Outdoor in Switzerland - the vacation of your dreams!

February 14, 2025

Outdoor in Switzerland - the vacation of your dreams!
Switzerland should be a priority option if you plan an outdoor vacation. This country is famous for its ancient cities, majestic mountains, lovely alpine meadows, dense forests and various bodies of crystal-clear water. All these places are ideal for a memorable vacation and various outdoor activities. Our guide will tell you how to plan your dream vacation, where to spend it and what to do in the open air.

Planning an outdoor vacation in Switzerland
To ensure the perfection and enjoyment of your outdoor vacation in Switzerland, you must carefully plan it. During this process, you should study many vital aspects, determine priority destinations and times of the year, collect the necessary items, and perform several secondary tasks.

Choosing the season
Many people consider Switzerland the best place in Europe for an outdoor vacation. This country looks fantastic at any time of the year, so choosing the best time to visit can be challenging. When planning a holiday, you should consider many aspects that can affect your comfort and the availability of your favorite outdoor activities. The most popular seasons are winter and summer. In the cold season, tourists and lovers of various outdoor activities are attracted to Switzerland by the Alps. Mountainous areas are almost always covered with snow at the end of November so you can be transported to a winter fairy tale. It opens access to any activities that use skis, snowboards, snowshoes and other similar devices. Most suitable places have excellent conditions for travelers, making your vacation enjoyable and exciting. In summer, Switzerland attracts attention with its comfortable climate. Almost all areas where you can spend your outdoor vacation are not too hot, which is rare in European countries. All visitors can go hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, boating, camping, and some extreme sports in the summer.
Autumn will be ideal for people who want to spend their outdoor vacation peacefully. At this time of year (especially from October to mid-November), there are not many tourists in different places in Switzerland, which gives several essential advantages. First, this is the absence of problems with renting housing and various equipment for outdoor activities (for example, bicycles, kayaks, etc.). It is also worth noting that the prices are lower than at the height of the resort season (summer and winter) and that there is greater availability of some activities. Spending your outdoor vacation in Switzerland in the spring will also be a profitable activity. Many suitable places for this offer various discounts by the end of the winter season, which allows you to save a lot. Also, in the spring, you can avoid an excessive number of other vacationers. At the same time, the weather in Switzerland is changeable during this period of the year. Sometimes, it can ruin your vacation, so you must find the weather forecast beforehand.

Packaging the necessary things
You must take many valuable things to spend your dream outdoor vacation in Switzerland. Their exact list depends on many factors, from the planned way of traveling to personal needs for specific items and devices. At the same time, there are several things that you should always have with you in Switzerland. Suppose you do not consider the essential items that should be taken on any trip. In that case, the most important seems to be an electronic translator or at least some alternative gadget (for example, a smartphone with an installed translation application). In Switzerland, people speak German, French, Italian and even Romansh. This can be a real challenge for travelers from English-speaking countries, so having a translator will not be superfluous.
An equally important item for travelers from North America and some countries in Asia and South America will be an adapter for European sockets. It will allow you to connect the devices you take without any problems. Also, everyone who plans to spend their outdoor vacation in Switzerland will need cash - Swiss francs. It is better to convert your country's currency into them in advance; in this case, you can avoid higher financial costs. Another helpful item is a night vision device. It will be indispensable for outdoor adventure lovers who plan to spend the night in nature and explore the surrounding area in the dark. There are dozens of applications for this optics, so its presence will be a huge plus.

How to get to Switzerland?
Switzerland is a highly developed European country, so that you can access its territory almost anywhere. The easiest way is to fly. Today, Switzerland has seven airports that accept international flights. The most popular are Geneva, Zurich, and Bern. They all accept planes from dozens of countries worldwide, so almost everyone who wants to spend their outdoor vacation in Switzerland can find a suitable flight route.
As an alternative to planes, you can use any ground transport. The priority option for many travelers is a car. It can get you to almost any locality in Switzerland, choosing European cities as a starting point. For those who do not have a driver's license or do not want to use cars, rail transport is available. Switzerland is the leader among all European countries in the number of passengers transported annually, so there will be no problems finding the necessary destination. Also, everyone who plans to spend their outdoor vacation should remember that Switzerland has no access to seas and oceans, so it will be impossible to get to its territory by water transport.

