Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in Spring

Spring is a magical time to visit Switzerland, when the snow starts to melt, flowers begin to bloom, and the country comes alive with fresh energy. Switzerland is a popular country to visit, with each destination, home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in the world, and there are many amazing places to visit during springtime. So we’ve been inspired to make a post about the Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in Spring!

From the stunning lakes and mountains to charming cities and quaint villages, Switzerland offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers based on also your personal travel preferences. The spring season brings mild temperatures and not as many tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural treasures like a local.

Best Places to Visit in Switzerland During Spring

Here are a collection of 9 great submissions from other travellers about their best places to visit in Switzerland during Spring:

Lauterbrunnen

Canton: Bern

Lauterbrunnen is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. This quaint village in Switzerland, surrounded by rugged snow-dusted mountains and waterfalls cascading off cliff faces, feels like a postcard come to life.

Spring is a great time to visit as the sun is often shining and the breath-taking valley fills with spring blooms. It’s the ideal season to do the Lauterbrunnen waterfall hike, as all the paths are open and the weather isn’t too cold. I’d highly recommend visiting Trummelbach Falls- it is Europe’s largest subterranean waterfall and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Another activity I’d highly recommend trying in Lauterbrunnen during spring is paragliding. There really is no better way to soak in the stunning alpine scenery than by floating through the sky. The weather in spring tends to be fairly stable, so you’ll have a good chance of favourable weather conditions!

Last time I visited in Spring I stayed at the Valley Hostel, which was cheap, centrally located and well-equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. If you are looking for more luxurious accommodation, I’d recommend the Hotel Silberhorn, which offers panoramic views over the valley.

By Nicola from Polkadot Passport

Zurich

Canton: Zurich

We rented an RV and drove around Switzerland during our holidays with the kids. Since we arrived in Zurich late afternoon, we decided to camp at Fischers Fritz on the banks of Lake Zurich.

Camping at this location provided a peaceful and natural environment to relax and enjoy the mountain views.

There is a trampoline and playground on site, and wakeboarding is available as well for the adventurous kinds.

The campsite restaurant had indoor and outdoor seating, which was great depending on the weather for Spring. We fell in love with the massive outdoor fire pit against the stunning backdrop of the lake. Although it’s a little pricey, it’s worth it.

Fischer Fritz is the perfect base to explore the city. We took a 10-minute bus ride to the centre outside the campsite with our Swiss Pass. It keeps travelling costs low, and covers travel on boats, trains, and gondolas.

Walking around Zurich was surreal; there was so much to do. Among other things, we visited the Wow Illusion Museum, the Technorama Science Museum, and the Lindt Chocolate Museum.

The Rhine Falls are another ‘must-see’, which is easily doable on the outskirts of Zurich. In addition to walking the stunning walkway, take a boat tour to get as close as possible to the waterfall.

By Karen from Travel Mad Mum

TIP: Read our full Zurich post for more things to enjoy, where to eat and what to visit!

Lugano

Canton: Ticino

For one of the sunniest Spring visits in Switzerland, Lugano is a great place to visit. I’ve personally visited a few years ago to Lugano during Spring. The weather for Spring time ranges from 19-21°C on average, allowing you to even sit out side and relax in a blouse or t-shirt. And since then, I’ve ended up moving here, so to me it’s definitely one of the Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in Spring!

Flowers were blooming everywhere, with the famous pinks, whites and red camellia flowers all over the place. You can spot these along the Lugano lakeside promenade as well as visit the pretty Camilla Flower exhibition in Locarno – where you can see more than 200 different types!

For some explorations, you can consider visiting Monte Bre or Monte San Salvatore with their funiculars. Both are open and ride daily to the top. Both are easily reachable from the city centre of Lugano.

I also feel that Lugano is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in Spring because of the city activities. They often have live music, car shows and weekly markets for some local shopping. Most restaurants have an outside area too, perfect for sitting in the sunshine. A personal restaurant recommendation is to visit Spaghetti Pomodoro – they make the most delicious pizzas!

For more Spring Gardens in Ticino, check here too!

By myself from Together In Switzerland

Bern

Canton: Bern

As a lover of both beautiful scenery and Swiss chocolate, visiting Bern in spring was an absolute dream come true for me. The vibrant city is nestled in the heart of the Alps and boasts an array of stunning sights to take in.

During my stay, I spent my days exploring the charming cobblestone streets of the old town, admiring the iconic medieval architecture and stunning fountains. The city is home to a wide array of museums, galleries, and theaters, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences for visitors. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Zentrum Paul Klee, which houses a fascinating collection of contemporary and classic art. Don’t miss the famous Käfigturm clock tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

No visit to Bern would be complete without indulging in some Swiss chocolate. I made sure to visit one of the city’s famous chocolatiers, where I was treated to a range of delectable chocolate creations, from truffles to pralines. I even took a chocolate-making class to learn more about the process and the different varieties of chocolate available.

For accommodation, I chose to stay in a cozy bed and breakfast in Nydeck near the city center, which offered easy access to all the main attractions. One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the famous Bear Park, where I had the opportunity to observe the city’s famous mascots in their natural habitat.

Spring is a great time to visit Bern, as the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. I recommend taking a stroll along the banks of the Aare river, which offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.

Overall, Bern is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. It’s important to note that some activities and attractions may require advanced booking, so it’s advisable to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

By Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff

Lausanne

Canton: Vaud

I visited Lausanne on a short trip during my one week road trip across Switzerland. The picturesque setting of this beautiful city immediately captivated my eye – no wonder why it is commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful locations in Switzerland. 

