Planning a trip to Switzerland and wondering when the best time to visit is? Look no further! Switzerland offers incredible experiences throughout the year, with each season showcasing its own unique charm.

Switzerland will offer you fantastic memories, no matter when you visit the country. The country offers varied and exclusive experiences depending on when you are visiting.

Switzerland has a temperate climate all year round, but if you love adventure and want to experience the best of skiing, snowgliding, and ice skating, you must go in the winter, from December to March. This is the high season for ski resorts like Gstaad, Zermatt, or St. Moritz, and you can enjoy your adventurous holiday in this breathtaking country during this season.

However, if you’re looking for a mild and pleasant holiday with a mix of sightseeing, cruising, and boating, the best time to visit is from April to June and September to October. During this period, the temperature is comparatively higher, making it the ideal time for sightseeing and other activities.

If you are traveling to Switzerland in October, it is the shoulder season, and you can get hotels, activities, and other types of things at lower dates. So if you are a budget traveler, October is the ideal time to visit Switzerland.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different seasons in Switzerland and help you decide which one suits you best.

1. Spring Season in Switzerland (April to June)
2. Summer season in Switzerland (July to August)
3. Fall Season in Switzerland (September to October)
4. Winter Season in Switzerland (November to March)

Let´s Go!

Spring in Switzerland is a delightful time to visit, as the temperature is not too cold but there are some slight snowfalls, so you can see what a beautiful snow wonderland Switzerland is.

It is right between the two peak seasons—the ski season and the summer season—so it is less crowded during this season. Travel and accommodation costs are therefore lower.

It is also a wet season, but as the routes are clear when there is no snow, it is an ideal season for hiking. It is also one of the most favorable times to take train rides around the country.

Among the best places to visit during this season are the Lake Leman region, Interlaken, and Lake Maggiore. The average temperature during this season is between 12 and 21°C, with an average rainfall of 140 to 170 mm.

The summer season in Switzerland is also known as the busy season, as most tourists head to the country. And they have a reason for this: the temperature is lovely and warm, which makes it the perfect time for sightseeing and admiring the beautiful landscape.

Even if the snow melts during this period, there will be snow-covered trails in the high mountain regions, that are suitable for hiking and lake cruises.

This is the time of year when the mountain resorts are open, and you can enjoy a wonderful stay in one of the beautiful resorts in the middle of the valleys. However, prices are high during this season due to its popularity.

Ultimately, if you like a good trek and enjoy the flowery wonder of the mountains without being affected by the snow, then this is the best time to visit. The average temperature during this season is around 25–28 °C, with an average rainfall of around 75–150 mm.

Autumn is a great time to explore Switzerland’s diverse landscape and the stunning autumn colors that fill the country.

It’s also a shoulder season, which makes travel more affordable than the high season. There are fewer people around during this time, and you can explore freely and take cable car tours, train rides, and more. The days are shorter during the season, with slightly warmer temperatures during the day.

This is also the ideal season for wine tasting, as the grapes are harvested at this time. Although you can’t go to the higher regions as the passes are closed in October, you can enjoy the stunning mountain scenery from the picturesque shores of the lakes on your tour package to Switzerland.

This is also a great time for paragliding, and the best place to experience it is Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. Interlaken is a must-see during this season, as the snow-covered mountains put on their best show from September to October.

The average temperature during autumn in Switzerland is 12–22 °C, with precipitation of 38–53 mm.

Winter is a mixture of high and low seasons in Switzerland. At the beginning of the season, when the resorts are closed, the country is filled with snow, and the lakes turn to ice, it’s the perfect time to ski in the Alps.

Many travelers come to the country later in December to ski, and therefore the cost of accommodation and travel is higher. Christmas is the time when many people, accompanied by their families, travel to Switzerland to enjoy the snowy mountains.

Some of the experiences not to be missed on your trip to Switzerland are Jungfrauhoch, the Matterhorn, the Gornergrat Railway, or the Little Matterhorn cable car. The average temperature during this season is 3–10 °C, with precipitation of 25–195 mm.

Switzerland welcomes visitors all year round, and the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to indulge in.

If you’re seeking adventure and winter sports, the snowy months from December to March are ideal.

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and pleasant weather, plan your trip from April to June or September to October.

The shoulder seasons offer affordability and fewer crowds. If you’re a budget traveler, October is especially favorable. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or a culture explorer, Switzerland has something extraordinary to offer in every season.

