A selection of best places and activities in Switzerland in spring
Are you coming to Switzerland during the spring months and don’t know which places to visit and which activities to plan? Me and the HITrental team have looked for the best excursion tips for you in the Swiss spring. No matter if you want to go on a leisurely trip with the whole family or if you are planning an eventful outdoor activity, we are sure that there is something for you in this blog post;-) .
We have put a special focus on experiences in nature. Swiss nature in spring is simply fascinating and breathtaking. The range of excursion destinations in nature is extremely diverse and attractive. But now, let yourself be inspired 😉 .
The most beautiful hikes in spring
Rigi – Seebodenalp
The Rigi is one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland and is worth seeing all year round. The hike from Rigi to Seebodenalp is particularly recommended. The beautiful hike lasts about 1.5 hours and promises a unique panorama. You can reach the Rigi either from Arth-Goldau or from Vitznau. From both stations you have to get off at the station Rigi Kulm. The so-called Grüezi-Weg follows an asphalted path to Rigi Staffel. From there a short descent to Seebodenalp begins with a wonderful view over Central Switzerland and the lake.
Further information can be found here.
Tip: When you arrive in Küssnacht, a short detour to the Hohle Gasse is recommended. The Hohle Gasse is part of Swiss history. This is where William Tell is said to have shot the Habsburg bailiff Hermann Gessler.
Discover history on the Swiss Path
On the Swiss Path you can experience a lot that has to do with the history of Switzerland. For example, you walk past the Rütli. The Rütli is closely linked to the history of Switzerland’s founding and is now part of Swiss national property. In the past, there were always meetings here in times of danger. In 1940, for example, General Guisan united the entire army on the Rütli for the Rütli report.
The Swiss Path is 35 km long and consists of the following sections:
- Rütli – Seelisberg, 2.6 km
- Seelisberg – Bauen, 6 km
- Bauen – Isleten, 2.8 km
- Isleten – Seedorf – Flüelen, 7.2 km
- Flüelen – Tellskapelle, 4.7 km
- Tellskapelle – Sisikon, 3.5 km
- Sisikon – Morschach – Brunnen, 8 km
The sections Bauen – Isleten and Isleten – Seedorf – Flüelen can also be accessed by pram or wheelchair. The individual sections of the route can be reached either by ship, train or post bus.
Path of the Planets Uetliberg
This 2-hour hike on Zurich’s local mountain is the perfect adventure for families and hikers. The hike from Uetliberg to Felsenegg offers variety and you can also learn a lot. The sun, moon and stars are within reach on the Path of the Planets. The trail leads from the final station Uetliberg to Staffel, Annaburg, past the Falätschen slope via Mädikon to the Felsenegg station of the Adliswil-Felsenegg cable car and via Felsenegg to Buchenegg. The Path of the Planets was created on a scale of 1:1 billion. One metre on the hike corresponds to 1 million kilometres in the solar system. The path offers an impressive illustration of the sizes and distances in our solar system. On the way there are models of individual planets, moons and stars. The start is with the sun at the Uetliberg station. The trail ends in Adliswil with the Pluto model.
You can reach the Uetliberg from Zurich main station by taking the S 10 from platform 22. The trip to Uetliberg takes 27 minutes.
You can find more information about the route and catering options along the way here.
Off the beaten track
If you prefer it a little quieter and off the beaten track, I recommend a hike in the Isenthal, for example. The Isenthal is a mountain village in the canton of Uri, where you can recharge your batteries and enjoy nature free from the hustle and bustle. The village has only about 500 inhabitants and is an ideal destination for idyllic walks in quiet surroundings. Various paths lead past the village and offer scenic spots. For example, you can learn a lot about the dialect of Uri and at the same time enjoy a wonderful view of the Lake of Uri. Further information on the Dialect Trail can be found here. A shorter route leads along the Bear Trail Isenthal. Here you can find out everything about bears.
The awakening of animals in spring
A special spring experience is a visit to the Goldau Nature Park and Zoo. The zoo is located in the Central Switzerland region and covers an area of about 42 hectares. Especially for children, a visit to the park is a particularly good day trip. The nature and animal park has a large free-range area where deer and other animals can be fed. Pet food can be purchased directly at the cash desk, a box costs 3 CHF. But the park offers even more excitement: Bears, deer, wolves, lynxes, wild birds and around 100 native and European wildlife species can be observed at close range. There is also a wide range of catering facilities available. In the middle of the park there are also some barbecue areas with free wood and picnic areas. Grilling your own sausage over the fire is always a lot of fun for children.
The journey to the Goldau Nature Park and Zoo is very easy. Take the train to Arth-Goldau station. The park is only 400 metres from the train station and the path is well signposted from the train station.
Further information about the Goldau Nature Park and Zoo can be found here.
Visiting Italian-speaking Switzerland
Ticino is an exciting destination all year round, but in spring there is a lot to marvel at. The main towns of Ticino include Bellinzona (capital), Locarno and Lugano. All three places offer wonderful starting points for various excursions and hikes.
Bellinzona is best known for its medieval castles. From the castles one enjoys a wonderful view over the city and the Swiss Alps. Every Saturday there is also a market in the city where you can buy delicious Ticino specialities.
Locarno lies on the famous Lake Maggiore at the foot of the Alps. Locarno is the warmest city in Switzerland and an ideal starting point to explore the beautiful Ticino valleys. The Verzasca Valley with its beautiful stone bridge called Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo and the Maggia Valley with its wild surroundings are particularly famous. For those who prefer it a bit more remote and want to experience a real Ticino adventure, I recommend the two-day hike from Valle die Vergeletto over to Valle di Campo. On the Alpe Arena you can stay overnight in traditional stone houses. You can find more information about this hike here.
Last but not least, Lugano lies on the northern shore of Lake Lugano and is the largest city in Italian-speaking Switzerland. Here you can go hiking in the mountains. Those who like it cosy can hike (or drive) to the local mountain of Lugano, to Monte Bré. Here you can enjoy a sensational view over the Po Valley. My personal favourite hike is the high trail from San Salvatore to Morcote. Those who want a challenge can first hike from Lugano to San Salvatore (duration approx. 2 hours) and then hike from there over a breathtaking landscape to Morcote. Special highlights on the hike are the San Grato botanical garden and the artists’ village of Carona.
Now I and the HITrental team wish you a nice holiday in Switzerland and great experiences and excursions 🙂 !
Are you still looking for a suitable holiday home for your spring holidays in Switzerland? Click here for our holiday apartments in Lucerne, Zurich and Zug!