Tue, Apr 18th 2023
Spring is possibly the most beautiful season in Switzerland.
There’s a freshness in the air and a sense of joy as nature shakes off the winter chill. The cows return to frolic in the fields framed by mountain tops kissed with snow, trees are budding, and mountain meadows are bursting with blooms. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. So, here are some of the best ways to make the most of the warmer weather and delightful scenery.
For the last 500 years, Zurich has celebrated the start of spring with Sechseläuten, a huge festival that marks the end of winter and the arrival of warmer weather and longer days. And it’s a big deal.
Sächsilüüte, as it is called in the local dialect – literally means “the six o’clock ringing of the bells.” It takes place on the third Monday of April and culminates with the burning of the Böögg, a giant fabric snowman whose head is stuffed with firecrackers. Each year the Böögg towers at the Sechseläutenplatz (in front of the Opera house) on a massive pyre until it is lit on fire precisely at 6 pm when the Grossmünster bell rings. Tradition says the faster the Böögg burns, the hotter summer will be.
This year’s Böögg, burned yesterday evening, took a record 59 minutes to explode – meaning Switzerland is in for a mild and late start to summer.
Although the Böögg is the highlight, people flock to central Zurich to take in the parades, traditional costumes, and marching bands that fill the city’s streets.
Switzerland’s stunning landscape is breathtaking year-round, but it’s particularly stunning during spring when everything from the trees to mountain meadows is in bloom.
The annual Fête de la Tulipe in Morgesis one of the most beautiful spring events on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. From mid-March to mid-May, around 150,000 tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths can be enjoyed blooming in the Parc de l’Indépendence à Morges behind the chateau on the Lac Léman lakefront. It’s one of the oldest festivals of its kind in the world, and best of all, it’s free.
This trail wanders along the hills above Zugersee, where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms from mid-April. The trail offers views of Lake Zug, the mountains of central Switzerland, and the picturesque hilly landscape of Menzing. The landscape lets you shake off the winter chill and immerse yourself in springtime splendor. The Fricktal Chriesiwäg cherry trail, a 4k loop in canton Aargau, is another spectacular option to enjoy over 10 thousand fruit trees in blossom.
When the cherries are ready to be picked in June, Zug celebrates in the most unusual way: Chriesisturm. A special “cherry bell” in a local church is rung and locals run through the streets carrying long cherry-picking ladders and baskets to the orchards. A festive lunch follows as well as a decadent cherry market.
Every spring, the meadows between Vue des Alpes and Tête de Ran explode in a sea of yellow daffodils. This moving spectacle can be seen from the end of March to the end of April. But please remember to admire these blooms from the signposted trails — many of the spring flowers, particularly wild daffodils, are protected.
In Switzerland, Spring brings with it warmer weather and music. Many world-famous music festivals take place in Switzerland during the spring months.
Founded in 1938 by Ernest Ansermet and Walter Schulthess, the Lucerne Festival is one of the leading international festivals in classical music. It boasts a prestigious line-up of classical music performances. The festival happens in three parts throughout the year and begins with the Piano Fest at the end of May.
Starting in late March and running until late May to early June, Bern’s International Jazz Festival is held in the intimate setting of Marian’s Jazzroom. During the festival, world-class musicians perform over 200 individual concerts for up to 30,000 jazz fans every year.
Caprices Festival is an incredible electronic dance music festival held at the world-famous Crans-Montana ski resort. The festival, which turned 20 this year, takes place over two weekends during the first half of April. The stage is held in a transparent glass house called the Modernity, displaying magnificent views of the Alps at 2200m above sea level.
Zermatt Unplugged takes place in the middle of April every year. The acoustic music festival showcases well-known musicians as well as new talents in an incredible setting. Today, there are over 100 artists that perform over five days on 17 different stages in the beautiful village of Zermatt and the surrounding mountains.
Spring wouldn’t be the same without an update to our diets, and Swiss cuisine doesn’t disappoint.
For two days in May, Valais winemakers open their doors to visitors. This annual tradition is known as Caves Ouvertes (open cellars). It’s an indulgent and fun way to enjoy one of Switzerland’s well-loved but lesser-known products. You simply pay for a glass and then try as much wine as you like.
Similar Caves Ouvertes festivals are celebrated through the Vaud and Geneva cantons, as well.
The Cheese Festival in Gruyères happens every year in May. Gruyères is a medieval town in canton Fribourg famous for its delicious namesake cheese. The festival is held on the main street of the town. It offers visitors cheesemaking demonstrations, local artisan goods, and the opportunity to taste hundreds of regional cheeses.
Switzerland is a country that loves eating seasonally, and spring is no different. Every spring, restaurants change their menus to include spring specialties. Some of the favorites include asparagus, white and green, prepared in every way possible, with bacon, a side of hollandaise, boiled or braised.
Another favorite is barlauch, or wild garlic, used to flavor everything from butter to spaetzle. Finally, the delightfully rosy rhubarb can’t be forgotten. The Swiss enjoy it in syrups, crumbles, and cakes.
However you choose to enjoy the warmer days of spring, you certainly won’t be missing out if you’re in Switzerland.
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