Zermatt, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zurich, and Ticino shine in April.
If you want a spring trip, the best places to visit in Switzerland in April give you snowy mountains, lakes with tulips, and quiet old towns. I have travelled across the country many times in spring, and it is one of my favorite seasons.
In this guide, I share simple, real tips from my own trips so you can plan with confidence and enjoy every moment.
Why April is a sweet spot in Switzerland
April is shoulder season. You get lower prices, fewer crowds, and easy hotel picks. Lakeside towns bloom. High peaks still hold snow. It is the best of both worlds.
Weather can change fast. Expect mild days in the lowlands and winter on the summits. Trains run like clockwork, so you can pivot if clouds roll in. I plan flexible days and always include one indoor backup, like a museum or a spa.
If you search for the best places to visit in Switzerland in April, you will see many lists. Yet, what matters is access and openings. This guide focuses on places that work well in April, even if some cable cars pause for maintenance.
Top regions and cities to put on your map
Zermatt and Gornergrat
Zermatt is a classic. The Matterhorn wears fresh snow and the village is calm. The Gornergrat Railway runs year-round and gives a wide glacier view. Skiing can still be great on the higher slopes.
I like to catch sunrise at Riffelalp, then sip hot chocolate in the car-free village. Pack warm layers. In April, the wind at 3,000 meters cuts deep.
Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald
Waterfalls roar in April, and Lauterbrunnen’s valley feels alive. Grindelwald has cozy cafes and views of the Eiger. Jungfraujoch is open year-round, though it is pricey. It is worth it on a clear day.
I keep a flexible window for Jungfraujoch and buy tickets the night before. If clouds come, ride to Wengen or Mürren instead. You still get Alpine charm and sunny terrace lunches.
Lucerne with Mount Rigi and Mount Titlis
Lucerne is ideal in April. Boats on Lake Lucerne start full service. The Mount Rigi cogwheel trains run year-round and offer gentle hikes. Mount Titlis is also open and has deep snow fun.
Stroll the Chapel Bridge. Then split your day between a lake cruise and a mountain trip. For many travelers, Lucerne ranks among the best places to visit in Switzerland in April because it works in all weather.
Montreux, Vevey, and the Lavaux Vineyards
The Swiss Riviera wakes up in April. Walk the lakeside path from Montreux to Chillon Castle with early blooms. The terraced Lavaux vineyards are a UNESCO site and look fresh with new green.
Do not miss the Morges Tulip Festival near Lausanne. It runs through April and May and is free. This area is gentle, warm, and perfect for relaxed days.
Zurich and Lake Zurich
Zurich blends art, food, and nature. Old Town is quiet in the morning. On sunny days, locals gather by the lake. If your dates align, you may see Sechseläuten, a spring festival with the burning of the Böögg.
Visit the museums if it rains. Ride a short train to Uetliberg for a quick view. Zurich is a smart base for day trips in April.
Ticino: Lugano, Locarno, Ascona, and Verzasca Valley
Ticino feels Mediterranean in spring. Palms sway by the lakes, and camellias bloom. Lugano has sunny piazzas and easy hills. The Verzasca Valley shows emerald water and stone bridges.
I love the lakeside walk in Ascona at sunset. It is calm and golden. Many travelers say Ticino is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in April for warm weather and color.
Bern and Emmental
Bern’s sandstone lanes glow after a spring shower. The Aare River curves below the old town. In Emmental, green hills roll and farm stands open. This is a gentle, rural side of Switzerland.
Take the arcades walk in the old town. Then taste cheese in Emmental. It is a calm day that pairs well with a busy itinerary.
St. Moritz and the Bernina Region
Snow stays late here, but trains make it easy. The Bernina Express runs year-round and crosses icy lakes and bright glaciers. On clear days, the views feel unreal.
I do this ride even when I skip skiing. It proves that the best places to visit in Switzerland in April can include true winter scenes, minus the peak-season rush.
Appenzell and Lake Constance
Appenzell offers bright houses and easy pasture walks. Try the local cheese and enjoy simple, clean views. Lake Constance is nearby and mild in April.
Crowds are light. You get space and silence. This is a sweet add-on after a busy city stop.
Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen
Spring melt makes Rhine Falls thunder. Bring a rain shell for the spray platforms. Schaffhausen’s old town is pretty and compact.
This stop works on the way from Zurich to Lake Constance. It adds variety to your plan and suits an April morning.
For anyone mapping the best places to visit in Switzerland in April, these regions give color, access, and strong odds of good days, even if the weather flips.
Scenic train routes that shine in April
- GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken: Vineyards to big peaks in a few hours. Book the panoramic cars if you can.
- Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano: Year-round. Huge glacier scenes and a dash into Italy.
- Luzern–Interlaken Express: Lakes, meadows, and tidy villages. Great for first-time visitors.
- Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz: Spring schedule runs, with fewer crowds. It is a long day, but smooth and scenic.
- Voralpen-Express from Lucerne to St. Gallen: Pastures, bridges, and calm towns. Easy to fit into a loop.