Which season suits you best? Plan your visit to Switzerland and create lifelong memories at this picturesque destination.

Every December, Geneva comes alive to celebrate the Escalade with its traditions, humor, and official celebrations.

Another festive event, the famous Escalade race in the old town, takes place at the beginning of December and brings together many participants of all ages.

The Escalade takes its name from the assault on the city walls of Geneva by the Duke of Savoy’s troops on the night of 11-12 December 1602. Every year in December, the Fête de l’Escalade commemorates Geneva’s victory with humor and tradition.

In 1602, Geneva, a rich and prosperous republic, attracted the covetousness of the Savoyards. Charles-Emmanuel I planned to make Geneva his capital north of the Alps and to fight against Calvinism with the support of Pope Clement VIII, despite “a sworn and rejected peace”.

On the night of 11 to 12 December 1602, one of the darkest nights of the year, a troop of 2000 soldiers disembarked by surprise. Arriving in Plainpalais, the mercenaries climbed the walls surrounding the city. This is why the commemoration is called the “Escalade”.

The Genevans take courage and win the victory.

The alarm is given at 4.30 a.m. by an arquebus shot fired by a sentry. The Clémence, the bell of Saint-Pierre cathedral, rang the tocsin, supported by all the bells of the monument.

Numerous stories highlight the courage of Mère Royaume, who scalded a Savoyard with her pot of soup. In her honor, since 1881, chocolate pots, decorated with the Geneva coat of arms, have been sold and eaten every year at this time.

The Savoyards might have won if they had been able to blow up the Porte Neuve according to their plan. But Isaac Mercier prevented them from doing so by knocking down the portcullis, thus blocking the way to the mass of troops.

The enemies left empty-handed, leaving 54 soldiers behind. In the early hours of the morning, the Genevese counted 18 dead and went to pray in the temples, under the leadership of Theodore de Bèze.

In 1603, the Treaty of Saint-Julien marked the end of hostilities. The European courts supported this peace process. Geneva benefited from the support of, among others, the King of France, Henri IV, who had just signed the Edict of Nantes, the Court of England, and the Duke of Wurtemberg.

You can find out more about the Escalade by going to the Maison Tavel in the heart of the Old Town.

#Escalade #Geneva #History #Festival #Celebration #Switzerland

Skiing and other winter sports such as snowboarding, snowshoeing, ski fond are synonymous with great pleasure and excellent opportunities to get to know amazing places.

And Switzerland is the highlight of any winter holiday. Combining the adrenaline of the sport with the stunning landscapes, not to mention the gastronomy and the thermal baths. Skiing in Switzerland is something you have to do one day!

Whether you enjoy downhill, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding, there are ski resorts to suit your needs. With wide slopes, giant half-pipes, and endless snowfields—all with comfort and easy access. No wonder Switzerland has some of the best skiing in the world!

Today, I will talk about the ski resorts that I consider the best here in Switzerland. They are all beautiful, and I can’t tell you which one is my favorite or most impressive.

Ah Zermatt … so beautiful and charming …ski resort, in the canton of Valais, is located at the foot of the Matterhorn /Cervin – that mountain they have in Toblerone chocolate. You can’t get around by car. The main street of the town is entirely pedestrianized. The most elegant hotels have navettes—shuttles that can transport luggage for you.

Tourism in Zermatt is extremely high, especially in the winter when skiers come to conquer the Matterhorn. But it is a popular destination all year. In the summer, visitors come for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering in the nearby mountains.

The ski resort offers skiing and snowboarding on more than 350 kilometers of marked trails. The Matterhorn Ski Paradise is one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland.

You can find everything from campsites and hostels to flats, studios, and luxury hotels.

How much does it cost?

The price of the 6-day pass package varies according to age: children aged 9-15 pay 192 CHF, 16-19 year olds 326 CHF and adults 383 CHF. Free ski pass for children up to 8 years old. And on Saturdays: the Zermatt ski pass is free for children under 16 years of age. 

The price can vary according to the period, and the earlier you buy your pass, the cheaper it is.

New is the beginner pass (1-6 days) which offers access to the Sunnegga-Blauherd beginner area with its blue ski runs, the easiest.

Price from CHF 56 per day, children 9 – 15.99 years old: 50%, youth 16 – 19.99 years old: 15%. The amount of the reduction depends on the date of birth. An official identity document showing date of birth is required.

