Kantone
Alle 26 Kantone der Schweiz – Sexarbeit-Guide
Vollständige Übersicht aller Schweizer Kantone mit Regulierungs-Details, Anlaufstellen und Sperrgebieten.
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1
Zürich
The canton of Zurich is considered one of the most liberal and, at the same time, best-regulated locations for sex work in Switzerland. With the opening of the Sihlquai-Areal sex drive-in in 2013 (now known as the Depotweg service booths), Zurich has attracted attention throughout Europe. The estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sex workers in the canton work primarily indoors (salons, establishments, their own apartments).
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2
Bern
In 2013, the Canton of Bern enacted its own Prostitution Act (ProstG), one of the most detailed in Switzerland. It regulates the activities of sex workers as well as those of salon and brothel operators. With "Xenia," Bern operates one of the oldest and most renowned counseling centers in Europe (since 1985).
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3
Basel-Stadt
Basel-Stadt is the only canton with an almost entirely urban character and a correspondingly compact sex work scene. An estimated 800–1,200 sex workers, almost exclusively indoor (salons in the Webergasse, Klybeck, and Kleinhüningen areas). No street prostitution.
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4
Genf
Geneva has one of the strictest prostitution laws in Switzerland (LProst 2009, revised in 2017). It requires mandatory registration and imposes heavy fines for violations, yet the industry has an international focus with a large number of foreign sex workers. Aspasie—Switzerland’s oldest counseling center (since 1982)—is based in Geneva.
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5
Waadt
The canton of Vaud, with Lausanne as its center, introduced a prostitution law (LPros) in 2004 that has been criticized by sex workers for its restrictive advertising and zoning regulations. An estimated 1,500–2,500 sex workers operate in Lausanne, working in a mix of brothels, indoor apartments, and a limited number of street-based locations.
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6
Tessin
In 2017, Ticino enacted its own prostitution law (LProst), which introduced a mandatory cantonal registration requirement. The industry is shaped by its proximity to Italy: many sex workers commute, and a large portion of the clientele comes from northern Italy. Main hubs: Lugano, Chiasso, Mendrisio.
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7
St. Gallen
The canton of St. Gallen does not have its own legislation on prostitution; instead, it applies federal law and general police and business regulations. There are an estimated 600–800 sex workers, primarily working indoors in salons (in the city of St. Gallen, Wil, and Rorschach).
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8
Luzern
The canton of Lucerne has a significant sex work scene, particularly in the city of Lucerne and around Lake Sempach. There are approximately 400–600 sex workers, almost exclusively working indoors (salons, apartments).
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9
Aargau
With over 200 registered brothels (as of 2023), the canton of Aargau is one of the areas with the highest concentration of indoor sex work in German-speaking Switzerland. Its convenient location between Zurich, Basel, and Bern makes it attractive to a commuter clientele.
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10
Solothurn
Solothurn is home to Lysistrada—one of Switzerland’s leading counseling centers for sex workers, founded in 2002. The canton itself has a moderate number of brothels, primarily in Olten, Solothurn, and Grenchen.
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11
Freiburg
A bilingual canton with a modest sex work scene, primarily in the city of Fribourg and Bulle. An estimated 200–400 sex workers, almost exclusively working indoors.
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12
Graubünden
Tourism-driven with seasonal fluctuations (Davos, St. Moritz, Arosa). A relatively small scene outside of peak season, with increased demand during peak season. Approximately 150–300 active sex workers.
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13
Zug
A small, affluent canton with a correspondingly small but wealthy clientele. An estimated 100–200 sex workers, primarily in salons in Zug and Cham.
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14
Schwyz
Rural and conservative in character, with few brothels (primarily in Pfäffikon SZ and the surrounding area of Einsiedeln). An estimated 80–150 active sex workers.
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15
Neuenburg
A small canton in western Switzerland with its own legislation on prostitution (Law on Prostitution, 2014). An estimated 200–350 sex workers, primarily in Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds.
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16
Wallis
A bilingual tourism canton (Sion, Sierre, Visp, Brig, and the tourist hotspots of Zermatt, Verbier, and Crans-Montana). Highly seasonal. Has its own cantonal regulations on prostitution, including a registration requirement.
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17
Thurgau
A predominantly rural area with a small indoor scene concentrated primarily in Frauenfeld and Kreuzlingen. Approximately 100–200 active sex workers.
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18
Schaffhausen
The smallest canton in German-speaking Switzerland, with a small scene (estimated at 50–100 people), primarily in the city of Schaffhausen. Its proximity to the German border shapes the clientele.
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19
Appenzell Ausserrhoden
A very small, rural community with few salons. More liberal practices than in the Catholic canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden.
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20
Appenzell Innerrhoden
The smallest canton in Switzerland, with a strongly Catholic and conservative character. There is virtually no visible sex work scene.
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21
Glarus
A small mountainous canton with a minimal scene. Few salons, primarily in Glarus and Näfels.
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22
Uri
Very rural, easily accessible via the Gotthard Route but conservative. Virtually no visible indoor scene.
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23
Nidwalden
A small canton in Central Switzerland, economically attractive (tax haven), socially conservative. Few salons.
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24
Obwalden
Rural and Catholic, a tourist canton (Engelberg, Sachseln). A very small community.
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25
Basel-Landschaft
The Basel-Stadt metropolitan area, with many salons in the suburbs (Pratteln, Muttenz, Allschwil) serving as alternative locations for businesses near the city center.
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26
Jura
The smallest canton in French-speaking Switzerland, rural. A very small scene, primarily in Delémont and Porrentruy.