Circus Knie is planning big things. Something completely new will be presented at the start of the tour on March 13, 2026 in Rapperswil: This year, the Knie family is relying on technology that will completely redefine the circus experience and amaze the audience. A little later, in Zurich, comedy star Kaya Yanar will once again be whirling through the ring.
A marathon of enthusiasm lies behind the Knie family: last weekend, over 70 artists bid farewell to the four corners of the earth after a triumphant 2025 tour. They performed over 320 shows in a total of 24 cities and enchanted Switzerland with a poetic production. In the middle of it all, guest stars Mike Müller and Viktor Giacobbo provided plenty of laughs and moments of enthusiasm. Géraldine Knie looks back happily and thanks the loyal fans who regularly filled the Chapiteau. But the team is already working flat out on the next chapter.
The circus management has come up with something very special for the 2026 season and promises artistry in a completely new dimension. The secret behind it? An innovative technology that has never been seen before in a traveling circus. This new technology allows light, sound and the artists' movements to merge into a single work of art. Under the name "Dancing Tissues", you can look forward to innovations that will truly transform the circus ring. The aim is to stage classical performances in a modern way and surprise the audience with spectacular effects.
Despite all the technical innovations, Circus Knie never forgets its roots. For over 100 years, the Knie family has been thrilling audiences with a mixture of quality and passion. In 2026, award-winning talents will return to Switzerland directly from the famous Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo. While acrobats high up under the circus dome will take your breath away, a clown from Chile will ensure that there is not a dry eye in the house. And what would the National Circus be without its noble horses? Ivan, Chanel and Maycol Knie junior carry on the family tradition and also show off their impressive dressage in the new show.
The return of an old acquaintance is likely to be a highlight for many fans: By popular demand, the Knies are bringing Kaya Yanar back to their ring. The comedian, who now lives in Switzerland himself, will be performing in the evening shows during the Zurich guest appearance. Yanar openly admits that he has caught the "circus virus". He loves the special atmosphere in the Chapiteau and the closeness to the audience that can only be found in a circus. For him, the performance in the city on the Limmat is a real home game that he is already really looking forward to.
