Venue Guide: Everything you need to know about Geneva

Find out what makes Geneva a unique venue on the SailGP calendar

Published 09/17/2026

The 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship arrives in Geneva for this weekend’s Switzerland Sail Grand Prix – the only freshwater venue on the calendar.

Lac Leman is hosting for a second time and will provide a different challenge for the 13 international teams going head-to-head for Championship points this weekend.

So whether you’re on the ground in Geneva to support the U.S. SailGP Team, or cheering on from home, here’s everything you need to know about Switzerland’s second most-populous city.

1. The Peace Capital of the World

While Switzerland itself does not have an official capital city - with many considering Bern its de facto capital - Geneva goes by another name: the world’s Peace Capital.

The city plays host to the highest number of international organizations from across the globe, including a number of United Nations agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Geneva Conventions on humanitarian treatment in war were signed here after World War I.

2. Money talks

As well as peace, Geneva is known for its financial significance.

Globally ranked as the world’s 15th-most significant financial city, it places fourth by that metric in Europe behind London, Dublin and Frankfurt. In 2024, Geneva was ranked as the world’s fourth most expensive city and has previously been ranked No.1 for gross earnings, too.

Switzerland has remained independent of the European Union and, as such, still utilizes the Swiss Franc. It is considered a stable, safe-haven currency that often increases in value. Imported goods are therefore cheaper to buy in local currency, but domestic costs (and salaries) are high, making the country expensive for visitors.

3. An independent Republic until recently

Geneva wasn't part of Switzerland for much of its history. Until 1815, it was an independent city-state and republic, only joining the Swiss Confederation 111 years ago.

In 1534, the Republic of Geneva claimed independence, breaking from the Catholic Church, the political authority of the Bishop of Geneva and the House of Savoy. Annexed by revolutionary France in 1798, Geneva went from strength-to-strength as a centre of finance, watchmaking and publishing.

Its old motto, Post Tenebras Lux ("After Darkness, Light"), became a rallying cry of the Reformation and still appears on the Geneva coat of arms.

4. What to eat in Geneva

If you’re heading to Geneva this week, be sure to sample some of the city’s local specialties.

Longeole is the most distinctively Genevan offering – a fennel-flavored pork sausage that is simmered slowly before being served with potatoes or lentils.

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Around Lac Leman, filets de perche are considered a lakeside staple. As the name suggests, they’re small perch fillets, lightly floured and served with lemon and fries or potatoes.

More broadly, Swiss classics include fondue, raclette and chocolate – perhaps not the ideal diet for professional athletes looking to keep weight on the boat down!

5. Swiss sporting prowess

While the Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team will be the pride of the region this weekend, it’s ice hockey which is traditionally Geneva’s dominant sport.

The Genevè-Servette Hockey Club is the area’s largest and oldest team. Competing in the National League, Les Aigles won their first championship in 2023 on goal difference.

A year later, they followed that success with their first-ever European silverware, clinching the Champions Hockey League against Skellefteå AIK.

Soccer is also popular and Geneva is home to Servette FC, so named after the borough on the bank of the Rhône. Founded in 1890 as a rugby club, the football section followed a decade later.

It has been a long and arduous journey to the top for Les Grenats, who were relegated to the third tier in 2004 after being declared bankrupt. Today it is the nation’s third most-successful team with 17 league titles and eight Swiss cups.

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