Considering Switzerland for your honeymoon destination? That’s a fantastic idea! The Alpine country has it all – lakes, mountains, big cities, and quaint villages. The experiences to be had in its majestic landscapes can appeal to anyone, whether you’re looking to have a classic resort honeymoon or a proper adventure.
Switzerland is an excellent destination for a honeymoon, and I’m hoping that the rest of this article will convince you of that. From its enchanting nature to the best unique experiences it offers to visitors, here are all the reasons why you should consider traveling to Switzerland for your honeymoon.
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Why Choose Switzerland for A Honeymoon?
Why not choose Switzerland for a honeymoon? It’s a gorgeous country with spectacular nature, big cities, remote villages, mesmerizing views, and some of the best food in Europe. Nothing screams romance like sharing a chocolate fondue with your significant other while cruising a magnificent lake. And in many Swiss cities, that’s just a classic Tuesday night.
Whether your idea of romance includes lounging at a resort and getting couple’s massages, staying at a remote village in the mountains surrounded by nature, or exploring a big city together, Switzerland has something to offer. And that’s exactly why you should consider honeymooning in Switzerland.
Romantic Getaways
There’s absolutely no shortage of romantic getaways in Switzerland. Your options range from luxury resorts where you experience panoramic views from the hot tub on your terrace, to cozy mountain cabins and chalets high up in the mountains. Plus a myriad of alternatives in between.
Mont Cervin Palace is one of my favorite romantic hotels. It’s in Zermatt, the fabulous resort village with dramatic views of the Matterhorn. Active couples who enjoy going on adventures together will love the village; explore the mountains all day long and then unwind together with couple massages or in the thermal baths. Zermatt also offers many chalets and cozy mountain cabins, perfect for travelers who prefer privacy to luxury hotels.
Couples who prefer getaways to more remote locations will enjoy the lovely Soglio village. Set near the Swiss border with Italy and close to St. Moritz, this idyllic village boasts historic buildings, romantic hotels, and mesmerizing surroundings. Stay at an old palazzo (Palazzo Salis), drive to Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy, and enjoy discovering the nature of Grisons.
Finally, I must also mention Lago Maggiore. For me, it’s one of the best honeymoon destinations in Switzerland. From Locarno’s resorts to waterfront cabins in Ronco sopra Ascona, Lake Maggiore can appeal to anyone. Attractions in the region include tall mountains, lake cruises, panoramic train rides, and historic castles. Regardless of what your ideal honeymoon looks like, Lago Maggiore is an excellent destination.
Adventure Honeymoon
If you and your significant other like going on adventures together, there’s hardly a better place than Switzerland. The entire country is a playground for adventurers, with its tall mountains, rushing rivers, and serene Alpine lakes.
Hiking is the most popular thing to do outdoors in Switzerland. The country has too many trails to count, and they range from easy and doable in 20 minutes, to long-distance treks throughout the entire country. If you and your new spouse are both hikers, you’ll have the time of your life in Switzerland.
Bring a tent and you’ll be able to enjoy a few romantic nights under the starry sky. Set up camp in the mountains, preferably on the shore of a tranquil Alpine lake for the most romantic experience.
Hot Air Balloon rides are also popular, especially in the French-speaking region. Château-d’Oex hosts the international hot air balloon festival every year, during which time anyone can go on a hot air balloon ride. You can enjoy a picnic while soaring in the air, or even fondue.
If you’re more into water fun, plan to stay on the shore of a lake. Interlaken is generally the best destination for water adventures; the city is nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, both of which offer a wide variety of ways to have fun. Parasailing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, cruises, and a bunch of other ways to have fun are available at Interlaken. As are paragliding, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, and more.
Finally, does it really get more romantic than helicopter tours? Board a helicopter with your new spouse and soar above the cities and villages, admiring the views of the tall mountains from above. It’s a fantastic experience that will make the honeymoon unforgettable.
I must mention that you can also do bungee jumps out of helicopters in Switzerland, for the ultimate thrilling honeymoon.
Culinary Experiences
Switzerland offers a plethora of opportunities for romantic culinary experiences. But most experiences are centered around fondue, so you’ll have the best time if neither you nor your partner are lactose intolerant.
Take your honeymoon to the next level with a fondue lunch in a gondola. Enjoy Switzerland’s national dish while ascending one of its famous mountains and experiencing marvelous panoramic views. Or book a sunset lake cruise with a romantic dinner. Or head to a rooftop restaurant to enjoy a panoramic cityscape along with your meal. The options are endless.
Foodies on a honeymoon in Switzerland can enjoy the country’s culinary offers anywhere. Do a chocolate tour of Zurich, try Lucerne’s best fondue restaurants, or or straight to Gruyeres to enjoy the cheesy goodness at the source.
My favorite culinary experiences in Switzerland are all centered around chocolate. I’ve got a sweet tooth and I’m not afraid to admit it! If that’s also the case with you or your significant other, you can enjoy chocolate-making workshops in the big cities, tours of chocolate factories in smaller towns and villages, and lake cruises with chocolate fondue any time of year.
