Switzerland! People swear by its jaw-dropping views, vibrant cities, and thrilling adventure. Bejeweled by snow clad mountains, alpine forests, meadows, serene lakes, and waterfalls, Switzerland attracts tourists of all kinds. Of all the months which are suitable for Switzerland vacation, May is the prominent one, which is popular for treks, boat, hiking, train rides, cruises, and sightseeing. Read on, to find out what Switzerland in May has in store for you.
Switzerland iis full of surprises. It is a paradise for foodies, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers. From Swiss cheese to Swiss Alps, the country will keep you busy with surprises and unique experiences.
Weather In Switzerland In May 2024
Switzerland is a year-round destination. But the best time to visit Switzerland is between April to June and September to October. Switzerland weather in May 2024 is moderate, neither too hot, nor too cold. If we talk about the weather in Switzerland in May, 2024 in Celsius, it ranges between 25-30 degree Celsius. And Zurich weather in May ranges between 10-19 degree Celsius. The temperature in Zurich in May is more pleasant as compared to other cities of Switzerland. It is probably the best time to explore the capital of this wonderful country. The meadows look luxuriant and refreshing and most of the hiking tours are open during this season. Switzerland temperature in June is also pleasant if you are planning to go here in summer.
24 Experiences You Must Have In Switzerland In May
Wondering what to do in this charming country in the month of May? Here is the list of experiences and some of the best places to visit in Switzerland in May. Take a look!
- Matterhorn In Zermatt – Enjoy Thrilling Cable Car Ride
- Rhine Falls – Take A Boat Cruise
- Geneva Lake – Enjoy Paddle Boarding
- Mount Pilatus – Visit The Summit In A Cogwheel Railway
- Jungfraujoch – Play In The Snow
- French Alps In Interlaken – Go For Paragliding
- Swiss National Park – Trek Along
- Lake Lucerne – Taste Local Wine
- Swiss Museum Of Transport – Relish Swiss Chocolate
- Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich – Shop Till You Drop
- Mount Titlis – Take A Ride In Rotair Revolving Cable Car
- Swiss Chuchi – Indulge In Delicious Fondue
- Chur – Discover The Oldest Swiss Town
- Vevay – Visit UNESCO Vineyards
- Trummelbach – Get Drenched
- Olympic Museum – Hold The Torch
- Jail Hotel – Unique Staying Experience In Lucerne
- Piz Gloria – Dine At The James Bond Restaurant
- Montreux – Get The Jazz Blues
- Basel – Explore 3 Countries In 1 City
- Interlaken – Go Skydiving
- Zurich – Ride A Bicycle Around
- Mount Rigi – Ride An Old Cog Railway
- The Funky Chocolate Club – Learn The Art Of Chocolate-Making
1. Matterhorn In Zermatt – Enjoy Thrilling Cable Car Ride
One of the major tourist attractions of Switzerland is Matterhorn in Zermatt- the mountainous region popular for trekking, mountaineering, and glacier hiking. And among many things to do in Switzerland in May, the breathtaking view of glaciers, peaks and mountain ranges can leave you speechless. Keep your cameras ready, as the cable car takes you over Gornergrat, Rothorn and Matterhorn glacier paradise. This ride takes place throughout the year and definitely one of the unmissable things to try.
Charges: INR 3860/person
How to reach: It takes 3 hours via train from Zurich to Matterhorn.
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2. Rhine Falls – Take A Boat Cruise
Among many exciting and thrilling things to do on Switzerland holidays in May, going on a boat cruise ride amid Rhine Falls is a must. Located on the border of Schaffhausen and Zürich, Rhine Falls is the highest waterfall in entire Europe and attracts tourists of all kinds. Though there are viewing galleries for the waterfall, boating up to the rock, located in the middle of the falls is undeniably an experience of a lifetime. Switzerland cruises and boat tours operate from April to October, but entry through both the northern and southern bank is open throughout the year.
