Chase glacier caves, cliff hammocks, secret bunkers, sky baths, bobsled runs, and cave-aged cheese.
If you think Switzerland is only trains, chocolate, and pretty mountains, you will be surprised. I spent years traveling around the country and trying unusual things many tourists never see. I slept in an igloo at 2,700 meters, rode an Olympic bobsleigh, and found small hidden places that felt magical.
In this guide, I share the unusual things to do in Switzerland that I enjoyed the most, with simple tips you can follow easily on your own trip.
Ice, stone, and hidden worlds
If you want unusual things to do in Switzerland, start underground and inside ice. These places feel otherworldly, yet they are safe with guides.
- Explore the Hölloch cave in Muotathal. It is one of the longest cave systems in the world. Guided tours range from easy walks to full-on cave trekking.
- Walk the St. Beatus Caves above Lake Thun. The lit caverns and waterfalls make a surreal scene near Interlaken.
- Visit the Rhone Glacier ice grotto near the Furka Pass when open. The tunnel changes each year due to the moving ice, so check status before you go.
My tip: wear warm layers and good grip shoes. Book official guides. Cave and glacier access can close due to safety, so always check current conditions.
Bunkers, forts, and secret tunnels
Cold War history hides in plain sight. These sites rank high among unusual things to do in Switzerland.
- Tour Sasso San Gottardo at the Gotthard Pass. You ride deep into the mountain to see giant cannons, galleries, and alpine exhibits.
- Step into the Sonnenberg bunker in Lucerne on select tours. It was once planned to shelter tens of thousands.
- Explore lakeside forts like Festung Vitznau or Artilleriewerk near Lake Thun. Many open on weekends or by appointment.
I learned to book early. Many fortress museums run seasonal hours and small-group slots. Bring a jacket. It is cool inside all year.
Soak above the clouds and under the stars
Hot pools with skyline or glacier views feel unreal. For unusual things to do in Switzerland, a night soak is hard to beat.
- Float in the rooftop pool at Thermalbad & Spa Zürich. The city spreads out under the sky. Sunset is best.
- Unwind at Therme Vals, a design icon by Peter Zumthor. The stone rooms and warm pools calm the mind.
- Bathe at Leukerbad with a ring of peaks around you. Winter steam and snow make magic.
Book time slots on weekends. Bring flip-flops and a quick-dry towel. Check age rules and quiet hours, which many spas enforce.
Sleep wild: pods, barrels, and igloos
Where you sleep can be the story. These stays are unusual things to do in Switzerland that you will remember for years.
- Spend a night in an igloo village near Zermatt or Davos. Staff teach you how to stay warm. The stars are bright and close.
- Try eco pods at Whitepod in Valais. You wake to views that look like a screensaver.
- Sleep in a wine barrel at Schlaf-Fass spots in eastern Switzerland. It is cozy, simple, and fun.
- Book a cliff-portaledge night with a certified guide near Interlaken. It is safe and guided, but be ready for thrills.
I pack a silk liner, headlamp, and spare socks. Book well ahead for weekends and full-moon nights.
Ride the edge: bridges, bobsleighs, and funiculars
Adrenaline meets smart Swiss engineering. This mix defines many unusual things to do in Switzerland.
- Take a taxi-bob ride on the Olympia Bob Run in St. Moritz (winter). You race an ice track with a pro pilot. Speeds are high, and smiles are real.
- Cross the Peak Walk by Tissot at Glacier 3000. It links two summits with one suspension bridge.
- Hike to the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge near Randa. It is long and sways a little. Sunrise is quiet here.
- Ride the open-air Gelmerbahn near Grimsel. It is one of the steepest funiculars in Europe. The lake at the top is pure blue.
Check weather windows. High wind can close bridges and lifts. Wear layers and bring rain shells even on sunny days.
Taste the unexpected: cheese caves, absinthe, and fondue gondolas
Food adventures are some of the best unusual things to do in Switzerland. These add flavor and story to your trip.
- Visit the Kaltbach cheese caves near Lucerne by reservation. Taste cave-aged Gruyère and Emmental in the cool tunnels.
- Follow the Absinthe Trail in Val-de-Travers. Learn how the “green fairy” went from banned to beloved. Tours and tastings are easy to book.
- Book a fondue gondola dinner in resorts like Engelberg, Gstaad, or Adelboden. You eat while gliding above the snow.
- Sip wine in Lavaux terraces. Take the train, then walk between villages for tastings with lake views.
I bring a small cooler bag for cheese and a corkscrew for picnics. Plan tastings so you can use trains instead of a car.