What documents do you need to have with you?
Switzerland is always happy to see tourists, so its government has simplified the process of issuing various documents as much as possible for these purposes. This procedure is not the same for all countries. This is because Switzerland is not currently part of the European Union. At the same time, it closely cooperates with it and is a member country of the Schengen area. Due to these circumstances, having only an identity card (passport) to enter the country is often enough. This privilege is also available to all non-European citizens from countries with a visa-free regime with Switzerland. If you are one, then for 90 days, you can move freely around the country without taking many additional documents with you. Travelers who do not live in the EU and are not citizens of Schengen countries or partner countries of Switzerland (which have agreed on a visa-free regime) will need a visa. The visa is issued in a standard manner and allows tourists to stay in the country for up to 90 days (within 180 days).

The nuances of local legislation
You must study local legislation in advance when planning your outdoor vacation in Switzerland. Otherwise, you can ruin your trip and get punished for various violations quickly. First of all, you should remember that it is prohibited to import most food products into Switzerland. This is due to the nuances of local legislation, which were adopted long ago and have not changed to this day. It is also essential to know that the Swiss are lovers of silence. In this regard, in most regions of the country, there are strict time restrictions for performing various noisy actions. For example, a scream after 10 pm will be regarded as a violation of public order, and the offender will be issued a reasonably hefty fine. In Switzerland, they sincerely believe that the ecology of our planet can still be saved. In this regard, the country has strict environmental laws that must be observed by residents and visitors spending their outdoor vacations. Their violation is also punishable by a fine, only much more significant than for screaming in the middle of the night. The Swiss care not only about the ecology but also about the health of their citizens. In this regard, smoking in public places is prohibited almost throughout the country. If you violate this law, the punishment will be severe, and you will have to spend a considerable part of the budget for the trip.

Ensuring safety
Switzerland is one of the few countries where you don't have to worry about criminals. There are practically none, which makes it possible to travel safely and enjoy outdoor vacations. The low crime rate is due to the high standard of living, the minimum number of low-income citizens and the Swiss's responsible attitude toward complying with established rules and laws.
For those who come to Switzerland for an outdoor vacation, the main dangers will be associated with the chosen activities (for example, skiing or cycling, there is a risk of falls and various injuries). Therefore, all travelers must do their favorite activity considering the existing safety rules. This means using multiple protective equipment, modern means of communication with which you can call for help, night vision devices that allow you to navigate and see various dangers in the dark, etc. If you consider all of the above, outdoor vacations will pass without serious problems and become one of the most memorable events in your life.

Available outdoor activities
When spending your vacation in Switzerland, everyone has the opportunity to discover a variety of outdoor activities. All of them are interesting and healthy, so you should try to pay attention to many of them. In this case, you can diversify your outdoor vacation into a memorable adventure.

Skiing
In Switzerland, travelers can access many outdoor activities, but skiing has always been and will be the most popular here. The presence of the Alps, with many famous peaks in the country, forces tourists to pay much attention to the ski slopes. There are so many of them in the country that choosing the right option is difficult. Most often, preference is given to skiing at the most famous ski resorts. These include Zermatt, Arosa, Davos, Verbier, St. Moritz, Adelboden, Laax, and Engelberg. All listed places offer visitors a large selection of ski slopes for beginners and professionals. The cost of skiing varies widely, making outdoor vacations in Switzerland affordable for most travelers.
Cross-country skiing is also popular in Switzerland. Hundreds of kilometers of trails have been laid for skiing in different regions of the country, opening up unlimited opportunities for lovers of this outdoor activity. The most popular and picturesque routes are near the previously mentioned ski resorts. Throughout the winter, they are kept in perfect condition, allowing you to ride safely and enjoy the visual pleasure of observing the surrounding natural beauty.