Charges: Entry to the southern bank will cost INR 342/person whereas entry to the northern bank is free.
How to reach: Neuhausen Rheinfall and Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall are the train stations located on either side of the falls.
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3. Geneva Lake – Enjoy Paddle Boarding!
One of most scenic and peaceful places to visit in Switzerland in May include, Lake Geneva. It is a picturesque crescent-shaped lake, overlooking the Alps. While some of the lake areas fall in France, the other half is in Switzerland. If you are looking for an amazing experience to try in Switzerland in May, go for paddle boarding in Lake Geneva. It’s absolutely fun and thrilling to stand up on a long surfboard and paddle while maneuvering the same through the water. To top it up, try windsurfing and wakeboarding along with paddle boarding and satiate your adventure loving soul in the month of May in Switzerland. This place is also surrounded by some of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Charges: INR 1400-4500/person
How to reach: Public transport is the best way to get around in Geneva.
Suggested Read: Switzerland In June: For A Blissful Trip Experience Amid The Serene Swiss Alps
4. Mount Pilatus – Visit The Summit In A Cogwheel Railway
Overlooking Lake Lucerne, Pilatus is a beautiful mountain massif in Switzerland. Endowed with snow-clad peaks and meadows, this is definitely one of the most attractive tourist places in Switzerland. One can reach the summit of Mount Pilatus in a cable car but if you want to have an exhilarating experience, take the cogwheel train ride to reach the top. Considered as the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, this train ride is operational between May and November and the thrilling journey to the top is as beautiful as the destination and its surrounding. If you’re planning on hiking and want to enjoy snow in Switzerland in May, you can do that here.
Charges: INR 3940/person
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5. Jungfraujoch – Play In The Snow
Imagine yourself as Raj or Simran and hum your favorite song while you take the astounding train ride up to Jungfraujoch. The train starts from Kleine Scheidegg and travels up to Jungfraujoch in Interlaken through alpine forests, snow meadows, and lakes. Sit back, relax, admire the view, take photographs and create memories of a lifetime in one of the most beautiful places in Interlaken. You must have taken numerous train rides in your life, but this is an exclusive and unique one. Once you reach the top, you can explore this observatory, dine, shop, and play outside in the snow for as long as you like to best experience Switzerland in May 2024.
Charges: INR 14362 /person
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6. French Alps In Interlaken – Go For Paragliding
If you’re planning to visit Switzerland in May and you love adventure, there is no way you can miss paragliding in Interlaken. Go for paragliding in Switzerland over the French Alps and enjoy the stunning beauty and tranquillity of nature. This thrilling experience of enjoying the panoramic view of peaks, mountains, glaciers, and lakes is absolutely safe and under the strict guidance of professional pilots. The activity lasts for about 15-20 minutes, so live every moment.
Charges: Starting from INR 10250/person
How to reach: Bern Airport is the nearest airport to Interlaken.
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7. Swiss National Park – Trek Along
Hiking in Swiss National Park is one of the hot favorite activities amongst trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, and backpackers. If you’re hiking in Switzerland in May, this is the kind of place you will not see anywhere else. Most of the trekking trails of this sprawling national park open from April and with 21 plus routes, Swiss National Park is considered as a hiker’s paradise.
Surrounded by the Alps, this national park is mountainous and the undulating terrain, lush greenery and chances of wildlife spotting, make the experience even more enthralling. Apart from hiking, there are plenty of adventure sports in Switzerland that you can try.
Time: 9 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm. The national park is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
How to reach: The park is accessible via Rätische Bahn, a type of public transport in Switzerland.
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8. Lake Lucerne – Taste Local Wine
If you are in Switzerland in May, do plan for a Swish winery tour. Spread across lush green meadows, these wineries around Lake Lucerne are a refreshing treat to the mind and soul. When exploring around, you can even stop at any of the wineries and enjoy a guided wine tasting session. Many of the wineries even offer Swiss cheese for tasting along with local wine.
