Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in Spring

Spring is a great time to visit Switzerland. The snow starts melting, the landscapes turn green again, and it’s way less crowded than in summer. You still get those amazing snow-capped mountains, but the cities and valleys start warming up, making it the perfect mix of winter and spring scenery. If you’re into hiking, exploring charming villages, or just taking in the views, this is the season to do it. Here are 10 of the best places to visit in Switzerland in spring to help you plan your trip.

Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen in spring looks straight out of a postcard. The huge cliffs, green meadows, and 72 waterfalls make it one of the most stunning places in Switzerland. This is when the waterfalls are at their strongest, thanks to the melting snow from the mountains. If you’ve ever wanted to see Switzerland’s famous waterfalls in full force, this is the time to go.

One of the best things to do here is visit Trümmelbach Falls, a series of waterfalls hidden inside a mountain. They’re only open from April onwards, and since they’re inside the rock, they look even more powerful up close.

For an easy but scenic walk, take the trail from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg. It’s a peaceful route with waterfalls, Swiss farms, and wooden chalets along the way. By mid-April, the valley floor turns green, wildflowers start blooming, and the air feels crisp and fresh.

If you want even better views, take the cable car up to Mürren or Wengen—both have insane lookouts over the entire valley, plus fewer tourists than in summer.

Zurich

Zurich is one of the first places in Switzerland where you really feel that spring has arrived. By late March, the cherry blossoms and magnolia trees start blooming, and people head outside to enjoy the warmer weather. The city has a completely different energy compared to winter—cafés fill up, parks get busier, and the lakeside promenades come back to life.

One of the biggest spring events in Zurich is Sechseläuten, the city’s most famous festival. Locals build a giant snowman, set it on fire, and watch its head explode. According to tradition, the faster it burns, the better summer will be. It’s definitely a unique thing to see if you’re in Zurich in mid-April.

Spring is also the perfect time to take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich or go for a short hike up Uetliberg, the city’s local mountain. The view from the top gives you a full panorama of the lake, the city, and even the Alps in the background.

If you want to see more of Zurich beyond the usual tourist spots, check out my Zurich Travel Guide, packed with local experiences and hidden gems.

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Morcote

Morcote is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, and in spring, it feels like you’ve stepped into Italy. It’s in Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, so spring arrives here earlier than in the rest of the country. By April, the palm trees, blooming flowers, and deep blue lake make it feel like summer is just around the corner.

One of the best things to do in Morcote is simply walk along the lakeside promenade. It’s quiet, lined with gardens, and has plenty of spots to sit and take in the view over Lake Lugano. If you’re up for a bit of exercise, climb the 400 steps to Santa Maria del Sasso Church—it’s worth it for the incredible view over the lake and mountains.

Another must-visit spot is Parco Scherrer, a garden filled with exotic plants, sculptures, and hidden corners that give it a Mediterranean feel. Since Morcote is small, it’s easy to pair it with a visit to Lugano or take a boat ride across the lake for even more scenic views.

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Montreux

Montreux in spring is all about flowers, the lake, and incredible views. Sitting right on Lake Geneva, it has one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Switzerland. By April, the Montreux Riviera promenade is lined with tulips, cherry blossoms, and palm trees, making it one of the best places to experience spring early.

One of the best things to do here is walk along the promenade, which stretches all the way from Vevey to Château de Chillon. Speaking of which, Château de Chillon is a must-visit—it’s a medieval castle sitting right on the water and is one of the most famous landmarks in Switzerland.

Montreux has a mild climate compared to other parts of Switzerland, so by mid-April, it already feels like early summer. If you want an amazing panoramic view, take the train up to Rochers-de-Naye, where you can see the entire lake and the surrounding Alps.

And if you’re into wine, this is a great time to visit the Lavaux vineyards, which start turning green again in spring.

Sabbione

Sabbione is one of the most unique villages in Switzerland. It’s tucked away in the Bavona Valley, one of the wildest and most untouched areas in the country. What makes it stand out? The houses here are literally built under giant rocks—instead of traditional roofs, they use massive boulders for natural protection. It’s something you won’t see anywhere else in Switzerland.

This entire valley is a hidden gem. There’s no electricity, no modern infrastructure—just pure nature and history. Walking through Sabbione feels like stepping back in time, with its stone houses, narrow pathways, and moss-covered walls. Spring is the best time to visit because the valley starts coming to life—rivers swell from the melting snow, and everything turns lush green.

If you want to explore beyond Sabbione, the Bavona Valley has incredible waterfalls, traditional villages, and hiking trails that most tourists never get to see. And if you’re curious to learn more about this area, check out my Bavona Valley video, where I dive into all the hidden spots you shouldn’t miss.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is where winter and spring collide. If you visit in early April, you can still ski in the higher areas, while the lower parts of the valley start turning green. The ski season doesn’t end all at once—First closes at the end of March, Männlichen in early April, and Kleine Scheidegg holds out until the end of April.

