A Switzerland Honeymoon Guide for Couples who Love to Travel

From cozy mountain chalets to medieval castles, Switzerland offers romance in spades.
Electric red tourist train crossing Landwasser Viaduct
Photo: Achim Thomae | Getty
Holly Riddle - The Knot Contributor.
by
Holly Riddle
Holly Riddle - The Knot Contributor.
Holly Riddle
The Knot Contributor
  • Holly is a freelance contributor for The Knot Worldwide, with a focus on travel, honeymooning and wedding planning.
  • Holly has been a travel, food and lifestyle freelancer for her entire career.
  • Holly also works for a range of publications and brands as a ghostwriter and marketing copywriter.
Updated Feb 13, 2024
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

A Switzerland honeymoon offers an adventurous alternative to the typical beach resort getaway, positioning itself as a standout choice for couples looking for the best honeymoon destinations. Far from the crowded tourist paths of London and Paris, a European honeymoon in Switzerland invites couples to explore its unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty.

Known for its skiing, artisanal cheese, exquisite chocolate and luxury watches, this stunning country, nestled among Italy, Austria, Germany, and France, has so much to offer. With its compact size, Switzerland allows for a comprehensive exploration of its jewels—from the picturesque towns of Lucerne and Grindelwald to the lively cities of Lausanne and Montreux.

Careful planning helps to ensure that you and your partner enjoy it all. From helpful travel tips to embracing some of 2024's latest travel trends, use this guide to start planning an unforgettable honeymoon in Switzerland.

Switzerland Honeymoon Tips in this article:

Thun cityscape with Alps mountain and lake in Switzerland
Photo: Sanga Park | Getty

Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Switzerland offers desirable weather both in the summer and in the winter. The best time to visit really depends on what you plan to do. If you dream of a honeymoon spent zipping down the slopes during the day and cozying up to your sweetheart in a ski chalet at night, you'll want to visit in January or February, when skiers and snowboarders report the best snow conditions. For warmer weather, you'll definitely want to visit in July or August. However, for the best deals, consider traveling during one of Switzerland's shoulder seasons, which are in March–April and October–November.

Best weather: April to October, or January to February if you're looking for snow.
Festival highlights: The Montreux Jazz Festival in July, one of the world's most renowned jazz festivals; Fête de l'Escalade in Geneva in December, celebrating the city's victory over the Duke of Savoy's troops in 1602 with parades and chocolate cauldrons; Basel Fasnacht, a three-day carnival starting the Monday after Ash Wednesday, where the city comes alive with music, costumes, and lanterns; Art Basel, one of the premier international art shows held in June.

Switzerland Honeymoon Planning Tips

For an amazing honeymoon in Switzerland, careful honeymoon planning can enhance your experience. Start by choosing the right season for your visit; winter offers world-class skiing and cozy alpine retreats, while summer boasts hiking, clear lakes and vibrant festivals. If you're happy to go on a multi-destination vacation, consider staying in a mix of urban and rural locations to fully appreciate Switzerland's diversity.

Embrace the Swiss travel system, renowned for its efficiency and extensive network that connects even the most remote areas. If you're not renting a car, buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great option. It offers unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats, as well as free or discounted entry to all kinds of popular attractions. Don't miss experiencing Switzerland's scenic train rides either, like the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express—both offer panoramic views of the alps and are a romantic way to see the country's stunning landscapes.

Incorporate local experiences to make your honeymoon more memorable. Enjoy a romantic dinner at a mountain-top restaurant, relax in thermal baths in places like Leukerbad or take part in a chocolate-making workshop. Keep a little bit of flexibility within your itinerary to leave room for some spontaneous exploration—whether it's discovering a secluded alpine lake, enjoying a local festival or simply wandering through one of Switzerland's charming villages.

Along with these honeymoon planning tips, here are a few basics to keep in mind for traveling to Switzerland.