Hiking
If skiing has any competitors in popularity among travelers, it is hiking. This type of outdoor activity is better developed in Switzerland than in any other European country. In each region, you can find dozens of natural locations with routes suitable for this activity. Most are in picturesque places far from large cities so that every vacationer can spend time peacefully.
The Swiss National Park stands out among the vast number of hiking places. On the territory of this object, there are more than 80 km of hiking trails, among which are routes for people with different levels of training. For lovers of hiking in the mountains, the Bernese Oberland is ideal. This place can safely be called a natural paradise, where each object looks so beautiful that it brings excellent visual pleasure to everyone who sees it. On the territory of this location, there are many simple and complex routes designed for different days. Other popular hiking spots include Aletsch Glacier, Creux du Van, Lake Lucerne, and more.

Camping
Camping is ideal for people who want to relax in a calm atmosphere during their outdoor vacation in Switzerland. This activity lets you get closer to nature and experience all its splendor. Fans of this entertainment most often choose Switzerland, which has many natural locations where anyone can pitch a tent and spend a few days. In Switzerland, campsites with everything necessary for a comfortable pastime are popular. They are located in the most picturesque places, and when leaving the tent, vacationers immediately find themselves in a natural fairy tale. There are also places for so-called wild camping in Switzerland. Fans of this activity can independently choose a place to pitch a tent and relax away from other travelers. The most popular places for wild and traditional camping are mountains and forests. Let's consider specific points on the map that are a priority for camping enthusiasts. We should highlight the surroundings of Jungfrau, various natural locations around Interlaken, and equipped sites in the canton of Valais and Lake Lugano.

Mountain biking
Cycling is loved in Switzerland, and the conditions for its development are created. Particular attention is always paid to mountain bike competitions. To popularize this sport, dozens of specialized trails have been built nationwide and are now available to everyone. The country also has thousands of forest and mountain trails, ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts. Suitable places for riding are in all regions of Switzerland, making this outdoor activity accessible to vacationers. Among the many places for mountain biking, it isn't easy to single out the best. Each canton has its famous routes that amateurs and professionals dream of overcoming. Such trails have different difficulty levels, allowing you to choose the best option depending on your capabilities and experience. In addition to single and paired events, group tours are held in the most famous places in Switzerland. Choosing them as the primary way to spend an outdoor vacation, you can combine several activities at once and get maximum pleasure from the trip.

Rafting
Fans of extreme water sports often spend their outdoor vacation in Switzerland. Here, they have access to various activities, among which rafting deserves special attention. This outdoor activity allows you to go rafting on one of the country's turbulent rivers and enjoy it immensely. Suitable conditions have been created in Switzerland for this activity. In addition to natural reservoirs, several artificial canals have been made where a fast and turbulent river flow is imitated. The first option, of course, is a priority. At the same time, the second is ideal for beginners who want to experience all the delights of rafting without serious health risks.
Several places in Switzerland can be considered ideal for rafting. First of all, this concerns Lütschine. This river is considered universal and suitable for beginners and professionals. Its banks are covered with dense vegetation, which looks especially attractive against the backdrop of the seething water. As a backup option, you should always consider the Inn River. It has two routes of varying difficulty, thanks to which travelers with different levels of training can raft here. Also worth paying attention to are the rivers Vorderrhein, Ticino, and Arve.

Kayaking
For those who spend their outdoor vacation in Switzerland, one of the most accessible forms of entertainment is kayaking. This activity is prevalent in all cantons of the country. To pay attention to it, it is enough to find a suitable reservoir with a calm current and choose a picturesque water route. You can rent kayaks almost everywhere where travelers are offered this outdoor activity. The rental price is not too high, so even vacationers with limited financial resources can have a good time.
Almost all lakes in Switzerland are suitable for kayaking. Among the vast variety of these reservoirs, the most popular are Lucerne, Geneva, Zurich, and Brienz. All of them are located in the settlements of the same name, so getting to the place of riding will always be as easy as possible. For those who prefer kayaking on the river, you should choose Doubs, Rhone, Aare, and Reuss. They will allow you to float along quiet waters and enjoy the surrounding views calmly. This kind of entertainment appeals to everyone who has visited Switzerland and spent their outdoor vacation there.

