Spring in Switzerland | Top Things to Do + Travel Tips
Switzerland in spring is a time to celebrate as winter’s bitterly cold temperatures give way to sunny, warmer climates. The Swiss spring season is ideal for outdoor activities and hiking through the Alps without the crowds and freezing weather.
In early spring, some of the best towns to visit in Switzerland still experience snowfall. Others bloom into verdant greenery and floral landscapes.
I visit Switzerland several times a year, and also often in the spring months (actually, while I am updating this post, I am in Switzerland right now in May 2024). Spring is always full of surprises – we cannot rely on the weather, and my Swiss spring vacation is always different.
But I am trying my best to prepare you for a spring trip in 2025.
SWITZERLAND WEATHER IN SPRING
Swiss spring lasts between mid-March and mid-June, but the weather can be quite unpredictable all year round. It is still chilly and snowy in some parts during the early months of spring, but May and June bring sunshine and pleasant weather in many areas.
Due to the mountainous regions, expect snow in high-altitude areas even in late spring, but due to climate change, weather conditions are also changing.
Warm, sunny days are not guaranteed, but spring still allows many outdoor activities. There are also many fantastic indoor activities for the coldest days.
Mid-March
- Mountainous areas like the Jungfrau Region, Zermatt, or the Engadine Valley and St.Moritz may still experience scattered snowfall throughout March. Its colder temperatures range from -5℃ (21°F) to 6℃ (42,8°F).
- In lower-altitude towns like Zürich and Lugano, the first spring blossoms bloom towards mid-March. The temperature is slightly warmer, with averages of 9℃ (48°F).
April
- Average daytime temperatures in April range between 10℃ (50°F) and 20℃ (68°F).
- Mountainous areas are still rather chilly, with temperatures that can drop below 0℃ during the night.
- You can expect some rainfall in April country-wide.
May
- The weather is moderate and pleasant, with the average daytime temperature being 20℃ (68°F).
- Nighttime temperatures drop to around 7℃ (44,6°F).
- You can expect some rainfall. While I am in Switzerland right now (May 2024), I might have to adjust the info and say that rain is really common in May.
June
- June weather across Switzerland is pleasant, with daily averages of between 16℃ (61°F) and 26℃ (78,8°F) in mountainous areas.
- Low-lying regions like Ticino and Valais can experience warmer (and even hot) temperatures of up to 35℃ (95°F).
- Daylight hours increase, with up to 12 hours of sunshine daily.
As a testament to how unpredictable weather can be here, early March 2022 was what you’d expect. Warm and sunny days in lower altitude villages, towns, and cities. But, in late March and April, you would still find heavy snow even in lower altitude areas like Iseltwald (566 meters above sea level), which isn’t the typical conditions you’d expect then.
So, my Switzerland family trip in late March/April turned for a few days into a winter trip. Just keep that in mind and check the weather forecast a few days before your Switzerland spring vacation.
SWISS TRAVEL PASS IN SPRING
Before talking about the best spring activities, I would like to introduce you to the Swiss Travel Pass. I recommend getting a Swiss Travel Pass. Swiss Travel Passes are available for non-Swiss residents. I visit Switzerland often, and most of the time, I get one, even if it’s a road trip, because they are amazing.
- A Swiss Travel Pass allows me to use trains and buses without any extra costs – so, basically, I can use almost all trains and buses for free.
- I can also do boat cruises without additional costs.
- It also gives me a 50% discount on most mountain rides (I can get up via cable car/funicular for half of the price), and some mountain excursions are even included, including a trip up to Mürren.
The initial prices for a Swiss Travel Pass are quite high, but it pays for my trip and helps me to save money. So, check out prices for boats and trains, and then calculate if it is a good option for you. Check out prices here.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SWITZERLAND IN SPRING
The guide below will help you explore some of the best options to add to your itinerary.
Experience Spring in Bern
The picturesque Swiss capital of Bern boasts many cultural and historical treasures. Combine this with breathtaking panoramic views of natural landscapes, and you’re in for an amazing trip.
There are many fantastic things to do in Bern throughout the year, including in spring. Although the temperature remains a bit chilly, fewer crowds are around, and you can see most of its significant landmarks in one day.
Experience the city’s unique medieval feeling and charming atmosphere by taking a stroll along the Aare River. You’ll come across many of the city’s remarkable landmarks. You’ll also pass through a significant part of the celebrated Old City of Bern.
One of the best places to spend a springtime afternoon is the Rosengarten. From late March to mid-April, the ornamental Japanese cherry trees in the park spring into full bloom. This picture-perfect scenery, paired with the phenomenal view of Bern’s Old City, makes it a truly great experience. I never miss a chance to enjoy myself here.