Website: Zermatt

The ski resort of Verbier is one of the most popular tourist destinations for young people. Very popular.

Skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions in Verbier, but this ski resort in Switzerland also offers a variety of other activities. Every year, thousands of people come to Verbier to enjoy its skiing and snowboarding facilities.

There are also a number of restaurants and bars. The after ski is very well known, and the bars get ready to welcome the liveliest for a happy hour directly on the ski slope.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy winter fun, Verbier is the ideal destination. You will not be disappointed!

How much does it cost?

The price of the 6-day pass package varies according to age: children aged 7-14 pay CHF 165, 16-25 year olds pay CHF 278 and adults pay CHF 330. Free ski pass for children up to 9 years old. 

Website: Verbier

Crans-Montana has quite a large ski area. The quality of the slopes is simply perfect for all riders! You can count on 55 km of slopes for beginners, 70 km for intermediates, and 15 km of difficult slopes for the most advanced. Your snowpark offers snowboarders and freestylers excellent facilities!

There are also many great off-piste spots. The beauty of the landscape combined with the quality of the snow in Crans-Montana and plenty of sunshine … Skiing holidays are guaranteed!

As far as after-skiing is concerned, you can relax in a tea room, a small traditional café, or a terrace at altitude directly on the piste with DJs and cocktails. The good thing is that there is something for everyone here!

Other fun things to do in Crans-Montana include snow tubing, tobogganing, skating, swimming, hiking, shopping, and pampering at the spa.

How much does it cost?

The price of the 6-day pass package varies according to age: children aged 9-15 pay CHF 264, 16-19 year olds pay CHF 465 and adults pay CHF 465. Free ski pass for children up to 8 years old. Advance ticket sales normally start in September and are reduced by up to 50%.

Website: Crans-Montana

The Swiss ski resort of Gstaad is located in the southwest of the country.

It is one of the most famous and exclusive ski resorts in the world, and has been a popular destination for the rich and famous since the early 20th century.

The resort is home to some of Switzerland’s best ski slopes, as well as, a luxurious spa and vibrant nightlife.

Gstaad is located at an altitude of 1,050 meters above sea level in the municipality of Saanen. It is one of Switzerland’s largest ski areas, with more than 200 kilometers of slopes. The ski season in Gstaad generally runs from the beginning of December to the end of March.

A number of lifts and cable cars provide access to the various ski and snowboard runs at the resort. There are a number of runs suitable for beginners, as well as more challenging runs for experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Gstaad is also family-friendly. For all children aged 9 and under, the lifts are free! The resort also has several ski schools and a childcare service, which is ideal if you want to ski for a day!

As well as its extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities, the resort is a popular destination for celebrities and royalty and has been frequented by the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Aristotle Onassis, Grace Kelly, and Prince Charles.

How much does it cost?

The price of the 6-day pass package varies according to age: children aged 9-15 pay CHF 251, 16-19 year olds pay CHF 354 and adults pay CHF 431. Free ski pass for children up to 8 years old. Advance ticket sales normally start in September.

Official website: Gstaad

Grindelwald, is nestled in a beautiful green valley surrounded by imposing peaks such as the North Face of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn. This magnificent panorama and the numerous attractions and activities on offer make Grindelwald one of Switzerland’s most popular and cosmopolitan tourist destinations and the largest ski area in the Jungfrau region.

Thanks to the majestic panorama and the glacier that once descended into the valley, Grindelwald attracted its first visitors, mainly English, from the late 18th century. 

The first cable car in the Alps was built here in 1908 on the Wetterhorn. World famous for eternal snow and ice. Ski area has 160 kilometers of slopes and around 30 lifts that take you up to 2500 meters above sea level.

Schilthorn near Mürren, which is also part of the Jungfrau ski region, reaches an altitude of 2971 meters. In the region of Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen, we can find the most spectacular run, which is part of the World Cup.

The World Snow Festival in Grindelwald is a celebration of icy art, with international artists around the world creating figures and sculptures out of three-meter-high snow blocks. This festival takes place in mid-January in the center of the station.

The event, which began in 1983 with a giant sculpture of Heidi dug out of the snow by Japanese artists, has come of age as a cultural event that firmly belongs to the town at the foot of the Eiger.

