation of independent, critical opinions in a democratic state under the rule of law. Research in the Federal Archives can be carried out online or on site.
Reading Room: Ordering of Documents and Reservation of a Workstation
Please order the documents you wish to study and reserve a workstation via the online access. For more information, please go to Ordering and Consulting.
News
Summer closure 2026
Reading rooms: Summer closure from 13 July to and including 3 August
New building project in Zollikofen reviewed
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (EFK) has audited the project to construct a new archive building for the Swiss Federal Archives in Zollikofen and has concluded that the audit findings paint a positive picture.
New design for SIARD Suite
The Federal Archives operate and maintain the open-source software SIARD Suite to archive relational databases. It has now been updated, and the latest release also features a new design. Users are guided step by step through the archiving process. You can find further information on using SIARD Suite and a link to download it here.
Topics
Online access
The online access to the Federal Archives database can be used to search the fonds of the Federal Archives and order the desired source materials.
Archiving digital documents
The digital documents of the Swiss Confederation held in the Federal Archives are drawn primarily from records and process management systems and databases. The Federal Archives ensure their authenticity, integrity and long-term usability, so that the actions of government remain transparent in the digital age.
Research tips
To help you get started with your research, the Swiss Federal Archives offer tips on frequently requested topics as well as comprehensive inventories.
More from the Federal Archives
Minutes of the Federal Council (1848-1975)
On the “Minutes of the Federal Council (1848–1975)” page, you can search both the handwritten and typewritten minutes of Federal Council decisions using search terms.
Swiss Film Newsreels
Scene search or search for text in the Swiss Film Newsreels
Official publications
The Federal Archives make digitised documents available on the website Amtsdruckschriften, in particular official publications and texts on historical topics. The most frequently used source materials from the Federal Archives include Federal Council minutes and the Federal Gazette.
Swiss Federal Archives
Archivstrasse 24
CH - 3003 Bern