Paragliding
Paragliding is particularly interesting to travelers among Switzerland's many extreme outdoor activities. This activity allows visitors to view local natural beauty and cities from a bird' s-eye view and experience the freedom of movement in the air. Paragliding in Switzerland is a developed outdoor activity. Suitable conditions have been created for it in different cantons, allowing even beginners to try this unique air adventure.
For paragliding, you should choose only the most picturesque places. In this case, you can get great visual pleasure from observing the surrounding landscapes. The most popular location where you can arrange a paragliding flight is Interlaken. This activity is one of the most popular and accessible to everyone. Looking at the city from a great height, you will be able to appreciate its splendor and the beauty of the surrounding nature. You should consider Lauterbrunnen, Zermatt, Lucerne, and other famous places as alternative options.

Wildlife watching
As has been said, Switzerland is one of the best in Europe in terms of the number of accessible natural locations. Many nature reserves and national parks are on the country's territory, each home to unique plants and animals. Anyone who wants to spend their outdoor vacation in Switzerland can see them all with their eyes. Choose 1-2 natural locations for this type of entertainment and pay maximum attention to them. This way, you can see much more than during special tours for wildlife lovers. The most popular place for observing wildlife is Swiss National Park. It is located east of the country and occupies more than 170 square kilometers of territory. This place is home to many large mammals, birds, and hundreds of plant species. Another excellent place for wildlife lovers is Parc Ela. This site is located in the southeast of Switzerland. It is known for its biodiversity and a large number of natural attractions. Travelers should also visit the Entlebuch Biosphere, which has received recognition from UNESCO, Naturpark Beverin, and Gantrisch Regional Nature Park.

The best places for an outdoor vacation
Each canton of Switzerland has several places ideal for an outdoor vacation. All of them are interesting and diverse, so making a final choice will be pretty tricky. To make this task easier, study the most popular places in detail. This way, you can find the best solution and spend your dream vacation.

Zurich
Many foreigners associate Switzerland not with the capital but with Zurich. This city is the largest in the country. It is known as the world center of finance, as many famous banks are located on its territory. Despite this, Zurich is a great place to spend an outdoor vacation. Of course, the city itself does not have any enchanting natural locations, but there are plenty of them in its vicinity. First, Lake Zurich is worth noting because it is in the southeast. It has a glacial origin, becoming similar to many other similar reservoirs. Its shores are ideal for various entertainments that all travelers traditionally occupy themselves with.
In Zurich, the leading outdoor entertainment is walking along the old streets. This activity suits lovers of a quiet holiday who like exploring historical sights and visiting popular tourist places. On Lake Zurich, you can go kayaking, boating and much more. All these water activities will allow you to enjoy nature's beauty and not go far from the city. If you leave Zurich and go to the border of the canton of the same name, you can see the famous Rhine Falls, observe wild nature, and also overcome one of the hiking or cycling routes. The latter is laid out so that outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to see with their own eyes the most famous natural and man-made attractions.

Interlaken
Many travelers call Interlaken one of the most picturesque places for an outdoor vacation. It is known among tourists for its magnificent landscapes and abundant natural attractions. The city is in a narrow valley between the lakes Brienz and Thun. From any point, there are beautiful views, which attract the attention of many tourists. Where there are no lakes, there are mountains. They surround Interlaken and open up unlimited opportunities for outdoor entertainment. Their forested slopes attract extreme sports enthusiasts and people who want to have a good time, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the silence.
Interlaken is considered an ideal place for an outdoor vacation. Here, you can organize a quiet and active holiday, making the city suitable for all travelers. Among the quiet types of outdoor entertainment, camping is especially popular in Interlaken. Also, in dozens of places, you can have a picnic or walk, enjoying the beauty of nature. For lovers of more active recreation, dozens of types of entertainment are available. In the mountainous area, there is the opportunity to go skiing, snowboarding, hiking or mountain biking. During these activities, you can admire the magnificent landscapes and get absolute pleasure. On the lakes surrounding Interlaken, you can go boating, kayaking, or cruise on small but cozy boats. For extreme sports enthusiasts, Interlaken offers skydiving, paragliding, rock climbing, and more.

