The 1959–60 1. Liga season was the 28th season of the 1. Liga since its creation in 1931. At this time, the 1. Liga was the third-tier of the Swiss football league system and it was the highest level of total amateur football. At this time, most the clubs in the highest division, and also in the second highest, in Switzerland were starting to employ semi-professional or even professional players.
Format.
There were 36 teams competing in the 1. Liga 1959–60 season. They were divided into three regional groups, each group with 12 teams. Within each group, the teams would play a double round-robin to decide their league position. Two points were awarded for a win and one for a draw. The three group winners then contested a play-off round to decide the two promotion slots. The last placed team in each group were directly relegated to the 2. Liga (fourth tier). The three second last placed teams were to contest a play-out to decide the fourth relegation slot.
Group South and East.
Decider for first place.
The decider match for first place and division championship was played on 12 June 1960 in Olten.
 " FC Bodio win group championship and advance to play-offs for promotion. Blue Stars remain in the division."
Decider for eleventh position.
The play-outs were played on 12, 15 and 19 June.
"FC Dietikon and FC Wil remain in division. SV Höngg continue in play-outs against relegation."
Promotion, relegation.
Play-off for promotion.
The play-offs for the two promotion slots were played on 12, 15 and 19 June.
" Martigny-Sports become 1. Liga champions and together with Nordstern are promoted to 1960–61 Nationalliga B."
Play-out against relegation.
The play-outs were played on 12 and 26 June.
"The match Wettingen–Höngg was not played, both teams remain in division. As fourth and final team US Bienne-Boujean are relegated to 2. Liga."