Spring in Switzerland
Visiting Switzerland in the spring is a great idea as the weather starts to warm up and the snow begins to melt, revealing the beautiful green landscapes underneath. I traveled to Switzerland in May - visiting Zurich, Lucerne, and Mt. Pilatus.
While it was chilly and misting, Zurich was vibrant and stunning as always. Especially on rainy days, don't miss the trendy Kreis 5 district to visit the colorful umbrellas at the Gerold Cuchi restaurant. Lucerne offered a sunshine-filled day of strolling through the cobblestone streets and across the famous Kapellbrücke-covered bridge with baskets of colorful spring blooms. Then I headed up Mt. Pilatus on the cogwheel train, however, the peak was fogged in. Despite the weather at the top, the journey was well worth it when we flew under the clouds opening up expansive mountain views in the cable car.
Spring Skiing
Zermatt and Saas-Fee are the best destinations in Switzerland for spring (and Summer!) skiing with their year-round glaciers.
Verbier is also open until April 30th with views of the Matterhorn.
Spring Festivals
Tulip Festival in Lake Geneva
Classic Music Festival in Interlaken
Shapes Festival in Leysin
Zermatt Unplugged in Zermatt
Spring Festival in Zurich
Cheese festival in Gruyères
Tips for travel planning
Weather: The weather in Switzerland in the spring can be unpredictable, with rain and cool temperatures common. It's a good idea to pack layers and waterproof clothing and to be prepared for changes in the weather.
Scenic train rides: Spring is a great time to take scenic train rides in Switzerland, as the scenery is lush and green, and the snow-capped peaks provide a stunning backdrop. The Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Golden Pass are all lovely options.
Hiking: Spring is a great time to go hiking in Switzerland, as the weather is cool and the crowds are smaller than in the summer. The Swiss Alps offer a range of hiking options for all skill levels, from gentle strolls to challenging climbs.
Lake activities: Switzerland's many lakes come to life in the spring, with boat rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding all popular activities. Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich, and Lake Lucerne are the most popular.
City breaks: Switzerland's cities are also worth exploring in the spring. Zurich, Geneva, and Bern all offer great shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, while Basel is famous for its art museums.
Overall, visiting Switzerland in the spring is a great way to experience the country's stunning natural beauty and vibrant cities, without the crowds of the summer months. Just be prepared for changes in the weather and pack accordingly!
Looking for more tips – or want help securing the above?
Send us a message in your app for 24/7 insider tips and deals from our industry-certified trip support team. Get started for free. (Yes, really!)
Photo by Rajesh Rathod