Also, from mid-March, the famous brown bears in the bear park of Bern awaken from their hibernation, so this is another reason to visit in spring.
Enjoy the Charm of Lugano
Located in the Ticino region of southern Switzerland is Lugano. The city is a unique blend of Swiss, Italian, and Mediterranean lifestyles. It’s well-known for its fairytale-like small towns and villages, including the picturesque Gandria and Morcote.
Lugano has mild and comfortable spring temperatures, allowing for breezy walks around town. The city’s Mediterranean-style main square, Piazza Della Riforma, has markets, arcades, and bistros.
The glacial Lake Lugano is a popular outdoor destination during the warmer spring months. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and valleys, the lake is great for avid hikers. Active visitors can also enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, and canoeing in the lake’s clear water.
In summer, it is often too hot in Ticino for my taste. So, it is normally the spring and fall seasons when I visit this gorgeous canton.
Occasional thunderstorms happen in the region during springtime. So be sure to check the weather in advance if you are planning outdoor activities in Lugano.
Explore Nature in Lauterbrunnen and Mürren
Lauterbrunnen is a small village located in the Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Alps. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers. From lush green valleys to snow-capped mountain peaks and waterfalls, the area’s natural beauty is astonishing.
One of the most spectacular natural wonders in the area is the internationally acclaimed Trümmelbach Falls. It is Europe‘s only subterranean falls, made up of a series of ten waterfalls hidden in the mountains of Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is closed in the winter months and opens in spring (sometime in April).
While a visit anytime during spring is great, May and June are the best times due to their lovely all-around weather conditions.
And if you head up to the cute village of Mürren, you will find snow until April when the winter sports season ends. It is located at the foot of the Schilthorn peak, at 1638 meters above sea level.
Murren is composed of very few streets lined with cute houses, covered in snow in the winter (which lasts until mid-April) and decorated with colorful flowers in late spring and the summer.
With those mountains in the background, Mürren is a perfect postcard of Switzerland! Since Mürren is car-free, you can only get there by cable car/train – but that train ride is one of the most scenic in Switzerland. Actually, the train ride is one of the main reasons why I keep going back to Muerren, because it is absolutely amazing (it is just 20 minutes, though).
Also, the gondola and the train ride to Murren are included in your Swiss Travel Pass.
Admire the Beauty of Zürich
Switzerland’s biggest city, Zürich, is a perfect spring destination. With its charming streets lined with gorgeous terraces, eclectic shops, festivals, and scenic gardens, there’s something for everyone.
A popular springtime event in Zürich is the annual traditional festival Sechseläuten in mid-April. It celebrates the beginning of the spring season in a fun way. A parade features guild members dressed in historical costumes, traditional music, horses, colorful flags, and flower displays.
Lake Zurich offers an enticing outdoor experience where you can hike, cycle, or simply relax on the shore. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, with observation decks in quieter areas. The lake is a wonderful destination for a family-friendly day in the sun.
For a few days in early spring, you will also find “rose fountains” all over the old town of Zurich. It is a lovely and unique sight to see.
For the best spring experience, I would visit Zurich only from mid-April to June and not in March (as it still can be quite rainy and grey overall). Check out my guide on the best time to visit Zurich to find out more.
Journey to the Aletsch Glacier
Stretching almost 15 miles, the imposing Aletsch Glacier is a magnificent wonder of nature. It holds the title of the largest glacier and the longest ice stream in the Alps. During spring, the immense ice flow starts to melt and makes for a spectacular sight.
A fun way to explore the splendor of the glacier is to take a cable car ride up – either to the Hohfluh, Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn, and Eggishorn viewpoints. All these viewpoints are high above the ground, with a staggering altitude of around 7,000 feet. This provides exceptional panoramic views of the glacier, surrounding peaks, and lush greenery sitting at the foot of the mountain.
This region also has an extensive network of running and hiking trails. For the more adventurous traveler, some activities will get your adrenaline pumping, such as paragliding, ziplining, and ice caving.
Though I have not done any of these activities, I truly enjoyed getting up, doing some short walks, and just admiring the views.
Feel the Sophistication of Montreux
Montreux is a gorgeous town nestled between steep mountain slopes and the beautiful Lake Geneva. It combines magnificent natural scenery with an elegant urban lifestyle for a unique, vibrant atmosphere.
While it is also a great destination during the other seasons, it is great to see Montreux waking up and showing its prettiest colors from spring onwards.
The six-mile-long Montreux Promenade is one of the most popular destinations in town. Spectacular displays of spring flowers, street performers, vendors, and breathtaking views line this lakeside boardwalk. This is especially beautiful in late spring. Along the path, there is also a larger-than-life bronze statue of Freddie Mercury is a popular spot to take a break and pose for some photos.