Zermatt
Zermatt deserves special attention among the many places where you can spend an outdoor vacation. This small town is located on the border with Italy, so it is suitable for travelers who want to visit two countries quickly. At more than 1.6 km above sea level, Zermatt is a famous European ski resort offering unlimited outdoor adventures. Alpine landscapes, clean mountain air, and favorable climate conditions make the city a paradise for lovers of more relaxing recreation.
In Zermatt, you can spend the outdoor vacation of your dreams. All conditions have been created here so people with different financial capabilities can find suitable activities and have a good time. You can walk along the city's narrow streets, enjoying the beautiful houses and views of the legendary Matterhorn peak. Periodically, you can make stops to take pictures and visit various establishments. For lovers of outdoor activities in Zermatt, there are no restrictions. Activities such as skiing and snowboarding, hiking along mountain trails, cycling along picturesque trails, and much more are available here. Wildlife lovers will not be bored in Zermatt either. Here, you can watch various animals and birds and find unique plants rarely seen in other European places. Among the exotic outdoor activities, curling should be highlighted. Several open areas have been built in Zermatt for this purpose, where everyone can play.

Lugano
Beautiful in every sense of the word, Lugano is a fabulous place where you can spend the outdoor vacation of your dreams. This city is famous for its unique architecture and nature. The combination of these two components makes it popular among tourists from all over the world. Many often compare Lugano to Monte Carlo, which once again emphasizes the status of the city and its importance for the whole of Switzerland. This place is located on the shore of Lake Lugano. On three sides, it is bordered by picturesque mountains, attracting travelers' attention and making the city perhaps the best place for people who want to spend an unforgettable outdoor vacation.
Lugano is equally well suited for lovers of active and relaxing holidays. The latter have unlimited opportunities to explore local attractions. There are many of them in the city and its surroundings so that this activity will take up several days of your vacation. Lugano has several architectural masterpieces that every traveler should see. Most of them are religious buildings of historical value for Switzerland. There are also dozens of natural attractions surrounding the city that can provide great visual pleasure to all who see them. For fans of more active entertainment, Lugano is also an ideal place. In its vicinity, the leading outdoor activity is mountain biking. For this purpose, more than 300 km of trails of varying difficulty have been laid. In this indicator, Lugano is the leader in all of Switzerland. Most routes can also be adapted for hiking or skiing (depending on the season). A glacial lake and mountains near the city further expand the possibilities for outdoor entertainment. Thus, activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and much more are available to all who come to Lugano.

Lucerne
One of the most beautiful cities in the world, it will be a good place to spend an outdoor vacation. It is known for its unique architectural landmarks and magnificent nature, which surround Lucerne from all sides. People of all ages and travelers with different financial capabilities will be able to enjoy their vacation in this place. The southeastern part of the city has access to the lake of the same name. This picturesque reservoir opens access to various outdoor activities and allows one to admire beautiful landscapes. Mountains surround all other parts of Lucerne. Most of the year, their peaks are covered with snow, creating a magnificent spectacle you can enjoy endlessly. Lucerne has preserved many architectural monuments to this day. Most of them were built in the 14th-16th centuries, so their significance for the history of Switzerland is enormous. Exploring these objects is a popular pastime for people who want to spend a relaxing vacation and visit different places in the city. For lovers of active outdoor activities, Lucerne becomes a real paradise. Here, you can choose from dozens of water activities on the local lake or go to the mountains and look for adventure there. In addition to traditional outdoor activities (hiking, cycling, camping, kayaking), Lucerne offers travelers special excursion tours. They are held mainly in the mountains and provide an opportunity to get better to know the local beauty. These extremely safe group events are considered the best outdoor entertainment for people who do not like to do anything alone.