How much does it cost?

The price of the Jungfrau region-wide pass package for 6 days varies according to age: children aged 6-15 pay CHF 183, 16-19 year olds pay CHF 247 and adults pay CHF 385. Free ski pass for children up to 5 years old. 

*Valid for the entire Jungfrau Ski Region, including Grindelwald-First, Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen, Mürren, and Schilthorn, including train access from Interlaken Ost and the following resorts.

Site: Grindelwald

If you want to experience a chic and sophisticated station, then St. Moritz is the most suitable ski resort in Switzerland.

St. Moritz is a world-famous ski resort in the Swiss Alps. It is located in the canton of Grisons in south-eastern Switzerland. The resort is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level.

St. Moritz is one of the most important winter sports areas in Switzerland. The ski resorts in this region are famous for their many winter activities. It offers a variety of children’s areas in certain parts of the ski resort, which are usually in sunny areas, and also offers crèches and children’s facilities near the slopes.

Many hotels in the region have also started catering to families and offering children’s programs.

Known as the birthplace of alpine winter tourism (since 1864). It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948. St. Moritz also hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 1934, 1974, and 2003.

The ski area has 350 kilometers (217 miles) of ski runs and is ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers. Corvatsch is excellent for spring skiing. The resort is also famous for its bobsleigh and luge runs.

St. Moritz has also been frequented by royalty and the wealthy since its inception. It has been nicknamed the “Monte Carlo of the Alps”. Famous visitors include Queen Victoria, Charlie Chaplin, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn.

Even if you just want to enjoy the scenery, St. Moritz is the place to do it!

How much does it cost?

For skiing for 6 days, prices vary as follows: children 06 to 12 years old pay 108 CHF, youth 13 to 17 years old 216 CHF and adults 327 CHF.

The multipass is only valid for Engadine / St. Moritz.

Website: St. Moritz

Switzerland is very popular in the winter with travelers from all over the world, so always book well in advance. Besides guaranteeing better prices, you will ensure good hotels and classes with specialized monitors for those who want to learn to ski. Yes, it is super important for those to book lessons with ski instructors.

The ski resorts in Switzerland have all the structures to get you started safely: group or individual lessons with trained instructors. And if you just want to feel the sensation, you can ask your instructor to “take you” on a descent, and you will feel the taste of skiing!

Some of the ski schools even have lessons in many languages.

And remember to use sunscreen if you don’t want to go out with your face as red as a tomato and peeling!

So, are you already feeling tingly on your feet? Which season would you like to go to? Do you know any other season that is not among my favorites?

Let me know in the comments!

The magic of Christmas is in the air in Switzerland’s Christmas markets.

November on the European continent is a bit sad, with cloudy, rainy days, a few hours of sunshine, and days that end early…

But to counterbalance, it is time for hot wine, cinnamon cookies, twinkling lights, inebriating aromas, and countless Christmas markets! And with them, we embark on the magic and romance we love so much in the Christmas movies that invade Netflix.

This tradition spreads through almost all European countries, and of course, in Switzerland, we have some to die for!

The most famous and considered one of the most beautiful is the one in Montreux, which starts around November 18th and goes until Christmas on December 24th, 2022.

The Montreux Christmas Market brings the Christmas tradition to life on the lakeside promenade.

Each year, it brings an extra touch of magic under the palm trees of the Riviera. An enchantment for all ages, especially when Santa flies over the area in his sleigh every day at 5, 6, and 7 p.m., as well as on Saturdays at 4 p.m.!

We can also take part in many other Advent festivities at Chillon Castle, which is superbly decorated for the occasion.

Christmas In The Garden usually runs from November 17th through December 23rd.

The Jardin Anglais is transformed into an enchanting world dedicated to the magic of Christmas!

It is a beautiful walk through a park immersed in Christmas lights. There are many chalets with gift ideas from artisans, others with traditional specialties in the Street Food Village and ice rink, and of course the Chalet à Fondue is there to offer us its real Geneva fondue.

Starts on December 1st and runs until December 21st.

At Lucerne’s Christmas Market, the Franciscan Fountain, richly decorated with huge candles, lights, and fir branches, becomes the largest Advent wreath in Central Switzerland. The concerts in St. Mary’s Church and the unique nativity scene with its life-size figures are worth a visit.

The Zurich Christmas Market starts on November 10th and runs until December 30th.

