Spring in Switzerland

Spring is a glorious time of the year, however, it is also a bit tricky when it comes to planning a trip in Switzerland.

It is not yet prime hiking season, which is typically late June through late September/early October depending on the elevation, weather and snow levels. Plus, many of the lifts are being serviced, meaning they are out of service and not whisking people up the mountain to higher elevations. If you do plan to visit a mountain destination, please always confirm lift operating times; if they are indeed operating at all.

Snow is still present at higher elevations, but often not ideal for winter recreation. It's truly the in-between season in Switzerland.

So, where does that leave those who are looking to travel or visit Switzerland during the spring months?

Listed below we provide a few tips and tricks to make the most of the spring weather and the holidays this time of the year.

Lower Elevations are Key!

Hikes and excursions this time of the year are best kept to lower elevations. Our top picks would be, lake walks (Lake Thun in Bernese Oberland, Lake Lucerne, located in Central Switzerland, Lake Neuchatel in the French speaking part of Switzerland, as well as Lake Zurich).

Lake walks and hikes are ideal this time of the year and provide scenic views, beautiful flowers and capture the true essence of spring.

Check Weather Forecasts and Precipitation!

The spring months are often unpredictable when it comes to weather. Please always check the forecast and even the precipitation in the area in which you plan to visit. Don't forget to have a look at the webcams as well and always pack rain gear and an umbrella!

Blossoming Trees

Spring is often synonymous with flowers and boy are they incredible this time of the year. Hiking along theme trails or areas rich with cherry or apple trees is a stunning experience. There are multiple hikes throughout Switzerland that highlight the beauty of these spectacular trees in the spring.

We include a couple of gorgeous cherry blossom hikes in our first book, Fresh Air Kids Switzerland - 52 Inspiring Hikes That Will Make Kids and Parents Happy.

In addition, we include a couple of lovely routes on our website, which can be found here and here.

Botanical Gardens - Merian Gärten, Basel

We cannot emphasize enough have absolutely beautiful the Botanical Gardens in Basel are. The area is a genuine delight for a morning stroll or afternoon excursion. The grounds are expansive, rich with color, vegetables and fruit trees, animals (chickens, sheep, frogs and rabbits), a new playground, and two magnificent cafés onsite. Take your time to thoroughly enjoy all the gardens have to offer.

The irises, as pictured below, are an experience not to be missed. They typically bloom in late April or early May.

Don't Forget the Forests!

Forests are just waking up this time of year, so don't overlook local forests as you earn to spend more time outside. These tree rich areas are perfect for nature immersion, forest bathing, picnics and seeing what is coming to life on the forest floors. One of our favorite forest hikes can be found here.

If the weather is simply not cooperating, head to a local museum for indoor exploration. We provide information on some of Basel's most child-friendly museums here.