Davos
The famous Alpine resort should always be considered a priority outdoor vacation option. This city has created the most comfortable conditions for travelers, thanks to which everyone can enjoy their vacation and get pleasure from their stay in Switzerland. Davos is located at an altitude of 1.5 km above sea level. The Alps surround it, so there are beautiful views from any point. At any time of the year, this city is ready to offer travelers a vast number of entertainment, from the most straightforward and safest to the most extreme. Thanks to its ski slopes, Davos has become known to all lovers of outdoor activities. There are 110 of them in the city and its environs, and their total length is about 300 km. The popularity of skiing has led to the need to develop the appropriate infrastructure. Thanks to this, Davos has 55 ski lifts, capable of serving more than 60 thousand people in 1 hour. In addition to skiing, this place is ready to offer dozens of other types of outdoor activities. At different times of the year, you can go hiking, camping, cycling, and even ice skating in specially equipped places. For lovers of exotic entertainment, Davos offers snowkiting, paragliding, fat biking, and freeride. The latter is only allowed in certain areas where the actions of extreme sports enthusiasts will not harm the environment or cause any trouble for other vacationers (for example, they will not increase the risk of an avalanche).

Engelberg
Situated in the Uri Alps mountain range and surrounded by famous peaks like Titlis, Walenstöcke, and Ruchstock, this city is well-known far beyond the borders of Switzerland. It is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, which traditionally gathers a vast number of fans of various outdoor activities on its territory. All the necessary conditions have been created for spending a holiday in Engelberg. The corresponding infrastructure is well developed here, and at the same time, the price of most services is lower than that of other Swiss resorts. This settlement also attracts attention with its convenient location and accessibility from anywhere in the country.
Surrounded by mountains, Engelberg offers travelers many kilometers of ski slopes. All of them are diverse, so even beginners will be able to find the most manageable slope for themselves. There are also many cross-country skiing routes in Engelberg. In summer, they are transformed into mountain bike trails, which makes it possible to choose the time to visit the resort depending on your preferences in outdoor activities. Hiking is also popular in Engelberg. Most routes are laid in mountainous terrain, increasing their difficulty. At the same time, during the hike, all participants will be able to enjoy the magnificent scenery and breathe clean air continuously. Engelberg has several good places for slow daytime and evening walks for those who like more relaxed outdoor activities. The city also has many architectural attractions that every traveler should see.

St. Moritz
This high-mountain resort is ideal for people who dream of an outdoor vacation. It has a convenient location, which makes it popular with the Swiss and foreigners. The local tourist infrastructure is very well developed, so St. Moritz attracts the attention of mainly travelers with large financial incomes. However, the status of a resort for the rich does not prevent less wealthy people from spending their outdoor vacation on its territory. To do this, it is enough to choose some nearby cities for accommodation and find entertainment that does not require significant financial costs.
For travelers in St. Moritz, any horizons are open. Here, you can choose from dozens of outdoor activities, which change depending on the season and other factors. The main activity at the ski resort is, of course, skiing. Dozens of trails have been laid for this, each of which has its degree of difficulty. Also, visitors can go hiking in winter, ride snowmobiles, attend various world-class competitions (held every year at about the same time) and much more. During the warm season, people spending outdoor vacations in St. Moritz can kayak on the lake of the same name, overcome several mountain bike trails, and go hiking along one of the dozens of picturesque routes. In all cases, you will get maximum pleasure and enjoy the beauty of the local nature.
Switzerland is an excellent place for an outdoor vacation. Its territory includes many cities suitable for this, each ready to offer travelers various entertainment and holiday options. By carefully planning your trip to Switzerland and preparing for different outdoor activities, you can enjoy your trip and have the vacation of your dreams.