Sit on the right or left side based on the route for the best views. I check the sun angle before I pick seats. For popular trains, reserve ahead, even in April.
Sample 7-day April itinerary
- Day 1: Zurich arrival and Old Town walk. Optional Uetliberg view if the sky is clear.
- Day 2: Luzern and Lake Lucerne cruise. Afternoon up Mount Rigi or Mount Titlis.
- Day 3: Interlaken base with a Lauterbrunnen valley walk. Optional Wengen visit.
- Day 4: Jungfraujoch on a clear day. If cloudy, go to Mürren and Schilthorn village views.
- Day 5: GoldenPass to Montreux. Chillon Castle and lakeside walk.
- Day 6: Lavaux vineyards and Morges Tulip Festival. Evening train to Zermatt.
- Day 7: Gornergrat sunrise and village time. Depart or add a Ticino warm-up.
You can flip this plan or swap St. Moritz for Zermatt. It keeps the essence of the best places to visit in Switzerland in April while staying flexible.
Weather, packing, and safety tips
Weather
- Lowlands: 8 to 15°C, with sun and showers.
- Mountains: Below freezing at altitude, with strong wind.
- Days are longer, and snow melts fast below 1,500 meters.
Packing list
- Light down jacket and a waterproof shell.
- Warm hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter for high peaks.
- Waterproof shoes with grip. Merino base layers.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen. A compact umbrella.
- Universal adapter and a portable battery.
Safety
- Check live lift status and trail conditions. Spring maintenance is common.
- Watch for ice at altitude. Stay on marked paths.
- Carry water and snacks. Weather can change in minutes.
These steps help you enjoy the best places to visit in Switzerland in April without stress.
Practical info: passes, hours, and closures
- Swiss Travel Pass is great if you ride daily. It covers many trains, boats, and museums.
- Boats on major lakes restart full service around April. Check exact dates.
- Some lifts pause for spring maintenance. Pilatus cogwheel railway opens mid-May, while Rigi and Titlis run.
- Use the national rail app for live platforms and delays. It is very accurate.
- Book mountain trips after you see the forecast. Clear days make a big difference.
This is the detail that shapes a smooth trip. It turns a list of the best places to visit in Switzerland in April into a real plan.
Budget and booking tips for April
- Hotels and apartments cost less than in summer. Book early for Easter weeks.
- City cards can cover transit and museums. Check benefits per city.
- Eat lunch specials at local restaurants. Shop bakeries for fresh, fair-priced snacks.
- Use luggage transfer services when you change bases. It saves time and stress.
April is kind to your budget. You get value without giving up comfort.
Photography and food ideas
Photo spots
- Zermatt at sunrise from Riffelalp or Gornergrat.
- Lavaux terraces in soft afternoon light.
- Lauterbrunnen waterfalls after rain.
- Lake Lucerne boats with mountains behind.
Food to try
- Spring asparagus dishes and wild garlic pesto.
- A slice of Zuger Kirschtorte or a Montreux chocolate tasting.
- Cheese fondue on a cool night. Rösti in a mountain hut.
- Easter treats in April, like chocolate bunnies and braided bread.
These small joys lift any visit. They also define the best places to visit in Switzerland in April for the senses.
Frequently Asked Questions of best places to visit in switzerland in april
Is April a good time to visit Switzerland?
Yes, April is great for lower crowds and fair prices. You get lake blooms and snowy peaks in one trip.
Will there be snow in April?
Yes, at higher elevations there is plenty of snow. In the lowlands, snow is rare and trails are often clear.
Are cable cars and trains running in April?
Most trains run year-round. Some cable cars pause for maintenance, so always check schedules before you go.
Can I hike in April?
Lowland and mid-level paths can be open and muddy. High alpine trails are usually still snowbound.
What are the best places to visit in Switzerland in April for flowers?
Morges Tulip Festival near Lausanne is a highlight. Lakeside promenades in Montreux and Lugano also bloom early.
Is April cheaper than summer?
Usually yes. Hotels and flights can be lower, except around Easter.
What should I pack for April?
Bring layers, a waterproof shell, warm accessories, and good shoes. Add sunscreen and sunglasses for high-altitude glare.
Are the scenic trains worth it in April?
Yes. The Bernina, GoldenPass, and Glacier Express offer big views with fewer crowds.
Where should I base myself for a short trip?
Lucerne and Interlaken are strong for first-timers. Add Montreux or Zermatt if you have a week.
How many days do I need?
Five to seven days is a sweet spot. You can cover several of the best places to visit in Switzerland in April without rushing.
Conclusion
April lets you pair winter drama with spring color, all in one easy trip. Choose Zermatt for peaks, Lucerne for boats, Interlaken for waterfalls, Montreux for vineyards, and Ticino for sun. These are the best places to visit in Switzerland in April because they balance access, views, and value.
Use flexible days, watch the weather, and book mountain rides last. Let the trains guide you and keep your plans light. Ready to craft your spring route? Save this guide, share your questions, and subscribe for fresh, expert travel tips.