Hands-on culture: watchmaking, art, and folk traditions
Doing beats watching. These activities rank among my favorite unusual things to do in Switzerland.
- Build a mechanical watch in a day with a workshop like Initium in Geneva or Le Noirmont. You learn balance springs and timing hands-on.
- Step into the HR Giger Museum and bar in Gruyères. The biomech style is wild and unforgettable.
- Join a carving or cowbell workshop in Appenzell. Simple tools, warm hosts, and a craft you can take home.
Workshops sell out fast. I email hosts 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Ask about language options and minimum age.
Seasonal surprises you should not miss
Switzerland loves ritual. Time your trip to catch one or two, and you will add rare color to your list of unusual things to do in Switzerland.
- Watch the Alpabzug cow parades in early fall. Cows wear flowers and bells as they return to the valleys.
- See Zürich’s Sechseläuten in April, when the “Böögg” snowman burns. Locals guess the summer by how fast it explodes.
- Join Basel Fasnacht at dawn on Monday after Ash Wednesday. The city turns dark, then lanterns glow.
- Visit Richterswil’s Räbechilbi in November. Thousands of carved turnips light the night.
Dates shift each year. Check official calendars and book stays early.
A 5-day offbeat itinerary
This sample plan balances nature, culture, and pure fun. It strings together unusual things to do in Switzerland with simple train links.
- Day 1: Zürich. Rooftop soak at Thermalbad. Evening fondue tram or street food tour.
- Day 2: Lucerne and Gotthard. Morning fortress tour at Sonnenberg or Sasso San Gottardo. Sunset walk on the lakefront.
- Day 3: Interlaken area. Hölloch cave or St. Beatus Caves. Optional cliff walk at Grindelwald First.
- Day 4: Valais. Gelmerbahn then head to Sion. Surf a wave at Alaïa Bay or taste wine in nearby vineyards.
- Day 5: Zermatt or Davos. Igloo night or long suspension bridge near Randa. Return via scenic train.
Swap days based on season. For winter, add the St. Moritz taxi-bob and a spa night. For summer, add the Charles Kuonen Bridge and a Lavaux hike.
Practical tips and safety for unusual adventures
A little planning keeps unusual things to do in Switzerland smooth and safe.
Timing and weather
- Check the official avalanche bulletin in winter and spring.
- Use the national weather app for storm alerts.
- Mountain lifts and glacier sites can close fast. Have a Plan B nearby.
Gear
- Wear layers, waterproof shells, and strong shoes.
- Pack a headlamp for caves and dawn starts.
- Bring cash for small countryside spots.
Booking
- Reserve igloo stays, fortress tours, and workshops weeks ahead.
- For taxi-bob, book early season slots. They go first.
- Ask about age limits, required fitness, and insurance.
Transport and passes
- The Swiss Travel Pass covers most trains, buses, and boats.
- For remote valleys, check last-bus times to avoid pricey taxis.
Safety and ethics
- Stay on trails and avoid protected zones.
- Do not enter ice or caves without a guide.
- Respect local rules at festivals and in spas.
I have learned to call on the day for weather checks. Staff know the real conditions, and they will save you wasted trips.
Frequently Asked Questions of unusual things to do in switzerland
What are the most unusual things to do in switzerland for first-timers?
Try a fortress tour, a cave walk, and a rooftop spa night. Add a suspension bridge hike and a cheese cave tasting for a full mix.
Are these unusual things to do in switzerland safe for kids?
Many are family-friendly, like St. Beatus Caves and Thermalbad. Check age limits for bobsleigh, cliff walks, and workshops.
How do I book unique tours or classes?
Reserve on the official operator sites or local tourism offices. For small workshops, email in advance to confirm language and group size.
When is the best season for unusual things to do in switzerland?
Winter is great for igloos, taxi-bob, and steamy spas. Summer and fall are better for long bridges, caves, and festivals.
What should I pack for these activities?
Bring layers, a rain shell, sturdy shoes, and a headlamp. Add gloves in shoulder seasons and swimwear for spas.
Do I need a car for these unusual things to do in switzerland?
No. Trains and buses reach most sites, and cable cars do the rest. A car helps for remote valleys but is not required.
How much do these activities cost?
Costs vary widely. Plan free hikes and one or two premium experiences like a taxi-bob or watch class to balance your budget.
Conclusion
Switzerland rewards curiosity. Pick two or three unusual things to do in Switzerland, and your trip will shift from good to unforgettable. Start with one bold choice, like a fortress tour or an igloo night, then build your plan around it.
You now have the map and the mindset. Save this guide, share it with a friend, and tell me which unusual things to do in Switzerland you’ll try first.
