A Switzerland honeymoon lets you kick off your married life on an enchanting note. Enter a realm that oozes fairytale charm when you choose this Central European country as your destination. It’s bordered by Italy, Austria, Germany, and France — and offers unrivaled natural beauty.
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Is Switzerland a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Some of the world’s most romantic honeymoon destinations are in Europe. Charming images of Paris and Florence immediately come to mind when honeymooners discuss the continent. But if you want a unique European holiday, a Swiss getaway is for you.
You and your new spouse will experience a mesmerizing blend of old-world beauty and natural splendor in Switzerland. The country boasts medieval villages, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes that set the stage for an adventure of a lifetime.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Switzerland?
- Embrace breathtaking mountain vistas. Enjoy sweeping Alpine views when you take a cable car ride in the Swiss Alps. The most popular cable car tours are in Titlis and Matterhorn.
- Conquer hiking trails. Speaking of Matterhorn — an iconic mountain peak on the Swiss and Italian border — it’s also a great place to find hiking trails. Whether you’re a casual tourist or a true-blue adventure seeker, you’ll love this area.
- Ascend to “the top of Europe.” A sought-after day trip, heading to Jungfraujoch, is something you should definitely do in Switzerland. Most accessible from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald, take a train ride to reach Europe’s highest accessible point.
- Feel the adrenaline rush. Interlaken is also a popular paragliding spot if you want to satiate your hunger for adrenaline-pumping adventures. If you want to go snowboarding, head to Zermatt.
- Visit Swiss waterfalls. At 23 meters, Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe. It is located on the High Rhine and offers various activities for honeymooners, from boat trips to treetop climbing.
- Explore charming cities. From Zurich to Geneva to Montreux, Switzerland offers plenty of towns to enjoy sightseeing in with your loved one. Walk along promenades, get lost in the beauty of medieval neighborhoods, and check out cafes and biking routes for a memorable honeymoon.
- Have a romantic boat ride date. Lake Zurich, Lake Geneva, and Lake Lucerne are just three lakes you can visit in this European gem. What better way to enjoy their beauty than cruise along their calm waters via a boat ride?
What Is the Best Month to Visit Switzerland?
April to May or September to October proves to be the sweet spot for a lovely Swiss getaway. If you want to embark on summery activities, head to the country around mid-June. If you want to visit Switzerland as a winter wonderland, time your vacation around December and March.
Is a Honeymoon in Switzerland Expensive?
A romantic honeymoon in Switzerland can be costly, with a seven-day trip for a couple costing around $3,000 to $4,500. A luxurious holiday can cost up to $14,000.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Switzerland
- Visit during the off-season. If you want to stay at a more luxurious place, choose one that offers a cost-effective Switzerland honeymoon package.
- If you’re not keen on booking your stay in a hotel or resort, opt for boutique lodgings or even stay with a local.
- Use ride-sharing services. Private transportation can be expensive.
- Go where locals eat and limit your alcohol consumption — it’s safer and less expensive. Also, consider cooking your meals or choosing vegetarian meals (meat can be pricey here).
- Invest in a city pass to explore famous sites at a discounted price. Some passes also offer free local transportation (case in point: the Zurich Card).
9 Best Cities to Stay In Switzerland
Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is a vibrant mix of history and modernity. As a premier cultural hotbed, it puts you close to excellent museums and galleries. Its Old Town is perfect for appreciating medieval architecture. Meanwhile, Bahnhofstrasse is an upscale area brimming with high-end shops.
For pleasant strolls, it has picturesque promenades and beautiful waterfront views. If you want to get closer to nature, Lake Zurich is the place to be. While it’s nestled in the hills of Northern Switzerland, it’s also a popular base if you want to explore the majestic Alps.
Where to stay: Old Town or Bahnhofstrasse
Bern
Bern is Switzerland’s capital city, situated around a bend in the beautiful Aare River. It has a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old city called Altstadt, with a successfully preserved medieval heritage dating back to the 12th century.