I spent the night at the Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind, a 4 star hotel located conveniently in the center of the city, a short walking distance from all the main attractions. There is no better way to experience Lausanne than to take a boat tour along Lake Geneva, where you can get a close-up look at the mansions and estates that line the shores. Springtime is a wonderful season to experience the magic of Lausanne.

Since 1994 Lausanne has been recognized as the Olympic capital, make sure to check out the Countdown clock which symbolizes the Olympic spirit of Lausanne and is located right along the promenade. You can also visit the Olympic Museum which boasts over 10,0000 artifacts, being the largest archive of Olympic Games in the world. 

Lastly if you are a wine lover then you are in for a treat as Lausanne is ideally located next to the vineyards of Lavaux. This majestic landscape has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 and offers explicit views of the Valais Alps and the Savoy. Are you ready to discover Lausanne? 

By Elena from Passion for Hospitality

Lucerne

Canton: Lucerne

Small in size but big on character and culinary delights, Lucerne is the perfect place to indulge in delicious fondues, tucked away from Switzerland’s more high-profile cities. I fell in love with the peaceful beauty of the city.

Spring is an ideal time to visit this charming city. The weather is mild in the spring making strolling around the city a perfect activity. Enjoy walking through the colourful traditional Alpine houses in Old Town. In the heart of the city is the breathtaking Lake Lucerne. On a warm day, you can take a boat tour around the lake or hike up Mount Pilatus for panoramic views.

It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, which means there are plenty of things to do in Lucerne. Walk along the iconic Chapel Bridge to see the beautiful art along the bridge. Explore Glacier Garden to see this area during the Ice Age.

When in Lucerne, be sure to take some time to visit a local pub, shop for traditional Swiss souvenirs, or simply admire the scenic beauty of the city.

I stayed in the Hotel Himmerlrich which is a little outside of the city but has incredible views of the Swiss Alps and lake.

Visiting Lucerne will bring an appreciation for the city’s beauty, no matter where you go.

By Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Sion

Canton: Valais

Sion is one of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland – and particularly pretty in the spring months. Why? That is for many reasons. If you appreciate breathtaking views and nature walks then this Swiss town should be at the top of your list! As a Switzerland addict, I have seen a fair number of gorgeous spring destinations but this is one of my favourites. 

The mild temperatures make it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as biking or hiking. Especially the Place Maurice Zermatten is a must-see in my eyes! Not only do you have great views of both Castle Tourbillon and Valère Castle – but also the first flowers of the season blossom here.

Aside from its stunning landscape, I also enjoyed the old town of Sion, which is filled with cobblestone streets and historical sites, including the area’s churches, museums, and buildings that have been around since the 12th century. And all that, while the crowds are not here yet and it is not hot yet – there were many reasons I fell in love with Sion during this season, and I am sure you will, too.

By Arzo from Arzo Travels

Rhine Falls

Canton: Between Schaffhausen and Zurich

Located in the northern part of Switzerland, Rhine Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

I highly recommend visiting Rhine Falls in the spring, when the weather is mild and the waterfall is at its most impressive. The snow from the winter melts and feeds into the Rhine River, making the waterfall even more magnificent than usual.

As an outdoor enthusiast, I took a boat tour to get up close to the waterfall. There is a little island in the middle that you disembark at.  From there you can climb some stairs to get to the top, and it really feels like the rushing waterfall is coming right at you.  The shore also has places to eat depending on whether you go on a weekday or weekend, or alternatively you can also bring a picnic and simply taske in the stunning views of the waterfall.

One of the best things about visiting Rhine Falls in the spring is that it’s not as crowded as in the summer months. I didn’t  have to worry about long lines or jostling for a good view of the waterfall. With less tourists, it leaves opportunity to take some great pictures!

By Diana from Travels In Poland

Geneva

Canton: Geneva

Spring is my favourite time to visit Geneva – the snow is melting away and the flowers are blooming! Temperatures are picking up and the days are getting longer, making it ideal for exploring.

Spring is a great time to visit if like me you’re exploring Geneva on a budget as there are many things you can do for free like admire the Jet d’Eau fountain that sprouts water 140 metres into the air, visit the Promenade de la Treille – the world’s longest wooden bench (over 120 metres long!), or a stroll around the Old Town. The weather is usually good so you’ll be spending plenty time outdoors, although spring showers can happen so bring an umbrella. I also recommend bringing comfortable shoes as Geneva is best explored on foot!

I stayed at Hotel Longemalle – located in the ideal spot close to the Jardin Anglais and Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva is great to visit in springtime as you can enjoy a fun boat cruise or pedalo hire. Visiting the Geneva Flower Clock in spring was great too as it was in full bloom. Geneva also hosts the annual Geneva International Film Festival in April and May which is a lot of fun!

By Catrina of 24 Hours Layover

Check some of our other top collaboration posts here:

• The Best Locations To Visit Switzerland in 2023
• Valentines Day in Switzerland – Places to visit and things to do with your loved one!

Summary of these Best Places to Visit in Switzerland During Spring

Overall, Switzerland is a perfect destination for travellers seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural attractions. For Spring time, it can be even more magical, with the flowers blooming and the weather getting warmer.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, we hope this list of 9 personal experiences inspire you to visit Switzerland in Spring as well.