The humanitarian Trail
22-31.10.2024

The humanitarian Trail
22-31.10.2024

Have you ever wondered how the Red Cross & Red Crescent adventure began?

Everything happened in Geneva. Yes right here!

As you immerse yourself in the city, you will discover the story of humanitarian action, the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Humanitarian Trail takes you on a journey along two paths, one in the historic Old Town called the Old Town Trail and another in the heart of its international work and presence here today – the Red Cross and Red Crescent Promenade.

As you explore the history of the city centre and the international district, you will learn about the birth and growth of what is today the world’s largest humanitarian network – the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement).

Two unforgettable experiences!

Old Town Trail

Old Town ©Genève Tourisme

In the Old Town, discover how a handful of Geneva citizens started the Red Cross and Red Crescent story and how it quickly unfolded into humanitarian action and, later, the development of international humanitarian law.

You will also learn about the history of the city as you pass by landmarks that are rich in symbolism.

For the participants of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Statuory meetings and 34th Conference, the Old Town Trail tours offered on 26 October will exceptionnaly take you into the Palais de l’Athénée where the 1863 conference created the Red Cross and into the Alabama Room at the Hôtel de Ville where the first Geneva Convention was signed in 1864. 

Red Cross and Red Crescent Promenade

Red Cross & Red Crescent Museum ©Genève Tourisme

Follow the story of the humanitarian Movement as you walk between the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Along the way, you will also discover how the Geneva countryside has been transformed by the city’s international destiny, triggered by the foundation of the Red Cross and Geneva Conventions.

For the participants of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Statuory meetings and 34th Conference, the Promenade connects open houses at the IFRC and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum on 22 and 26 October. You will be able to visit the IFRC HQ and Park and the Museum before and after the guided walking tour or on your own when it suits you.

Walk the Trails

With a guide

Why not let a guide take you on a journey through history for a personalised experience full of insights into the stories of Geneva and of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Exclusively offered on 22 and 26 October,  delegates and participants of the Statutory Meetings and 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent can sign up here  Guided Visits Registration Form

Paid private tours with a guide can also be organised for groups up to 25 persons in English, French and Spanish (Russian, German and Arabic upon request).

8 May ©Croix-Rouge genevoise
8 May ©Croix-Rouge genevoise

With a guide

Why not let a guide take you on a journey through history for a personalised experience full of insights into the stories of Geneva and of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Exclusively offered on 22 and 26 October,  delegates and participants of the Statutory Meetings and 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent can sign up here  Guided Visits Registration Form

Paid private tours with a guide can also be organised for groups up to 25 persons in English, French and Spanish (Russian, German and Arabic upon request).

At your own pace

Access the digital map on your smartphone or tablet and take the time to walk the trails when in Geneva.

You can always embark on a virtual tour  from wherever you are – simply click on a stop and read the story.

The 2024 digital map is available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.

Le sentier humanitaire sur votre smartphone
Bust of Henry Dunant - Picture Céline Saugy
Place du Bourg-de-Four - © Céline Saugy
Hotel de Ville (the City Hall) which houses the Alabama Room where the first Geneva Convention was signed in 1864 - © Céline Saugy
Place des Nations - © Céline Saugy
Red Cross Museum and ICRC Headquarter - © Céline Saugy
International Federation of the Red Cross Headquarter - © Céline Saugy
Bust of Henry Dunant - Picture Céline Saugy Place du Bourg-de-Four - © Céline Saugy Hotel de Ville (the City Hall) which houses the Alabama Room where the first Geneva Convention was signed in 1864 - © Céline Saugy Place des Nations - © Céline Saugy Red Cross Museum and ICRC Headquarter - © Céline Saugy International Federation of the Red Cross Headquarter - © Céline Saugy

Image credit for page header ©Genève Tourisme and photo gallery ©Céline Saugy