LIBERTAS — The Swiss Alpine Rally
Gersau bought its freedom — for 690 pounds of pfennigs. For some four centuries, the village on Lake Lucerne governed itself: its own courts, its own taxes, its own militia, and from 1433 the Emperor's seal. It was the smallest free republic Europe has ever seen.
LIBERTAS is an annual three-day touring rally for classic and exceptional sports cars. Every day starts and ends in Gersau. At 17:45 the field returns to the republic — the signature hour, named for the year of the old town hall: 1745.
First edition 2027. The date will follow.
On Friday at 17:45, the mayor confers on every driver the honorary citizenship of the old free republic of Gersau — for the weekend, with a sealed charter, in the old town hall of 1745. The weekend does not begin with a starting signal. It begins with an oath.
Every crew receives one Gersauer Gulden — the currency the people of Gersau created for themselves on the 200th anniversary of their republic. Some spend it in the village. Most keep it for life.
On Friday evening the ship sets out for the Rütli; dinner is served on the water. At the site of the oath, a local tells the story of the fight for freedom. The return runs through the night beneath the Rigi.
The self-determined: founders, owner-entrepreneurs, and collectors who built something of their own — and want it to outlast them. People who meet as equals.
The field is curated. Every car earns its place through its story — the car's own, or its owner's.
Friday — the arrival. The cars come in; those who wish arrive as the centuries did — across the water, on the Beckenried–Gersau car ferry. At 17:45 the Investiture, then the Crossing to the Rütli.
Saturday — the Founding Route. Roadbook-guided through the heart of Switzerland. At 17:45 the finish into Gersau; in the evening, the table in the village.
Sunday — the High Passes. In the morning, the local museum in the old town hall opens the republic's history. At 17:45 the final finish, then the closing ceremony on the village square.
Scoring is by points — regularity and roadbook trials; Swiss road traffic law applies in full. Places 1–3 are honored; every crew takes home its commemorative plaque.
LIBERTAS is by invitation. The fee covers the weekend. The way: you register your interest. The curators read the story. The invitation follows personally. Participation is not published.
The weekend also belongs to Gersau. The village's hotels, restaurants, and kitchens carry every table; the value stays in the village. And LIBERTAS is built with partners and sponsors who carry that character.