How to reach: If you are coming from Zurich, then taking a train to Lucerne is the best option.
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9. Swiss Museum Of Transport – Relish Swiss Chocolate
Are you a chocoholic? If so, a fascinating Swiss chocolate adventure at the Swiss Museum of Transport is what you should plan this May. This is a whirlwind ride in a chocolate cube shape car. The ride lasts for 30 minutes and offers an animated and sensory experience of learning about the origin of chocolates, how it is made, its different types and tastes. The fun ride ends with sample Swiss chocolates, given to every visitor. If you are traveling with your family, especially with kids, this is one of the unmissable things to do in Switzerland in May. This museum is also surrounded by some of the best places for shopping in Switzerland.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Charges: INR 1094/adult and INR 820/child
How to reach: Taking a train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne is your best option.
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10. Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich – Shop Till You Drop
Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich is a globally renowned shopping boulevard. Home to classiest boutique stores of fashion, jewelry, and lifestyle, Bahnhofstrasse is among the liveliest places to visit in Switzerland in May. From trendy outfits to dazzling accessories, beautiful home décor to best of Swiss watches, Bahnhofstrasse has everything that your shopaholic heart desires.
How to reach: You can easily get around in Zurich on foot or by taxi.
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11. Mount Titlis – Take A Ride In Rotair Revolving Cable Car
Do you dream about experiencing snow in May? Head to Mount Titlis as it is the perfect destination for you. Covered in snow throughout summers, Mount Titlis will make your trip more exciting as it is one of the most fascinating places to see in Switzerland in May. Take a ride in rotair revolving cable car and soak in the beautiful view surrounding it.
How to reach: Take a train from Zurich to Engelberg. Then, take a bus to the 8-seater Titlis Xpress gondola cable car.
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12. Swiss Chuchi – Indulge In Delicious Fondue
One of the mandatory things to do in Switzerland in May is tasting Swiss cheese fondue. Switzerland is famous for its exquisite cheeses, therefore, you will find plenty of places where you can indulge in gluttony. However, there are some special fondue places that attract tourists and visitors in huge numbers. Swiss Chuchi in Rathaus is one of these famous places where you will have a classical fondue experience. You can also explore some of the best restaurants in Switzerland, wherein you can savour the delectable Swiss food and have a gala time.
Charges: INR 2,200- INR 3,000
How to reach: You can take Tram 4 or 15 to reach Rathaus
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13. Chur – Discover The Oldest Swiss Town
Located in the canton of Graubünden, Chur is considered to be the oldest town in Switzerland. It is believed to be as old as 5,000 years. So, you will find numerous fascinating things that you would like to capture in your camera. Not only is it picturesque, the town is also 100% car-free. Even though it is Swiss, people of this town speak German. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in May.
Charges: INR 1,320 for train ticket
How to reach: There are regular trains between Chur and Zurich. The travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes
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14. Vevay – Visit UNESCO Vineyards
If you are visiting Switzerland in May , then you must make a point to visit the vineyards or Vevay. The small town vineyard is regarded as a UNESCO site. The vineyard dates back to 1,000 years ago whenItalians brought the first grapes here and started producing wine. The town is full of interesting anecdotes and stories that you must take note of. Another reason why you should visit this town is that Charlie Chaplin hailed from this town.
How to reach: Get down at this station from the train heading from Lausanne to Montreux.
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15. Trummelbach – Get Drenched
If you are wondering what to do in Switzerland in May, then board the train to Lauterbrunnen and hike all the way to Trummelbach – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland. Switzerland weather in May is perfect for getting drenched in the waterfall. So, you won’t mind soaking wet. The region is famous for bounty of waterfalls but what makes this one the most famous is that it breaks from the snow melting through the cracks. It is worth the hassle.
