For a beautiful Valentines Day with your loved ones, consider a visit to Switzerland. Valentines Day in Switzerland is usually noticeable from mid January, with shops and stores starting to sell sweet gifts and chocolates to buy. Flowers and chocolates are the usual gifts bought in Switzerland, but why not consider visiting a new location instead.
Our post shares many suggestions to inspire you to take a romantic visit in Switzerland. All locations have been submitted by travellers who have experienced the location themselves.
Valentines Day In Switzerland
Here are our travellers recommendations for places to visit and things to do in specific locations in Switzerland for a Valentines treat.
Boat Trip On lake Lugano
Canton: Ticino
A pretty destination for spending Valentines day in Switzerland is to visit Lugano, with a sweet boat ride on Lake Lugano. Situated in the very South of Switzerland, Lugano in February is usually already a sunny destination.
One of the prettiest ways to enjoy Lugano is on the lake. Lake Lugano will be a little chilly to swim in, unless you like that, but we personally recommend a boat ride around the lake. You have a few options that you can choose for being on the lake.
Firstly you could decide to enjoy the local sun rays with a boat ride during the day time. You can buy a ticket in advance, else just to buy a ticket on the day at the main local docking office. During the day time, the boat will head to the pretty villages of Gandria, Melide and Morcote on the lake. For celebrating Valentines, you can also get off at one of these locations for a local lunch.
Secondly, the same company provides a 3 course dinner cruise for Valentines. This allows you to join the boat at a specific time just before dinner. Then to enjoy a little cruise around the lake before sitting at a specially designed table with cosy, dim lighting. They usually provide a three course meal with drinks, while you enjoy the sailing with the city lights in the distance.
Stay in one of these beautifully, romantic hotels in the city for easy walking distance from the boat after it’s ended. Our personal recommendation is Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa, which is perfect for Valentines in Lugano with the spa included!
Spa Day In Locarno
Canton: Ticino
What better way to spend Valentines in Locarno Switzerland than to be at the local spa for a couples massage and treatment. Locarno, located in the Ticino canton, has a few nice restaurants (tip: Ristorante Sensi), some boutiques to shop at and a relaxing promenade to walk all along the lake on. But the highlight for Valentines would be visiting one of the loviest spa, massage and swimming pool locations on Lake Maggiore.
We personally enjoyed a couples day at the spa during our week off at Christmas, but it’s also the perfect location for spending Valentines in Locarno too. The Termali Spa offer packages that you and your loved one can book in advance, such as for a private massage, a private room with hottub (with a view of the lake/mountains), prosecco, snacks and a clay sauna treatment. Highly recommended with our experience!
Alternatively you could choose to do some local hiking for Valentines, with the closest funicular and hiking spot being at the top of Cimetta. From here there are a few routes you could choose depending on the weather. For February, it’s likely be quite sunny, since the Ticino region is the sunniest region in Switzerland, but still bring something warm since you would be above 1,671m elevation.
Exploring the Lavaux region
Canton: Vaud
The Lavaux vineyards are one of my favourite places in Switzerland. Nestled in the heart of the French-speaking Vaud-region, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and glistening Lake Geneva, it is the epitome of romance. Getting to Lavaux from Lausanne is part of the fun for me. There are various ways to reach Lavaux – a scenic train ride takes you from Lausanne to GrandVaux Station or – and this is what I truly recommend- ride one of the Belle Epoque steam peddlers connecting Lausanne-Ouchy to Chillon Castle in Montreux. Splurge for first-class tickets and nestle up together on the top deck as the boat cuts its way to the lake. You need to get off at Cully to access the vineyards.
Picturesque Cully sits at the bottom of the 800 hectares of tumbling vineyards that cling to the side of the hill for dear life. It is this near-impossible feat that has earned the UNESCO world heritage classification. A number of options are available for a romantic outing, either book a 3-hour guided tour through the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process as well as its history or alternatively skip the hike and head for a wine-tasting with a view at Domain Croix-Duplex. I opted for the latter and we made out way to the top of the undulating hills to the little tasting room. After a few glasses of delicious wine (€6/glass) we opted to take the train back as the station was a 5-minute walk from the winery.
Contributed by Caroline of Veggie Wayfarer
Geneva City walks
Canton: Geneva
A beautiful location in Switzerland to spend Valentine’s Day is Geneva! The city is located near the French border and in comparison to the iconic City of Love, offers you breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and Mont Blanc. And, Geneva is filled with plenty of activities and places to explore.
One such place is the Jet d’eau, which is located within Lake Geneva. The water jet propels water 140 m into the air and is one of the most iconic attractions in Geneva! After seeing this impressive sight, I suggest strolling along the harbour until you reach the Jardin Anglais. Here, you’ll be able to admire the massive follow clock that includes over 6,500 flowers!
And if you continue walking along the clear blue Rhône River, you’ll eventually reach the Pointe de la Jonction. This is the location where the Rhône River meets the Arve, and you’ll be able to notice a stark contrast in the water’s clarity!
When you’re ready for an intimate dinner, I recommend trying Le Perron. The restaurant serves delicious French cuisine and provides a cozy and quiet atmosphere.
