Switzerland's rail network is one of the world's best, defying steep mountain gradients, threading through dramatic valleys and around beautiful lakes to showcase the country's finest scenery. Here is all you need to know about Switzerland's best train rides.
January is mid-winter in Switzerland, so that means it's peak season as visitors flock to the ski fields in the Alps. Conditions at higher altitudes are mostly snowy, but towns and cities lower down will be cold though not necessarily frozen. Read on to discover more about traveling to Switzerland in January.
February is mid-winter in Switzerland, and along with January, the snow conditions are at their best for winter sports in the Alps. Later in the month, Carnival provides color and good cheer at lower elevations, especially in the cities of Basel and Lucerne. Find out more about traveling to Switzerland in February.
March is on the boundary between late winter and early spring in Switzerland: in higher-altitude areas, this is still peak snow sports season, while at lower altitudes, the first buds of spring are pushing through. Find out where to go and what to do in Switzerland in March.
April is spring in Switzerland and the low season between the height of winter and summer. But with pleasant weather, thinner crowds, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, April is a great time to visit. Ride a mountain railway, stroll around a lake in the shadow of mountains, and hike on newly thawed trails. Read on to discover more about traveling to Switzerland in April.
May is spring in Switzerland, a relatively short season but one with lovely weather and few tourists. Come to Switzerland in May to hike in the mountains or take a scenic train ride before the heavy crowds of summer. Read on to discover more about traveling to Switzerland in May.
Along with winter, summer is the peak season for travel to Switzerland, and for many good reasons: the weather is mild or warm, the mountain hiking trails are open, and cities hold lively festivals . There are also, however, many other travelers around. Find out more about where to go and what to see if you visit Switzerland in June.
July is midsummer in Switzerland, and temperatures can soar in lower-lying areas, making the mountains idyllic for a range of activities. Hike on trails free of snow or take in the views from above on a cable car or from a paraglider. Read on to find out where to go and what to do in Switzerland in July.
August is midsummer in Switzerland and the peak season for tourism. Visitors flock to the Alps to enjoy the cooler weather and spectacular mountain scenery that's mostly free of snow. As well as hiking, travelers can admire the landscape while paragliding, cruising on a lake, riding a cable car or train, and more. Keep reading to learn about visiting Switzerland in August.
September is the start of fall in Switzerland and the beginning of the low season for tourism. But with still-summery weather in many places, great conditions for outdoor activities, the grape harvest for winemaking, and lighter tourist crowds, September is a great month to visit Switzerland. Find out where to go and what to do in Switzerland in September.
October is fall in Switzerland and the low season for travel, between the peaks of summer and winter. The weather may be pleasant and sunny or damp and dull, so it makes sense to base yourself in one of Switzerland's beautiful cities if you're visiting in October. Read on for more about traveling to Switzerland in October.
November is the final month of fall in Switzerland, and temperatures are generally cold. Conditions are not yet ripe for skiing, but this month is still an excellent time to visit Switzerland's cities for cultural attractions and to make the most of their proximity to the mountains if the weather's fine. Find out more about where to go and what to do in Switzerland in November.
Snow starts to fall in earnest in Switzerland in December, and with it are the tourists that flock to the mountain ski resorts. There are also charming markets held in various cities in the lead-up to Christmas. Whether you're interested in outdoor or city attractions, December's a great time to visit Switzerland. Read on to learn more.