Situated on the banks of Lake Geneva is the historic Château Chillon, one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval structures. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle is a highly renowned attraction that draws many visitors. Montreux experiences occasional rainfall during spring, so the castle is perfect for rainy days.
Montreux is one of my favorite destinations, but a clear, sunny day in spring is the best time to visit because I love the flowers against the snow-capped mountains in the background – a dream!
Experience the Charm of Grindelwald and Grindelwald First
Grindelwald is an idyllic small village surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Jungfrau Region. This famous mountain resort has natural beauty and spectacular scenery, including snow-capped mountains and green valleys in spring.
Thousands of dandelions spring up all over the rolling green meadows from March onwards. This provides the perfect backdrop for the many Alpine cows with their signature Swiss cowbells that roam the area.
There is much to enjoy during spring in Grindelwald, including many seasonal outdoor activities. The town boasts 1,864 miles of hiking trails and is also excellent for mountain biking and running.
If you want to spend some time in the snow, even in March or April, make sure to get up Grindelwald First Grindelwald – a dream destination for any adventurists or adrenaline junkies. At Grindelwald First, a mountain at 2184 meters above sea level, you can do winter sports even until mid-April.
It is also known as the “Top of Adventure” – throughout the year, you can do a couple of thrilling activities. The First Cliff Walk is an exhilarating experience that take your breath away. It is a metal walkway leading to a viewpoint that juts out from a cliff with a sheer drop of close to 150 feet. While the height might be harrowing, what awaits is totally worth it.
As it is still a snowy wonderland during spring, skiing and snowboarding are popular activities in the area. Another thrilling experience is the First Flyer – a 2,625-foot zipline that flies above the valley at speeds of up to 52 miles per hour. Here is more about a day trip to Grindelwald and Grindelwald First.
Reach New Heights at Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting two major 4000ers of the Bernese Alps: the Jungfrau and the Mönch. Fondly dubbed “the top of Europe”, Jungfraujoch sits at a staggering 11,630 feet above sea level. Due to the altitude, the mountains are snow-capped well into spring, and ski season lasts longer than usual.
A great way to explore the area is by visiting the Jungfrau Railway, Europe’s highest railway station. There are also various observation platforms at the railway station. The views of the surrounding mountain peaks are sure to take your breath away. You will also see the Aletsch Glacier (the longest glacier in the Alps) from a different perspective.
A trip to Jungfraujoch is a great way to round up your experience in the Bernese Oberland. You get to stand on one of the highest, most easily accessible sites in Europe, play in the snow, and soak in the magnificent scenery.
Experience Swiss-French Culture in Sion
Located in the southwest of Switzerland in the Valais Region, Sion is one of the most sun-blessed towns in the country. It shares a border with France, and some French culture, including the language, has spilled over into the area.
Sion has many renowned vineyards, wineries, historical castles, and ancient ruins. A notable structure is the eleventh-century Château de Tourbillon, a Swiss National Heritage site. The surrounding vineyards look a bit bleak in March and April but Cherry blossoms and more are all around the castles.
During spring, Sion’s lovely weather is perfect for spending time outdoors. It has a large park designed for fun and recreation, Domaine des Îles, a popular family-friendly destination. You can enjoy activities like swimming, tennis, mini-golf, and more here.
I’d also recommend a stop at Lac Souterrain, Europe’s largest underground lake. It has vivid blue waters that stay incredibly still and a temperature of 52ºF — just be wary of the bats.
Enjoy the Waters of Lake Thun
Located in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, Lake Thun is an Alpine body of water named after the nearby city of Thun. The charming town is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty and is also a great place to start your journey to Lake Thun.
Get a dose of history at Thun Castle, take in nature at Schadau Park, and enjoy a picturesque stroll along the Aare River.
Springtime’s moderate and breezy weather brings many fun activities to the banks of Lake Thun. These include kayaking, waterskiing, sailing, and canoeing. There are also hiking trails and guided excursions to the Stockhorn, Niesen, and Niederhorn mountains.
Adjacent to Lake Thun is the popular resort town of Interlaken, where adventurers can enjoy many thrilling experiences. The resort offers skydiving, paragliding, and base-jumping, and is a perfect destination for adrenaline junkies.
FINAL THOUGHTS – SPRING IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland in spring is a captivating symphony of nature’s renewal. As the snow melts away, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors. The Swiss Alps, still crowned with white peaks, contrast beautifully with the lush green valleys below.
In the cities, spring is marked by a palpable sense of awakening. Outdoor cafés begin to fill, and the streets buzz with the energy of locals and tourists alike, eager to embrace the warmer weather.
During the springtime, Switzerland is absolutely lovely. I love to visit during spring because it is much less crowded than in the summer and winter months. And I can experience some of the most magnificent scenery and have a wide variety of amazing destinations and activities to choose from.