Some cities even offer Tuk Tuk tours with chocolate fondue, which is the new ride in a horse carriage. And it’s equally romantic because, in the Tuk Tuk, chocolate is the only aroma you’ll smell. If you know, you know.
City Escapes
Why not choose a city escape for your honeymoon? Switzerland has so many beautiful cities where you can have easy access to everything, and be just 20 minutes away from a fabulous mountain summit or an Alpine lake.
Lucerne is the best example of this, and one of the best Swiss cities for a honeymoon. The old town is stunning, with pastel houses, beautiful landmarks, and stunning views. The city is situated on the shore of Lake Lucerne and split in two by the Reuss River, plus it is surrounded by mountains. Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi are both easily accessible from Lucerne, whether you want to travel by boat, train, or bike.
Bern is another gorgeous city that works well for a honeymoon. It’s the de facto capital, and it’s got a mesmerizing old town that’s inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With cobblestone alleys, interesting statues, and gorgeous views, a honeymoon in Bern can be as romantic as a honeymoon in Paris.
Then there’s Montreux on the shore of Lake Geneva. I guess it depends a bit on what your idea of romance is, but for me, it would absolutely include a trip to the city where Queen recorded many of their albums. Montreux is particularly charming in the winter and my top recommendation for honeymoons in cold weather.
Travelers who can’t decide between lakes and mountains should plan a honeymoon in Interlaken. Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel is the most romantic hotel in the city, set in the heart of this lovely Swiss town. Interlaken is great for exploring Swiss nature because it’s close to many of the country’s best landmarks, and it boasts a quaint old town, parts of which stretch onto river islands, for romantic strolls.
Wellness Honeymoon
Switzerland is also a good destination for a more traditional honeymoon. It might not have access to the sea, but it has many wonderful, swimmable lakes. And there are loads of excellent resorts where you can be pampered throughout the stay to achieve the state of ultimate relaxation.
Thermal spas are very popular in Switzerland and the best resorts have elaborate spa centers that offer thermal outdoor pools. You can swim in these pools even in the winter because the water is hot, and you can often enjoy incredible views.
Some of the best resorts in Switzerland are in the mountains. Hotel Rigi Kaltbad is the first one that comes to mind; it’s set atop a mountain in Lucerne, and it features a fabulous outdoor pool with some of the best views in the region.
Yverdon-les-Bains is very popular for spa vacations, as are the many resorts of Zurich, Leukerbad, and Baden.
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Unique Experiences
One of the reasons why Switzerland is an excellent destination for a honeymoon is because the country offers many unique experiences. From bungy jumping out of a helicopter to themed cruises, there’s always something new and interesting to be experienced in Switzerland.
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a dreamy honeymoon adventure. Travel the country by train, discovering all of its most scenic spots and best-known natural landmarks. All the notable spots of the Switzerland Grand Tour are marked with frames, which will allow you to pose for some epic photographs to immortalize your honeymoon adventures.
And then there are the Swiss panoramic trains. Gotthard Panorama Express is an epic option for a honeymoon because it includes both panoramic train rides and scenic lake cruises. GoldenPass Train is also an excellent option, as it’s the only panoramic train that is entirely first-class. Feel like royalty on your honeymoon, while traversing southern Switzerland’s magical landscapes.
There’s also the Bernina Express, Switzerland’s most famous panoramic train. A first-class ticket grants you a seat in the panoramic train cars, which have massive windows that curve onto the roof, for uninterrupted views of the landscapes.
With more than a thousand lakes throughout the country, it’s not surprising that lake cruises are very popular in Switzerland. From Lake Constance to Lake Geneva, any waterfront city with docks is a great destination for cruises. Lake Brienz and Lake Thun have a special place in my heart, and I recommend them to any honeymooners who want to be swept away by this country’s natural beauty.
Mountain trains, gondolas, lake cruises, and even chair lifts will allow you to create unforgettable memories on your honeymoon.
Nature Escapes
Every honeymoon should include at least one nature escape. Marvel at fascinating landmarks with your significant other while enjoying panoramic views and experiencing something new and exciting. Well, Switzerland is once again an excellent destination.
The best nature escapes in Switzerland are its incredible mountains. Visit Jungfraujoch, the mountain saddle with stunning views of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. It’s home to the world’s highest train station, post office, and Lindt chocolate shop, where you can learn how to make delicious (chocolate) truffles with your new spouse.
Mount Pilatus is another popular destination for outings. It’s near Lucerne, and you’ve got the option of enjoying lunch in a gondola, while you ascend to the top. And there’s also Mount Titlis in Engelbererg, with a glacier tunnel, chair lift rides over the glacier, and scenic hiking trails near an Alpine lake.
Waterfalls are another staple sight in the Swiss outdoors. Book a stay in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and you might just get to wake up to dramatic views of tall cascades. Staubbach Fall is the most famous one in Lauterbrunnen village, followed by Truummelbach Waterfall farther south in the valley.
