Best Time and Places to Explore in Switzerland

The oozing storybook charms of the snow-capped Alps, quaint villages, green villages, and more make it hard to beat the beauty of Switzerland. It is the fairy-tale land in real life with emerald valets, blue lakes, glaciers, and picturesque beauty everywhere.

It’s known for its beauty and all the activities and sports that you can enjoy, like biking, hiking, paragliding, tobogganing, skiing, and climbing. The number of places and things to enjoy here are countless, but the right way and the best way to enjoy the places are by visiting them during the best time.

The right weather can make a place look so full of life, and the wrong time can take away a lot from an experience. Read ahead and plan the perfect trip to Switzerland. Plan your day trips from Zurich and travel around to these must-visit places. 

Best Places and Time to Explore

1.  Château de Chillon

Chateau de Chillon has been an inspiration for poets, writers, and artists for centuries. It is located near Montreux, on the shore of Lake Geneva. Victor Hugo, Lord Byron, and Jean Jacques Rousseau are among the big names who have written about this place; Chateau de Chillon comprises 25 buildings built around three courtyards.

The highlights of this place include Gothic underground rooms, Great Halls, the Chapel, The stunning view of Lake Geneva, the bedroom of the Duke of Savoy with medieval murals decorations, and more. 

Best Time to Visit: Chateau de Chillon is open for tourists from April to September between 9 am to 7 pm and allows last entry at 6 pm. It is also open from October to March between 9:30 am and 6 pm and allows the last entry at 5 pm.  

2. The Matterhorn

Matterhorn is one of the most iconic destinations in Switzerland as it is one of the highest points in the Alps. Thousands of climbers visit Matterhorn every summer for a thrilling experience.

The delightful village of Zermatt lies at the foot of this peak, an international resort with quaint chalets, horse-drawn carriages, and world-class hotels and restaurants. Zermatt is free of pollution and has the freshest air and ambiance. This is maintained because motorized vehicles are banned in the village. 

Best Time to Visit: Winter is the best time to visit if you want to ski down more than 300 kilometers of long slopes. The summer is popular for hiking, climbing the mountain, and biking. You can also enjoy glacier skiing during the summers. 

3. Schweizerischer National park

The Schweizerischer National park, also known as the Swiss National Park, was founded in 1914. This oldest reserve is located in the Engadine Valley, right at the border of Italy. The park stretches for 170 square kilometers and includes fast-flowing rivers, flower-dotted hollows, and limestone crags.

The large networks of trails allow the nature-lovers to explore the area easily. This park is home to more than 5,000 species of wildlife, including fox, red deer, chamois, marmot, ibex, and around a hundred species of birds. 

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the National Park is during the winter season. The place looks like it is out of a movie, the mountains are covered with snow, and the cross-country ski trails make up for a breathtaking view. 

4. Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is also known as “Top of Europe.” One of the most popular activities here is to take a train journey from Bernese Oberland to Jungfraujoch. On reaching the top, you will find an observation terrace and an observatory at the height of 3,454 meters.

The Great Aletsch Glacier, a World Heritage Site, which is the longest glacier in Europe, begins at the Jungfraujoch. The Elger trail clings to the foot towards the north and is also a famous site. Although, Faulhorn is kn

own for the best views, which are at 2,681 meters which offers a panoramic view of the breathtaking giant peaks. 

Best Time to Visit: The best weather and the best time to visit the Jungfraujoch is between May and September. These are also the busiest months, so make sure to book your tickets in advance. 

5. Lugano

Lake Lugano is located in Ticino at the Swiss-Italian border. This is only Switzerland’s official Italian-speaking canton. And you get the most amazing flavors of the Mediterranean here. Palms, figs, citrus, and pomegranate grow here during the mild climate.

You will clearly be able to sense the feel of Italy in the towns around Lake Lugano. The architecture, passion for food, piazzas, all spilling over the borders from the west, east, and south, give the feel of Italy. Visitors can explore the lake by renting a boat. 

Best Time to Visit: The best time is during the early summer and spring, specifically during mid-April to mid-June. September is also a good month to visit Lake Lugano.

6. Zurich

The largest city of Switzerland, the starting point for travelers, and the transportation hub, Zurich is the city you must visit. It lies at the end of Lake Zurich.

The city is always bustling with life and joy. And beyond the buttoned-up façade, this city encompasses rich storage of cultural treasures. From cuisine to history and locations, Zurich is beautiful at every angle all the time. 

Best Time to Visit: The best season to visit Zurich is when the temperature is hovering around the average degrees between June and August. This is also the most expensive season to visit Zurich.