Spring in Switzerland is a magical season filled with vibrant blooms, cultural traditions, and family-friendly activities. From exploring colorful rose fountains and cherry blossoms in Zurich to decorating chocolate bunnies near Lucerne and strolling through breathtaking gardens, Switzerland offers endless opportunities to enjoy the beauty of spring. This guide highlights some of the best springtime activities for families, ensuring a fun and enriching experience for everyone.
Rose Fountains in Zurich
Visiting the Rose Fountains in Zurich is a delightful family adventure during the Easter season. This tradition, started in 2021, involves filling several city fountains with thousands of roses, symbolizing hope with the motto “Without thorns, no roses.” The fountains are typically available from the week before Easter until Easter Monday and can be found at locations like Münsterhof, Münzplatz Augustinergasse, Predigerplatz, and Helmhaus. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the old town, visit nearby attractions like Fraumünster Church, and indulge in local treats at cafes like St. Jacob Beck & Kafi Münster. For more information on the visiting the Rose Fountains click here.
Aeschbach Chocolatier Bunny Decorating
For a delightful Easter family adventure in Switzerland, consider visiting Aeschbach Chocolatier in Root, near Lucerne. In the weeks leading up to Easter, they host a chocolate bunny decorating event where participants receive a 180g milk chocolate bunny to decorate with melted chocolate and candies. The event is priced at 25CHF per person, including a 5CHF voucher for use in their facilities. Beyond the Easter event, Aeschbach offers a ChocoWelt tour, a ChocoBoutique for shopping, and a ChocoCafé for relaxation. The location is easily accessible by train or car from Lucerne, making it an ideal spot for creating lasting Easter memories. To learn more about chocolate bunny decorating at Aeschbach click here.
Rapperswil Rose Gardens
Rapperswil, situated on Lake Zurich, is a charming medieval town known as Switzerland’s “City of Roses.” It offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and fun activities for a family day trip from Zurich. The town features extensive rose gardens with over 600 varieties, blooming from May to October, and offers stunning views of the lake. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the lake promenade and cross the longest wooden footbridge in Switzerland to Hurden. Rapperswil Castle provides panoramic views, while the adjacent Hirschpark is home to deer. The town also offers family-friendly activities like the activity trail and playgrounds, making it an ideal destination for families. For more information on a visit to Rapperswil click here.
Visit the Cherry Blossoms in Zurich
As spring arrives in Zurich, families can enjoy the breathtaking cherry blossoms at various spots. Idaplatz in Wiedikon is a charming location with blossoming cherry trees lining the streets, though caution is advised when walking with children due to traffic. For a more kid-friendly experience, Rieterpark offers a spacious green area with magnolias and Japanese cherry blossoms, providing stunning views of Lake Zurich and the mountains. The park is ideal for children to run around or relax at the nearby Museum Rietberg café. To plan your visit, check Zuerich.com for updates on bloom times, typically from late March to early April. For more information on your visit to the Cherry Blossoms click here.
Park Seleger Moor
Park Seleger Moor in Rifferswil, Switzerland, is a captivating destination for families, offering a blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Spanning 120,000 square meters, the park is famous for its vibrant rhododendron and azalea blooms, with over 200 varieties. Open from April to October, it features stroller-accessible paths, ponds with water lilies, and a BBQ area. Families can enjoy spotting wildlife, interactive activities like a marble run, and bird watching. The park is conveniently located near Zurich, Zug, and Lucerne, making it an ideal day trip destination with easy public transport access. Click here for more information about a family visit to Park Seleger Moor.
Villa Patumbah Gardens
Villa Patumbah in Zurich’s Seefeld district is surrounded by stunning English-style gardens, offering visitors a serene escape. Designed in 1890 by landscape architect Evariste Mertens, the gardens feature unique elements like a fountain adorned with Indo-Pacific clam shells, an Alpengarten showcasing Swiss mountain flora, rose bushes, and tobacco plants. A glass-and-cast-iron pavilion adds to the charm. Open year-round with free admission, the gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and exploring botanical curiosities. Conveniently located near Zurich’s Botanical and Chinese Gardens, they complement a day of nature-filled activities. For more information about a visit to Villa Patumbah click here.
Zurich Botanical Garden
The Zurich Botanical Gardens, affiliated with the University of Zurich, is a free and family-friendly destination offering a unique blend of nature and education. The gardens feature three impressive tropical greenhouses, each with its own climate—tropical, desert, and temperate—housing over 7,000 plant species. The tropical greenhouse is particularly captivating, with a jungle-like atmosphere and exotic plants such as cocoa trees. Outside, families can enjoy picnics by a serene pond and explore trails amidst beautiful flowers and large trees, making it an ideal spot for connecting with nature and learning together. For more information on the Zurich Botanical Gardens click here.
China Garden in Zurich
The China Garden in Zurich is a tranquil oasis offering a blend of culture, nature, and serenity. Located near the Opera House and Lake Zurich, this temple garden was gifted by Kunming in 1994 and is renowned for its traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping. It features a central pond with pavilions, pine trees, bamboo, and plum blossoms, known as the “Three Friends of Winter.” Kids enjoy watching the colorful koi fish, and a nearby playground adds to the family-friendly appeal. The garden is easily accessible by public transport and is a great addition to any family trip, complementing nearby attractions like the Zurich Botanical Gardens and Villa Patumbah. To learn more about the China Garden click here.
Switzerland in spring offers a treasure trove of experiences for families. Whether admiring the delicate blossoms at Rapperswil’s rose gardens, marveling at koi fish in Zurich’s China Garden, or immersing yourself in the vibrant colors of Park Seleger Moor, each destination offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Embrace the season and make your own family Swiss springtime adventure!