The landmark architectural gems you can find here are the Neo-Renaissance Bundeshaus (Swiss Federal Parliament), the French Church, and the iconic Zytglogge medieval tower. If you want to see a different side of the city, head to its animal park and meet Bernese bears. Also, don’t forget to visit Marzili, an outdoor bath and the most popular pool in the city (or even the country).
Where to stay: Old Town, aka Altstadt
Geneva
On the southern tip of Lake Geneva lies this stunning city that offers an array of activities, thanks to its proximity to the Alps and Jura mountains. A thriving socio-economic center, the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross call this city their home.
Moreover, it’s home to the largest old city in the country, Old Town Geneva. This area boasts cobblestone streets, small squares, historic buildings, and other important sites, led by St. Peter’s Cathedral. If you’re into arts, there are plenty of institutions to explore: Patek Phillippe Museum and Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art). Be sure to take a snap at the Jet d’eau Fountain, the city’s most recognized landmark.
Where to stay: City center
Montreux
Montreux is a resort town also located on the shores of Lake Geneva. There’s a scenic promenade where you can take romantic walks and appreciate the calming beauty of the city. If you want to bask longer in a tranquil atmosphere, venture into the Lavaux Vineyards. Here, you can marvel at lush vineyards and panoramic views of the iconic lake.
Into live music? If your honeymoon falls in July, join the locals and fellow tourists at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Whichever month you visit, complete your stay in Montreux by visiting the majestic lakeside Chillon Castle.
Where to stay: Near Lake Geneva. However, St. Moritz offers a more upscale feel if you’re looking for another resort town. If you want a livelier alternative to the quiet Montreux, choose Lausanne (another city near Lake Geneva).
Lucerne
Also called Luzern, Lucerne is a city with a fairytale-like ambiance. A 14th-century rampart encloses Old Town, and it’s a place where you can take strolls and discover charming shops and cafes. For great nightlife, head to the New Town.
If you want to see the city from a different light, take a boat ride on the sparkling Lake Lucerne. This activity will reward you with panoramic city views and surrounding landscapes. One of the most important landmarks here is the famous Chapel Bridge. Symbolic of the city’s cultural heritage, this wooden footbridge spans across the Reuss River. For a more adventurous trip, escape to Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, or Mount Titlis for guided hiking tours.
Where to stay: Old Town
Lugano
Located in Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Lugano is a city where the allure of Switzerland, Italy, and the Mediterranean meet. It boasts some of the country’s most magnificent water promenades, offering you remarkable views of the glistening waters of Lake Lugano. It’s also home to a palm tree-fringed coastline, made even more beautiful by the towering Alpine peaks.
To get the best views of the city and the region, climb Monte Bre. When staying in Lugano, make time to explore other notable areas in Ticino, including the capital city of Bellinzona.
Where to stay: Lugano Center
Interlaken
A famed honeymoon spot for adventure-loving couples, Interlaken is at the heart of the Jungfrau region. Flanked by two mesmerizing bodies of water, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this city gives couples unparalleled Alpine landscapes. Visit the Harder Kulm lookout and be stunned by sweeping city views.
Interlaken also has various whimsical tourist hubs, including Hohematte Park and Ice Magic ice-skating rink. For a culture-leaning adventure, head to the Touristik-Museum. Near the city and above Lake Thun, you’ll find one of the most enchanting spots in the country: the St. Beatus Cave.
Where to stay: Interlaken Ost
Grindelwald
Find respite in Grindelwald, as it’s away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This quaint village in the Jungfrau region lets you stay near the Alps to enjoy panoramic hikes and cable car rides.
Come winter, you can take advantage of skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Other adrenaline rush-inducing activities include zip lining and downhill Trotti biking.
Where to stay: Village center
Zermatt
This car-free village is at the foot of Matterhorn Mountain. It’s a world-class site for skiing and paragliding and the ideal place for adrenaline junkies looking to have their honeymoon in Switzerland.