Thus, if you’re looking to enjoy both the great outdoors as well as stay in the city, I recommend checking out Geneva.
Contributed by Kristin of Global Travel Escapades
Morcote
Canton: Ticino
If you want to visit the nicest voted village in Switzerland from 2016 (which we think is still valid!), head on down to the Ticino region of Switzerland. Morcote is situated just 30 minutes South of Lugano, making it perfect to combine for exploring.
Morcote has lots to see and do, places to relax and delicious restaurants to stop at, you can easily spend more than a day here. For couples, its a lovely little place for exploring by foot. You can climb the 300+ steps to the very top viewpoint, which is above the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso. Then on your way back down to visit the Church and gardens as you go down. In February for Valentines you will still experience some pretty gardens, as the locals and gardeners plants suitable plants and flowers for all weather types.
Two restaurants we recommend dining at are Ristorante Al Porto and Ristorante Pizzeria Grotto Ticinese. Both had a great choice of local dishes on the menu as well as Italian choices. Else you can find more restaurants in the area, such as right by the lakeside with a view across the lake.
For more information and things to do in Morcote, check our blogpost with more information. There are many more things to do for Valentines Day in Switzerland while visiting Morcote.
City Explorations In Basel
Canton: Basel
Basel is a great place with lots of romantic things to do for a couple. Of course like most Swiss locations, the average temperature for February does not exceed more than 10°C / 50°F. So it’s a destination worth visiting with your warmer clothes.
During our stay in Basel, we enjoyed exploring by foot mostly, so our suggestion for a Valentines idea in Basel would be to book a local tour. This could be an architectural tour through the city’s old and new buildings, or a more cosy food and drink tour. This second option allows you of course to stay warm walking, eating and drinking combined.
Alternatively a great place to relax and spend the day at is the University Botanical Gardens, with a warm inside glass houses to see the local plants at that time of the year. Then for a bite to eat, choose to dine at one of the local restaurants by the Promenade Unterer Rheinweg. Here they have a pretty view of the river and city opposite, with warm seating and cosy atmosphere. Otherwise in the city centre, we personally recommend an easy, fun and delicious meal at HANS IM GLÜCK. It’s not expensive, serve delicious burgers with lots of side choices. Their restaurant atmosphere is always welcoming too!
Explore the Enchanting Lauterbrunnen Valley
Canton: Bern
The Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland is one of the most spectacular corners of the Swiss Alps, characterized by sweeping valleys and the turquoise lakes of Brienz and Thun. And one of the most magical spots of all is the village of Lauterbrunnen, now Instagram-famous for its waterfalls and endless valley views.
The best way to spend Valentine’s Day in Lauterbrunnen is exploring every corner of the valley. This includes getting a picture-perfect shot at Staubbach Falls, visiting the Lauterbrunnen church and, best of all, plan a day out on the hiking trails, from easy valley floor routes to more difficult paths like Royal walk from the small village of Wengen.
One of the most romantic activities is to take the cable car and open-air train to the remote alpine village of Mürren, high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley and up-close to the snow-capped Swiss peaks that surround it. The village is quiet and peaceful, which is why it is so romantic. Lauterbrunnen village is beautiful but very touristic, so I encourage you to venture to Mürren for a more intimate experience. It is also the spot to catch another cable car that takes you to Piz Gloria, the rotating restaurant literally among the mountain peaks, which would be the perfect lunch venue for Valentine’s Day.
Contributed by Michela of She Goes The Distance
Hiking The Great Aletsch Glacier
Canton: Valais
For nature lovers and hikers, a visit to the Great Aletsch Glacier is the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway. With 23km of lengths it is the largest glacier in the Alps. Since 2001 the area around that natural wonder in the canton of Valais is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site Swiss Alps.
The small mountain villages near the glacier are car-free, so you will have to park your car in the Fiescher Valley. Take the gondola from the valley station Mörel, first to Riederalp. Here will have to change into another gondola to reach Moosfluh, one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the Great Aletsch Glacier.
The winter hiking trail with its great views leads along the mountain ridge from Moosfluh to the West. The whole time you have a fantastic view of the ice giant to your right and the winterly four-thousand-meter peaks of the Valais Alps to your left.
After about 4km on this wonderful, panoramic winter hiking trail you will reach the Rieder Furka. The terrace of the cozy Restaurant Riederfurka is a good place for a warm drink in the sun and a short break. Afterwards, it’s not far to the Riederalp gondola station, which will take you back to the valley. This wonderful winter hike has a total of about 5km and goes exclusively downhill.
That combination of a relatively easy winter hike with the most beautiful views on the snowy mountains and the largest glacier in the Alps makes it the ideal Valentine’s Day excursion for outdoor lovers.
Contributed by Linda of Hiking The Alps
Zurich
Canton: Zurich
Zurich is far more than just Switzerland’s banking capital – there are actually lots of romantic things to do here, which makes Valentines day in Zurich with your significant other the perfect choice! Known for its cosy restaurants, picturesque lakeside views, beautiful cobblestone streets, medieval houses and cute narrow lanes in the charming Old Town, Zurich sure makes for an ideal Valentine’s destination.