Because of the altitude, spring here arrives later than in cities like Zurich, so in early April, you’ll still see some bare trees and snow on the peaks. But by late April and May, hiking trails start opening, waterfalls get stronger, and the whole valley starts to wake up.

For the best views, take the First Cliff Walk, a metal walkway hanging off the side of a mountain with insane views of the Eiger. If you’re up for a hike, the Bachalpsee trail is a great choice in spring—it leads to an alpine lake that reflects the snow-covered peaks.

And if you just want to relax, you can take a cable car ride up to Pfingstegg, where you get an amazing view over the whole valley.

Guarda

Guarda is one of those villages that feels like a step back in time. It’s a small, quiet place in the Engadine Valley, famous for its well-preserved historic houses decorated with traditional paintings and carvings. Unlike the more touristy spots in Switzerland, Guarda still has a very authentic, untouched feel—it’s the kind of place where you walk through cobblestone streets and barely see any cars.

Spring is the best time to visit because the meadows turn bright green, wildflowers start blooming, and the air is fresh and crisp. It’s also a great time for hiking, with trails leading down into the valley for some of the best Alpine views you can get.

Guarda is also known for the Swiss children’s book Schellen-Ursli—if you’ve ever seen the book or the movie, this is the real-life village that inspired it. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path Swiss village with stunning mountain views, Guarda is definitely worth the trip.

Interlaken

Interlaken is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in spring because it sits between two stunning lakes—Lake Thun and Lake Brienz—with the Alps towering behind them. By April, the turquoise lakes start to take on their full color from the melting glaciers, and there are way fewer tourists compared to summer.

One of the best things to do here is take a boat cruise on either lake. In spring, the scenery is incredible—snow-covered peaks in the background, while the lower hills are already green. If you’re looking for adventure, paragliding season kicks off in spring, and Interlaken is one of the best places in the world to try it.

For an amazing view, take the funicular up to Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain. From the top, you get a panoramic lookout over both lakes, the town, and the massive Jungfrau mountains in the background. If you’re into hiking, this is also a great time to explore some of the trails in the area before the summer crowds arrive.

Lugano

Lugano is one of the first places in Switzerland to feel like summer, even in spring. Since it’s in Ticino, the Italian-speaking region, the weather warms up much earlier than in the rest of the country. By April, you’ll see palm trees, blooming flowers, and deep blue lake views, while the mountains in the distance still have snow on them.

A great way to enjoy the season is to walk along the lakeside promenade, especially through Parco Ciani, a beautiful park with flower gardens and incredible views over Lake Lugano. If you’re up for a hike, head up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore—both have stunning panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Spring is also the perfect time to explore the nearby villages, like Morcote, which I mentioned earlier, or Gandria, a tiny lakeside village with old stone houses and narrow alleyways. Since Ticino has a completely different vibe from the rest of Switzerland, visiting Lugano in spring feels like getting a sneak peek of summer before the rest of the country warms up.

Lucerne

Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, and spring makes it even better. The Chapel Bridge and Old Town are decorated with flowers, the lake is calm, and the whole city feels like it’s waking up after winter. By April, people are out enjoying lakeside cafés, boat cruises, and walks along the waterfront, making it the perfect time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.

One of the best things to do in spring is take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne. The views from the water are unreal—you get a mix of green hills, snow-capped peaks, and charming villages along the shore. If you’re looking for a mountain experience, Mount Rigi is a great choice. Since it’s lower than some of the other famous peaks, its hiking trails open earlier, and the views from the top are just as breathtaking.

Another great spot is Mount Pilatus, but keep in mind that the cogwheel train doesn’t run yet in early spring, so you’ll need to take the gondola instead. Either way, the views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps make the trip completely worth it. If you want a mix of history, nature, and city vibes, Lucerne is one of the best places to visit in spring.

Insider Tips from a Local: Get the inside scoop on Lucerne from someone who knows the city inside and out. Avoid tourist traps and discover hidden gems!
Practical Information: Covering everything from transportation and weather to safety tips, this guide ensures a smooth and stress-free trip.
2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: Short on time? This tour covers all the essential spots with a handy digital map.
Digital Map: Navigate like a pro with a custom digital map that highlights must-see spots, the best restaurants and more.
5x 1-Day Itineraries: Whether you have just one day or more, maximize your time with ready-to-go itineraries.
Local Experiences: Dive deep into the real Lucerne with activities that let you live like a local.
Hidden Gems: Discover places that even many locals don’t even know about!
Restaurant Guide: Swiss food and international taste!
Accommodation Guide: For all budgets!

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