1988–89 Swiss 1. Liga

Within each group, the teams would play a double round-robin to decide their league position.

The four group winners and the four runners-up then contested a play-off for the three promotion slots.

The four third-last placed teams would compete a play-out against the ninth relegation spot.

FC Thun win 3–1 on aggregate and continue to the finals.

[8] The play-off for the third promotion place was played on 24 June 1989 in Burgdorf.

FC Brüttisellen win after penalty shoot-out and are promoted to 1989–90 Nationalliga B[8] The play-off for the championship place was played on 24 June 1989.