When Is The Best Time To Visit Switzerland: Summer Or Winter?
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Wondering when is the best time to visit Switzerland? Here’s our guide to help you pick the perfect time for your visit to Switzerland.
A land of chocolates, cheese, and the snowy Alps, Switzerland is the dream destination of many. Despite being one of the most popular places to visit around the world, many people do not know when is the best time to visit Switzerland, summer or winter? The summer and winter seasons witness the largest number of tourists in Switzerland.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Switzerland : Summer Or Winter?
Well, the time of the visit depends on your interests. What’s great for you may not be great for others. But for many a discerning traveler, any time is a good time to visit Switzerland! This beautiful country has bounteous offerings for the visitor. The below section will delve into the charms of the winter and summer seasons in Switzerland.
What Summer In Switzerland Has For You?
The summer months of June, July, and August are one of the two peak seasons for tourists in Switzerland. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and the lakes open up for swimming. This is a perfect time if you like hiking and the outdoors. The cable cars and cogwheel trains open up and by late June, most roads in the high ranges open up.
Things To Do In Switzerland In Summer
1. In Zurich, you can do swimming, sailing, and strolling along the blue waters of Zürichsee. This beautiful city has numerous scenic parks where you can enjoy a picnic. The east side of the lake has a fantastic view of the Alps from Bürkliplatz or Zürihorn.
2. Basel, a quaint historic city has countless exhibits events and hosts several festivals. The unique architecture of the old town will charm you. The open-air cinema, cool bars, and annual dances by the river are added attractions.
3. Verbier, a popular winter destination is immensely popular in summer too! Here you can do canyoneering and rock climbing. You can dine in the village at Namaste or La Marmotte and sample the wines of this region.
4. Lugano is unique for its microclimate that makes it one of the sunniest places in Switzerland. Lake Lugano is one of its chief attractions. Here you can visit the Hermann Hesse Museum and the Alprose Chocolate Museum. Windsurfing and hiking are some popular activities to do here.
5. Bern, the capital city is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Bask in the atmosphere of the Aare river which is the soul of the city in summer. The popular sports here are swimming, rafting, surfing and floating.
6. The Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe is a spectacular sight as the water density peaks in summer. You can take a boat to visit the castles, the Rhine Falls Basin, and the mighty rock right in the middle of the waterfall.
Apart from the above, Switzerland has many more places of interest that you can visit. You can sample the world-famous Swiss chocolates and cheese in most places. With all the breathtaking sights, outdoor activities, cuisine, arts, and culture, the summer season in Switzerland has something for everyone.
The only downside to this season is that the tourist areas are crowded and the prices, high. You can avoid the crowd by coming early or late in the season. You could also try visiting areas of interest early in the day when the crowds will be lesser.
What Winter In Switzerland Has For You?
If you are a winter sports enthusiast, the Swiss Alps have some of the best slopes in the world along with top-class facilities. If you are raring to try out your best snowboard bindings on some of the best powdery snow in the world, winter (December to March) is the time to go to Switzerland.
Things To Do In Switzerland In Winter
1. The Jungfrau region is where the first Alpine World Ski Championship was held. This region offers some of the best skiing in Switzerland. It has three ski areas where skiers can enjoy 266 kilometers of pistes and 70 kilometers of cross-country ski slopes. This region is well connected with roads, ski or cable car. It is perfect for a family ski outing.
2. Zermatt, a small town is a haven for skiers and snowboarders. It is comparatively quieter than other ski destinations and makes for a perfect winter honeymoon destination. Switzerland’s most famous peak, Matterhorn is an added attraction.
3. Moritz has one of the best nightlife and has been a venue for two winter Olympics. You can enjoy indulging in skiing, snowboarding, and snow-shoe trekking here. St. Moritz’s mineral springs are very popular with tourists.
4. Pilatus, at 2,120 meters above sea level has its own unique charms. Enjoy breathtaking views from the winding winter walk trails.
5. Davos, the highest town in the Alps attracts skiers and snowboarders like a magnet. It has a broad array of shopping choices, options for fine dining, and cozy accommodation. The range of casinos, bars, and discotheques is a plus.
6. If you are an artist, Chateau De Chillon is the place to go in Switzerland in winter. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, it has been an inspiration for many artists throughout the ages. It looks magnificent in the winter landscape.
Switzerland Is Great During Other Seasons Too.
Spring (March, April, May) is the time to take advantage of the off-season rates. Everything from airfare to accommodation will be cheap. In the higher slopes, you’ll find the winter’s snow still intact and can indulge in your passion for skiing or snowboarding. The best part is you won’t end up fighting the crowds on the slopes!
Autumn (September, October, and November) in Switzerland is reasonably warm (you can’t swim though) and the crowds are fewer. The early to mid-autumn is great if you like trekking. If you are a wine aficionado, October is when the Basel Wine Fair falls. If you are interested in museums or other indoor historical sites, November is best as it gets too wet for outdoor activities. You can also enjoy the cheap off-season rates. Other than water-sports there are other things that you can do during these “lean” seasons and reap the benefits of reduced costs and fewer crowds.
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