How to reach: Take a train to Lauterbrunnen and hike all the way to the waterfall
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16. Olympic Museum
The Olympic Museum is one of the most interesting things to see in Switzerland in may. After all, you ought to know where it all started and who started the great sports revolution. The Olympic Museum is located in Lausanne, the home of the founder of the modern-day Olympics. Get your eyes on the sports memorabilia and enjoy the opportunity of holding the torch from Rio. If you wish, you could also try your athletic abilities by participating in games and events at the Olympic City.
Charges: INR 1,320
How to reach: There is a train from Geneva Airport to Lausanne every 20 minutes.
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17. Jail Hotel – Unique Staying Experience In Lucerne
Why book a hotel in Switzerland in May 2024 when you can book your stay in a jail? There is a hotel in Lucerne built inside a prison dating back to 1862. If you ever want to experience how offenders or captives live inside a jail cell, then you can make your reservations here. You don’t even have to be an offender to be a guest at this hotel. Don’t worry! The jail experience comes with all the luxuries and amenities.
Charges: INR 5,547 on avg.
How to reach: IR70 is the only direct train that runs from Zurich Airport to Lucerne every 30 minutes.
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18. Piz Gloria – Dine At The James Bond Restaurant
Located atop Schilthorn is the James Bond restaurant where the 1969 movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was set. However, that’s not the onlyUSP of the place. The revolving restaurant offers breathtaking panoramas of the Alps along with delicious food. You can also order a Martini – shaken, not stirred.
Location: Schilthorn – Piz Gloria, 3825, Switzerland
Charges: INR 8,650
How to reach: You will have to take a cable car from Schiltron to reach the restaurant.
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19. Montreux – Get The Jazz Blues
Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the small town of Montreux is famous for its annual Jazz Festival. In fact, it is the second largest Jazz Fest in the world that is attended by Jazz maestros. The festival is 50 years old and invites over a quarter of million people every year. Swing along the rhythm of blue and have the best time on your trip to Switzerland in July. Even if you are visiting in May, you can explore the beautiful town at your leisure. There are other vibrant festivals in Switzerland for you to experience on your vacation.
When: 1-16 July 2022
Charges: NA
How to reach: There are a number of trains between Geneva and Montreux.
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20. Basel – Explore 3 Countries In 1 City
How? Basel is a city that is located on the borders of three countries. A part of it is located in France, another in Germany, and third part in Switzerland. So, when you are in Basel, you can actually visit 3 countries at once. Also, its enchanting beauty makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland in May. Take a tour around the places to visit in Basel that are no less than a paradise for art lovers.
Charges: INR 900 for single-journey train ticket
How to reach: Catch a train from Zurich Airport to Basel. The travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes.
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21. Interlaken – Go Skydiving
While New Zealand may be considered the best place for a skydiving gig in the world, Switzerland isn’t far behind in that list. Interlaken is a great place to go skydiving in Switzerland and fly high up in the sky over Switzerland’s enchanting landscapes of rolling pastures and fields. In fact, adrenaline junkies say that Interlaken is the new adventure capital of the world! The temperature in Switzerland in May is perfect for you to engage in activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain biking, and off-roading, in Interlaken.
Charges: Starting at INR 25,000/-
How to reach: Take a flight to Bern Airport and then take a train or bus to Interlaken which is just 45 minutes from the airport.
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22. Zurich – Ride A Bicycle Around
If you’re wondering what to do in Switzerland in May and don’t wish to get involved in something too adventurous, then you can simply choose to explore the capital city of Zurich on a bicycle with your friends. Zurich has very bicycle-friendly lanes and alleys so it’s super easy to get around the city on a bicycle or scooty. With various majestic places to visit in Zurich, you’ll love to travel around this beautiful city on a bike or scooty and explore the various museums, churches, and other tourist attractions.
How to reach: Take a direct flight to Zurich Airport from cities like Delhi or Mumbai.