Zurich has several delightful Christmas markets. From the culinary specialties of the Christmas village on Bellevue Square to the richly decorated hall of the main station, with its Christmas tree decorated with Swarovski crystals. The choirs of the oldest Christmas market in the romantic Niederdorf district are a particular attraction. Fascinating!

Its Christmas market takes place from November 24th through December 23rd. The Winterthur Christmas market is only 27 minutes by train from Zurich.

It is not only the costumed “Chlause” that attracts the 350,000 or so visitors to Winterthur’s Neumarkt Platz. In addition to the hundreds of Santa Clauses, there are adorable little houses and countless attractive offerings.

The good thing is that they usually start on different dates, and we have these two months to visit them and thus extend the Christmas magic!

Do you also like Christmas markets? What do you like the most? The aroma of cinnamon, the mulled wine, the decoration, the lights?

There is still time to organize your trip and experience this magic! Let’s plan together your Christmas market experiences in Switzerland!

We organize tailor-made itineraries and will be happy to design an itinerary with some lesser-known Christmas markets that are as enchanting as the most famous ones.

#vptravelswitzerland #vaniaswisstraveldesigner #experiences #authenticity #christmas #christmasmarket #magic #enchantment #noel #family #party #winter #snow #winter #snow

Let me know in the comments!

Regarding these Curiosities about Switzerland, I was surprised about the 13th one.

Switzerland is a small country located in Europe with just over 8 million inhabitants, famous for making Chocolates and Watches. Famous for the snow in winter, the Swiss army knives, and the millionaire banks, where people from all over the world have accounts.

But you already know this; now what about these other curiosities about Switzerland that I I’m going to tell you?

Switzerland is composed of 26 cantons, which would be our states in Brazil, but they have more autonomy: their own government, constitution, and legislation.

2. Languages

There are four official languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

3. Watchmaking

The most luxurious watch factories in the world, such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Baume et Mercier, Breitling, Chopard, Franck Muller, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, Patek
Philippe, Piaget, Rado, TAG Heuer, Tissot and Vacheron Constantin are located in Switzerland.

4. Weapons

The country has one of the world’s most lenient laws when it comes to weapons. There are about 2.3-4.5 million guns here in a population of 8 million people.

5. Bern

The capital of the country is the city of Bern, one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Speaking of Bern, did you know that about 7 billion Toblerone chocolate bars are manufactured in Bern every year?

6. Shelters

In case of nuclear war, the country has shelters capable of accommodating the entire population. Despite being considered a neutral country and even having a city known as Capital of Peace (Geneva), Switzerland has nuclear shelters that are capable of keeping the entire population safe for up to one year, in case of a possible attack.

7. Alps

The Swiss Alps occupy more than 60% of the country’s territory. To enjoy the views and infrastructure, the best cities are Zermatt, Interlaken, and St. Moritz.

8. Dogs

To have a dog, for example, it is necessary to take a course in some cantons. In addition, it is mandatory for the owner to obtain a license and pay for insurance against
possible accidents caused by the puppy. It is also recommended to take out health insurance for your pet. Certain breeds are prohibited throughout the country; others are prohibited depending on the canton of the dog’s owner.

9. Symbols

Speaking of dogs, one of the symbols of Switzerland is the St. Bernard. They were used as rescue dogs. There is even The Museum of the Great Saint Bernard. Open every day during the summer, the museum in a mountain refuge presents the history of the Great Saint Bernard over several thousand years. The visit begins with the famous dogs and ends with a temporary exhibit.

10. Government

Switzerland is one of the only countries in the world that has Direct Democracy, where citizens can propose and vote on the laws and constitution of the country. And they vote by mail or in person. Voting is not mandatory.

11. Elections

But the country is not that liberal, women only got the right to vote in elections in 1971, a bit late compared to the rest of the world.

12. Banks

There are more banks in Switzerland than dentists.

13. Cow !

It is possible to rent a cow in Switzerland, and during the rental period, you are entitled to consume all the cheese produced with her milk.

14. Law

Assisted suicide is permitted in Switzerland.

15. Water

Water quality: Do not buy water in Switzerland. There are fountains scattered around the cities with drinking water that is just as good as bottled water.

However, Swiss water has a high calcium content, which is very harmful for the hair, which gets dry. Did you already know about these curiosities? If yes, which ones? Or do you know others?

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