SRF Donnschtig-Jass 2026

The Simmental municipalities of Lenk and St. Stephan are pleased to host the popular SRF live broadcast "Donnschtig-Jass" on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The show will be conducted in cooperation with SRF and brings the traditional Jass format and the region closer to a wide audience across Switzerland. The exact location within the destination will be determined in advance through a Jass qualification game a week prior. Two qualification tournaments are planned, in which local players can qualify for the big live appearance. This not only focuses on the joy of playing, but also on the active involvement of the local population.

In early February, the organizing committee kick-off meeting for the event took place, with committee president being the Lenk mayor René Müller. He emphasizes the significance of the event for the region: "The hosting of 'Donnschtig-Jass' is a great opportunity for us to showcase our destination together with St. Stephan in the best possible way. The format connects Swiss tradition, entertainment, and community, bringing a national broadcast that is invaluable for our region," says René Müller with pleasure. A fixed component of the program is a location portrait that focuses on the scenic, cultural, and tourist highlights of Lenk-Simmental. The live broadcast is complemented by well-known faces from Swiss show business, who provide additional entertainment and national attention. The "Donnschtig-Jass" can only be realized thanks to the great voluntary commitment and the numerous volunteers from our communities.

Reception Rainer Maria Salzgeber Lenk | St. Stephan:

• Rainer Maria Salzgeber will arrive by racing bike on Saturday, July 25, 2026, around 3 p.m.
• The ride from Appenzellerland kicks off the Donnschtig-Jass on July 30, 2026.
• If Lenk wins the Jass, the reception will take place at Rawilstrasse in the village center of Lenk.
• If St. Stephan wins the duel, the reception will be held at the same time at Hotel-Restaurant Diana in St. Stephan.
• The entire population is invited to give the moderator a warm reception at the respective location.

Planned Program
Starting at 11:00 a.m.:
Start of the festival restaurant at TEC-Platz (Lenk) or Diana-Platz (St. Stephan)
12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.:
Rehearsals
Starting at 7:00 p.m.:
Turn off street lighting & turn on lights in nearby houses
Starting at 8:05 p.m.:
Live broadcast
Starting at 10:00 p.m.:
Post-program: SRF playlist
12:00 a.m.:
End of festival operation