Apart from unforgettable adventures, Zermatt graces you with majestic sunrise and sunset views, setting the tone right for days and nights of romance and pure fun. You can also explore churches, chapels, and shops in the village. Since it’s free of cars, strolling around is much safer and enjoyable.
Where to stay: Village center
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Switzerland?
Fly either into Zurich or Geneva to kick off your Swiss honeymoon. These airports offer domestic flights to other key Swiss cities, such as Bern, Zermatt, and Basel.
Traveling Within Switzerland
Trains link Swiss cities well. While they can be expensive, they are simple and fast. You can even take a train from the airport to your city of choice.
If you want greater flexibility, rent a car. If you’re cutting down costs, opt for ride-sharing platforms.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in Switzerland?
Switzerland boasts opulent hotels in breathtaking mountains, luxurious lakeside stays, and elegant hotels in the city. Some of the most famous names in the scene are The Bürgenstock Resort, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, and Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.
However, many accommodation options also cater to honeymooners with a smaller budget. These include guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and hostels. There are also various camping grounds to save money while staying close to nature.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Switzerland?
- Fondue. This is the quintessential Swiss dish. It consists of melted cheeses with wine and garlic placed in a pot. You can dip (or dunk) bread cubes for a communal dining experience.
- Rosti. A national dish of the Swiss, this type of pancake features thinly grated, pan-fried potatoes.
- Basel-style flour soup. Hearty through and through, this soup is made with flour, butter, onion, and beef stock. A grating of Gruyere cheese completes the dish.
- Swiss chocolate. The country is famous for its top-quality chocolate creations. From chocolate bars to truffles to milk chocolate beverages, there are many options to indulge in to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Switzerland Honeymoon?
Enrich your Swiss experience by embarking on cultural adventures. As discussed, many Swiss cities boast old towns. Zurich, Bern, Geneva, and Lucerne offer a medieval charm that will take you back to the country’s storied past. You can also explore castles, like the Chillon Castle, perched on Lake Geneva.
Additionally, you can celebrate with the locals and join cultural celebrations such as the Montreux Jazz Festival (July), Lucerne Festival (August to September), and Geneva’s Fête de l’Escalade (December).
Enjoy a sweet date when you book a chocolate tour. Expand your foreign vocabulary when you take language classes (the country has four main languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh). Or, research shows in your particular location and catch Swiss folklore and traditional performances.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Switzerland
The country has a mix of formal and casual vibes. Don casual clothes and wear comfortable walking shoes for daytime city explorations. Pack fancier clothes when dining at upscale restaurants or attending cultural events.
Prepare your hiking gear and winter-ready attire if you’re heading to the country in winter and visiting the mountains. Bring some swimwear if you’re going during summer. Pack layered clothing no matter which month you visit, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Is Switzerland Safe to Visit?
Switzerland is safe to travel to, being a country with a low crime rate. Here are some general safety precautions when visiting the country:
- Keep an eye on your belongings. When heading out, keep your bag in front of you (pickpocketing can be common in some areas).
- When aboard a train or in a tourist attraction, never leave your bags and other valuables attended.
- Only bring with you what you need for your activities for the day.
- Always monitor weather conditions, especially where you’ll do outdoor activities.
- If doing outdoor activities, such as hiking, stick to marked trails. Never overestimate your capacity, and know when not to perform an excursion.
- When climbing higher altitudes, take your time and let your body adjust.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Switzerland?
Switzerland is indeed one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe. For stays of up to 90 days, US residents coming to the country for tourism don’t need a visa.
Bonus Switzerland Honeymoon Tips
- Tap water is safe to drink in Switzerland. Save money by refilling your water bottles.
- Tipping isn’t an obligation, but a 10% gratuity is always welcome and appreciated.
- The country has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. However, English is also widely spoken, especially in touristy areas.
- The Swiss franc is the country’s official currency. The US dollar isn’t generally widely accepted. So be sure to have Swiss francs. At the time of writing, $1 is approximately SFr0.89.