For a fun yet romantic activity, hire a pedalo in Lake Zurich and admire the incredible views of the Alps! Afterwards, head to the thermal baths at Thermalbad & Spa and enjoy their outdoor infinity pool with panoramic views of Zurich! This is such a unique, relaxing, romantic activity that your partner is bound to love!
And for the ultimate Valentines activity, treat your loved one to a visit to the Lindt chocolate factory where you can make your own chocolates! Switzerland is world renowned for its quality chocolate, so make sure to buy some Swiss chocolates for your partner for an extra Valentines gift! Also visit the prettiest street in Zurich: Augustinergasse Street. This street is incredibly romantic and seems like it just popped out of a fairytale!
For a romantic restaurant with perfect views of Zurich, head to the Asian inspired Die Waid, or Coco Grill & Bar to enjoy a romantic dinner in their picturesque garden. And if it’s a nice evening, the best sunset spot in town is the panoramic viewing platform in front of ETH Zurich University!
Contributed by Catrina of 24 Hours Layover
TIP: Read our full Zurich post for more things to enjoy, where to eat and what to visit!
Bern
Canton: Bern
Bern is a charming city located at the center of Switzerland. The turquoise blue waters of the river Aare follow a winding course around the historical medieval old town of Bern. I recommend taking memorable photos together on the Nydegg bridge, with the red roofed sandstone buildings and river as a background. Another great place to spend your day is at the Gurten mountain. You can get there with the funicular, and you will enjoy a stunning view to the Bernese Oberland alps.
Back in the old town, look out for some artisanal chocolatier shops such as Läderach and Nobile Cioccolateria neat the iconic Zytglogge tower. Sinfully good chocolate has a long tradition in Bern and here you will come across the best quality chocolate! Look out for the “zur Chäshütte”, a cheese specialized shop run by two local brothers. They offer an exclusive cheese fondue experience in a back room. Nothing is more romantic for a cheese lover than an authentic Swiss cheese fondue for two!
The city is also known for its underground vaulted cellars and that’s where you will find the most exclusive places. Reserve a table at the Kornhauskeller bar, which boasts with a lavishly decorated vaulted cellar environment, It’s THE place to be on Valentine’s Day.
Contributed by Paul D’Souza of Paulmarina
St Gallen
Canton: St. Gallen
St. Gallen in Northern Switzerland is an often overlooked town of this beautiful country, but it’s a perfect place to spend a romantic day or weekend for Valentine’s Day. To me, nothing says Valentine’s like indulging in delicious food. In St. Gallen, you can center your activities around amazing cheese and chocolate.
St. Gallen is in the Appenzeller region, which is known for its amazing cheese. I had some of the best cheese fondue of my life at Fondue Beizli (make reservations! It’s popular!). While here, you can have a fun, hands- on date learning all about the unique Appenzeller cheese at the nearby cheese factory and museum, Appenzeller Schaukäserei. Admission includes a full flight of local cheeses to taste as you make your way through the interactive museum.
Next, drive about 20 minutes to the Chocolarium, a chocolate factory that is both imaginative and immersive. You can try so many different styles of Swiss chocolate, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to Willie Wonka heaven.
St. Gallen is also just a stone’s throw from Lake Constance, so make time to take in the beautiful lake views, and see if you can spot Germany on the lake’s other side.
Finally, if you or your valentine are book lovers, you cannot miss the Abbey Library at Saint Gall. It’s such a stunning library it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. And if you do love discovering great bookstores and libraries to visit around the world, make sure you check out my site, A Well-Read Wanderer for more suggestions.
Contributed by Constance at A Well-Read Wanderer
Mountain Views In Zermatt
Canton: Valais
For a wintery Valentines day in Switzerland, a stunning village to visit is Zermatt in the Valais canton. It’s a popular winter destination for winter in general, where you can ski and snowboard on many of the local pistes. However you can also visit Zermatt as a non-skier, with lots of things to do in Zermatt.
For a romantic Valentines day in Zermatt, bring your winter gear and clothing and head up the mountains. There are a few ski lifts available, such as to visit the Klein Matterhorn at the very top. On a clear day you can even see Mont Blanc in the distance. You can also take the train from the village centre of Zermatt to Gornergrat at 3,100 metres above sea level. A romantic tip is to enjoy a picnic at the top with your loved one!
We recommend staying at House Mojo which is close by one of the main funiculars to the Klein Matterhorn. We stayed for a weekend during the snowy season, with the village being very picturesque. This apartment is ideal for couples who want to cook their own dinner. The kitchen is huge with all the supplies you need, but the best part is the view. You can see in our review that you have full, unobstructed view of the Matterhorn. Perfect for enjoying the evening glow and night sky with your loved one.
Summary
We hope some of these inspire you to consider a romantic Valentines Day in Switzerland. It all depends of course on what you and your loved one would enjoy during February in Switzerland. Some locations would have snow whereas others may have rain or sunshine, so that’s also a factor when considering a Valentines Day in Switzerland.
If you have any locations that you have been to in Switzerland during Valentines, feel free to reach out and let us know in the comments!
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