Switzerland in Spring
5 Things to do in Spring
Don't you just love Spring? After the frenzy of Christmas and a cold, hard dark January and February, it finally feels like there might be light at the end of the tunnel.
The days have become noticeably longer, the sky has lost its perpetual slate grey appearance and some days you might even start to see the sun. There appears to be a renewed feeling of activity and energy in everything even the birds seem to sing with more enthusiasm. Optimism is the pervasive mood as people can start to look forward to the warmer, longer days ahead.
The best thing about Spring is they way the bare and barren landscape slowly transforms into an explosion of almost dream like colours as pink and lilac blossoms bloom, daffodils raise their golden heads, and fresh new leaves start to bud their naissant green leaves.
The way to really enjoy Spring is to be out there emerging yourself in the colours and scents of the season.
Here are 5 great things to do which will get you out there and give you the best way to experience Spring in Switzerland:
1. Spring Flowers
Mainau Island is a stunning and inspiring ever changing paradise of 45 hectares with swimming botanical gardens, a Mediterranean Terrace, a beautiful tropical greenhouse, waterfalls and butterfly house. Nestled within the natural beauty are beautiful classic buildings such as the Palace Church St Marien, the Grand Duke Friedrich Terrace and the stunning Baroque Palace. It is a great place all year round as something is always in bloom.
From 15th March to 28th April they have on the Spring Exhibition which is the traditional opening event for the Mainau Flower Year. Why not come down with the family and bask in the resplendence of flowers and gain inspiration from the beautiful home accessories and decorations.
Later in the season they also have an Orchid show and a Tulips and Spring flowers show.Â
2. The Cherry Blossom Trail – In Frick
Nothing heralds Spring more than the appearance of Cherry Blossoms. But maybe you aren’t fortunate to have an abundance of cherry trees on your normal daily commute. The Cherry Tree trail, is a short loop through green fields and cherry Orchards above a small village Frick in Northern Switzerland. There is a 5km route which takes about 2 hours and there is also a longer variant of 9km.There is some useful information to be learned about cherry growing as well as being able to pick fruit from certain marked trees when the cherries are in season. Halfway along the trail there is a barbecue area where you can rest those weary limbs and take on some more substantial sustenance.
2. The Cherry Blossom Trail – In Frick
Nothing heralds Spring more than the appearance of Cherry Blossoms. But maybe you aren’t fortunate to have an abundance of cherry trees on your normal daily commute. The Cherry Tree trail, is a short loop through green fields and cherry Orchards above a small village Frick in Northern Switzerland. There is a 5km route which takes about 2 hours and there is also a longer variant of 9km.There is some useful information to be learned about cherry growing as well as being able to pick fruit from certain marked trees when the cherries are in season. Halfway along the trail there is a barbecue area where you can rest those weary limbs and take on some more substantial sustenance.
3. Lake Cruises
These allow you to experience the largest lakes amid the Bernese Oberland by boat. These are some of the most picturesque backdrop in the area with green meadows, dense forests and the Alps as the dramatic backdrop. The cruises last a little over 2 hours and there are different trips that are offered so you can simply turn up and choose which cruise most appeals. As is standard on a cruise you can enjoy fine dining or a drink whilst you watch the beautiful scenery float by.
4. Childrens’ Trails -Engelberg
These are enchanting and well thought out fantasy trails that children (and adults) can explore against the backstory of mystical creatures living deep in caves where diamond treasure is hidden. The idea is that the children follow a map and collect letters which can be entered on the treasure hunt map. The route is about 4Km long and takes about 2 hours to compete, and it is entirely wheelchair friendly. It is a lovely chance to be outdoors and active when the spring time weather starts to kick in. Â
4. Childrens’ Trails -Engelberg
These are enchanting and well thought out fantasy trails that children (and adults) can explore against the backstory of mystical creatures living deep in caves where diamond treasure is hidden. The idea is that the children follow a map and collect letters which can be entered on the treasure hunt map. The route is about 4Km long and takes about 2 hours to compete, and it is entirely wheelchair friendly. It is a lovely chance to be outdoors and active when the spring time weather starts to kick in. Â
5. Waterfalls
Waterfalls are probably not the first thing you think of when you think of Spring time in Switzerland, right? But you might be surprised! The majestic silver foaming Giessbach Falls are an absolute treasure. The Falls cascade down from a height of 400 meters, past a fairy tale castle, which can also be viewed from above on a cable car ride. At night time the falls are illuminated giving the whole scene an ethereal magical quality. The whole area is surrounded by mountains, forests and alpine meadows with an unspoilt view of Lake Brienz. There are set walking and cycling routes around the falls to and from the Lake, with the favourite being the spectacular classic waterfall tour which takes you behind the waterfall to witness up close the roaring power and beauty of the falls.
For those of you who wish to spend more time in the area you can stay in the magnificent Grandhotel Giessbach, for that extra feeling of historic royalty.
What do you think of our ideas?  Where will you be heading this Spring? Share your thoughts and your tips in our Facebook group  or on Instagram.