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23. Mount Rigi – Ride An Old Cog Railway
Image Source
Mount Rigi is one of the most enchanting places in Switzerland that you can only reach via an adorable Old Cog train that looks pretty much like the Darjeeling toy train! Imagine riding in a cute train through heavenly landscapes of Switzerland all the way up to a beautiful mountain top! Yes, that is exactly what this experience offers, not just in May in Switzerland, but in all other seasons and months as well. It’s one of the most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland. And once you reach the top, there’s a lot to explore like cafes, restaurants, local attractions, and of course, the spectacular views!
Charges: Starting at INR 1,300/-
How to reach: Take a bus or boat to Vitznau where the train station is located.
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24. The Funky Chocolate Club – Learn The Art Of Chocolate-Making
Image Source
Where to go in Switzerland in May to make and eat delicious chocolates? A lot of people put forth such questions when they visit Switzerland in the hopes of tasting its finest chocolates. And The Funky Chocolate Club in Interlaken has the perfect answer for all chocolate lovers out there. It’s exclusive and popular chocolate-making workshop allows visitors to learn the process of melting, mixing, and then serving their handmade chocolate under the supervision and guidance of experienced experts. There’s also a cafe right here where you can relax and eat after your chocolate-making class and connect with other people attending the session.
Location: Jungfraustrasse 35, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Charges: INR 5,000/- per person (adults)
How to reach: Take a flight to Bern Airport and then take a train or bus to Interlaken which is just 45 minutes from the airport. You can take a taxi or bus from anywhere in Interlaken to reach this studio.
Further Read: 10 Extraordinary Things To Do During Your Summer Holidays In Europe
If you’re planning a vacation to Switzerland in May, make sure you quickly scan through the list to get an idea of what you can expect in the country in May. So, get packed and book your trip to Switzerland with TravelTriangle right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Switzerland In May
What to wear in Switzerland in May?
One can pack summer wear and light cotton clothes for Switzerland in May.
Is May a good time to visit Switzerland?
Even though you can visit Switzerland all year round, May is the best time to plan a vacation as the temperature ranges between 10-19 degrees Celsius.
Is there snow in Switzerland in May?
Yes, some places in Switzerland will be covered in snow in May. For a snowy experience, you can see plenty of places to visit in Switzerland in winter.
Is it rainy in Switzerland in May?
Yes, Switzerland receives heavy rainfall from May to August. But despite the weather, it makes for a great destination during the time to observe a different season.
What are the activities to enjoy in Switzerland in May?
Here you can enjoy some popular and adventurous activities like cogwheel railway ride, paragliding, trekking, shopping and pedal boarding in May.
Which are some of the most popular national parks in Switzerland?
The parks or nature parks of Switzerland are commonly divided into three categories – National Parks, Regional Nature Parks, and Nature Experience Parks. Some of the popular among them are Swiss National Park, Aargau JuraPark, and Wildnispark Zürich Sihlwald.
Where can I go trekking in Switzerland?
Places like Wildhaus, Oeschinensee Lake, Verzasca Valley, and Aletsch Glacier Trail generally offer enthusiastic trekking in Switzerland.
Where can I enjoy pedal boarding in Switzerland?
Geneva Lake is the most scenic and peaceful place where you can get an experience of paddleboarding.
Why should I take the experience of a train ride in Switzerland?
A train ride in Switzerland during the summer season can be a memorable journey of your life. The popular alpine forests, snowy meadows, and lakes would appear like heaven when you see through a train.
What to buy in Switzerland?
If you are a shopping lover, the main train station in Switzerland is the best spot. Here you can buy some of the popular swiss things like a cuckoo clock, cheese fondue set, swiss chocolate, and Victorinox swiss army knife.
What is the temperature of Switzerland in May?
In May, the average temperature of Switzerland is 14 degrees Celsius, the highest is 20 degrees Celsius and the lowest is 7 degrees Celsius.
How much does it cost to take a ride on the Cogwheel railway in Switzerland?
Through this ride, you can spot the true beauty of Switzerland. The cost of this ride in Switzerland is 3940 rupees per person.
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