Nature escapes to Swiss lakes are also a good recipe for an epic honeymoon. Lake Oeschinen is a popular destination in the Bernese Oberland, known for excellent swimming, easy hiking trails, and quaint hotels with gorgeous views. Consider Lake Brienz for a city escape with endless options for nature adventures. The turquoise lake is one of Switzerland’s prettiest, and it’s close to all the best mountains and waterfalls in the Bernese Oberland.
Finally, I can’t talk about Swiss lakes without mentioning Lake Geneva. The vast lake is ideal whether you’re looking to stay in a big city or a quaint village. From Geneva to Montreux, each destination has something special to offer. Consider Morges, the charming village on the northern shore, which was good enough for Audrey Hepburn to get married there.
With easy access to the Jura mountains and countless historic towns and villages in the area, a honeymoon near Lake Geneva works for both city escapes and nature adventures.
Cultural Immersion
Immersing yourself in the culture of a different country is always an enriching experience, one that could take your honeymoon to a new level. Switzerland is a diverse country – it can be split into three regions that are influenced by separate cultures and traditions.
From the Alphorn players to the Fasnacht carnival in Basel, there are loads of ways to experience Swiss culture and traditions. Couples who are into music can attend any one of the many festivals that take place in Switzerland. Zermatt Unplugged is one of the biggest Swiss music festivals, but I find the Montreux Jazz Festival to be much more romantic.
Touring the country’s many historic landmarks and museums is another way to immerse yourself in Swiss culture. The Swiss National Museum in Zurich, the Tinguely Museum in Basel, and
the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva are some of my favorites. And if you or your spouse are into football, a tour of the FIFA World Football Museum will be very romantic for at least one of you.
As for the historical landmarks, Lucerne, Zurich, and Bern are the three top cities I would recommend. Lucerne for the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge, Bern for its many statues and gorgeous old town, and Zurich for obvious reasons.
Planning for A Honeymoon in Switzerland
Now that I’ve (hopefully) convinced you that Switzerland is a great destination for a honeymoon, we need to get into the logistics of planning a honeymoon in Switzerland.
- How much is it going to cost?
That mostly depends on how long you plan to stay. While it is possible to travel in Switzerland on a budget of around 100 CHF per day, I assume you want to go all out for your honeymoon and enjoy yourself. That would mean eating out instead of preparing your own meals and staying in upscale hotels as opposed to hostels.
A budget of 400-600 CHF per day (for two people), should be enough for a mid-tier honeymoon experience. For a luxury honeymoon, you’ll need a budget of around 800-1,000+ CHF per day, depending on just how high-end of a hotel you choose.
Of course, it’s possible to do Switzerland on a budget. If you are okay with the idea of a budget honeymoon, which might include more picnics than restaurant dinners and rooms that don’t have spectacular panoramic views, you could get the costs down to about 300 CHF per day for both of you.
So, for a honeymoon week in Switzerland, you could spend anywhere from 2,000 CHF to 10,000+ CHF. I didn’t take into account the cost of plane tickets, and I only allocated a small portion of the budget for tickets to attractions. Keep in mind that iconic destinations in Switzerland like the Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn are 150-200 CHF per person just for entrance tickets.
- When’s the best time to go to Switzerland for a honeymoon?
Summer is the ideal period for a honeymoon vacation because the temperature is warm enough that you can go swimming even in the mountain lakes. But summers get crowded in Switzerland, so consider the season only if you’re okay with possible (and probable) crowds.
Spring and fall are better for having more privacy while you’re out exploring. You can also get better deals on hotels in the off-season, cheaper tickets to famous attractions, and lower prices at restaurants. But you won’t be able to swim in the Swiss lakes, at least not without turning blue. Consider staying at a resort with thermal pools in the off-season, so you have the option of swimming at the hotel.
Finally, a winter honeymoon is not for everyone, but it’s probably the dream for couples who enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The Swiss Alps are home to some of the best pistes in the world, making the country a fabulous destination for an active honeymoon with snow adventures. Zermatt, St. Moritz, Wengen, Murren, Grindelwald, and Engelberg are some of the best destinations for a winter honeymoon in Switzerland.
- What should you bring?
Apart from wads of cash (kidding), make sure to pack a lightweight jacket and some sweaters/hoodies no matter when you visit, especially if you have plans to visit the mountains. Some destinations in Switzerland (Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, Titlis, etc.) are pretty cold even in the middle of the summer, especially if you go to ice caves or glacier tunnels. Sunscreen is also a priority regardless of the season.
Other things to bring include:
- Reusable water bottle (tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink)
- Postcards (mail them from the Top of Europe!)
- Leisurely clothing (for nature excursions)
- Swimsuit (for hotel pool and lakes)
- Ski gear (for a winter honeymoon)
And make sure to leave some space in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you want to take home. Whether it’s a wheel of cheese or a gorgeous cuckoo clock, you’ll want to get some trinkets that will forever remind you of your idyllic Swiss honeymoon.
