It is strictly regulated.
Metal detecting in Swiss public parks is generally prohibited under the Federal Act on the Protection of Cultural Property (KGSG) and cantonal heritage laws, with exceptions requiring permits. Local municipalities enforce additional restrictions, often banning all non-professional metal detecting in urban green spaces. Violations may result in fines up to CHF 100,000 under federal law, while cantons like Zurich and Geneva impose supplementary penalties for unauthorized searches.
Key Regulations for Metal Detecting in Public Parks in Switzerland
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Federal Cultural Heritage Protection (KGSG): Metal detecting without a permit is illegal in areas with potential archaeological significance, as defined by the Swiss Federal Office of Culture (BAK). Public parks in historic districts (e.g., Old Towns of Bern or Lausanne) fall under this scope.
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Cantonal and Municipal Bylaws: Most cantons (e.g., Vaud, Ticino) explicitly ban metal detecting in public parks, with exceptions for licensed archaeologists. Municipalities like Geneva and Basel enforce additional local ordinances, often requiring written authorization from park authorities or heritage agencies.
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Penalties and Enforcement: Unauthorized metal detecting triggers fines under KGSG, with cantonal heritage offices (e.g., Service cantonal d’archéologie in Geneva) conducting inspections. Repeat offenses may lead to confiscation of equipment and criminal charges under Article 24 KGSG.