Entry requirements: A US passport that is valid for at least six months after exiting the Schengen Area. You'll need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. You can stay as long as 90 days without a visa. Starting in 2025, US citizens need to have an ETIAS for Switzerland. It's valid for 3 years and can be obtained online.
Language: Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. German is the most widely spoken, particularly in the central and eastern regions, French in the west, Italian in the south, and Romansh in certain parts of the Graubünden canton. English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.
Location: Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east.
Currency: The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland. While the euro may be accepted in some tourist areas, it's advisable to use Swiss Francs for transactions to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.
Flight time to Switzerland: From major US cities like New York, direct flights to Zurich or Geneva can take around 7 to 8 hours.
Getting around: Switzerland boasts one of the most efficient and scenic public transportation systems in the world, including trains, buses and boats that are punctual and well-connected. Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring more remote areas, though driving in mountainous regions requires caution.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planner to help you with your Switzerland itinerary. You can browse travel agent near you on The Knot Marketplace.

Places to Visit in Switzerland

A beautiful building in Lucerne Switzerland
Photo: Hans Henning Wenk | Getty

There are near-endless spots in Switzerland that you might consider visiting during your honeymoon. If you've never visited the country before, you might want to start with two of the most popular destinations: Zurich and Geneva. Both are bustling cities filled with history, culture and romance, with plenty of luxury accommodations to boot.

For something a little more nature heavy and a little less urban, try Interlaken, a popular spot and one of the best honeymoon destinations in the country. Another smaller romantic honeymoon destination to consider is Lucerne (pictured above); with its medieval architecture, this mythical place will make feel like you stepped right into a fairytale.

If you're visiting in the winter months, you can't go wrong with the luxury ski resort town of St. Moritz. Even if you don't visit during the winter, the summer months offer plenty to enjoy in St. Moritz as well, from mountain biking to paragliding.

Best Switzerland Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts

From luxurious resorts with honeymoon packages to unique ice hotels, Switzerland offers an array of accommodations suitable for a Switzerland honeymoon. Here are some of our top picks.

A snowy Alpine scene in Switzerland
Photo: Roberto Moiola | Getty

The Bürgenstock Resort

You'll be in good company at this luxurious hotel and spa complex that actually comprises multiple hotels, as well as countless restaurants and on-site activities. Past guests have included Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin and Sophia Loren. The newest hotel among the complex is the Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa, which is only a few years old and offers guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling, breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps beyond.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Badrutt's Palace Hotel

Whether you're planning a Swiss honeymoon in the summer or winter, Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz is a high-end property with true flair. The rooms bespeak traditional European elegance and, beyond your guest room, you'll find endless ways to play without ever leaving the property, from educational classes and dancing to spa treatments.

5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

For travelers with a bit of brand loyalty, the Four Seasons property in Geneva is a good place for you to cash in some of those hotel loyalty points. The beautiful, traditional European hotel has been hosting Geneva travelers since the early 1800s. The opulent accommodations are accented by panoramic views of Lake Geneva.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Iglu-Dorf

Iglu-Dorf's snowy ice hotels are nestled among the Swiss Alps. With couples packages and gorgeous views, this unique stay will undoubtedly become a core memory of your Switzerland honeymoon.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for more privacy or lower prices, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO instead.

Things to Do in Switzerland for Couples

From hiking and skiing in the Swiss Alps to exploring charming towns and cities, adventurous couples will have plenty of things to do on a Switzerland honeymoon.

A beautiful view of Interlaken in Switzerland.
Photo: Laphon Pinta |Getty

Take in the Views

Switzerland boasts some of the most magnificent mountain vistas in the world. The best part? You can see many of them without even breaking out your hiking boots (though avid hikers will definitely have beautiful trails at their disposal).

At the Matterhorn, arguably Switzerland's most famous peak, a cable car ride (one of Europe's highest and longest) allows visitors to enjoy the views year-round. Jungfraujoch, which is sometimes referred to as "the top of Europe," is also accessible via a brief train ride to the observatory. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourist attraction boasts the start of the longest glacier in Europe.

If you're planning on visiting Interlaken, you can take a combination of cable cars, trains, gondolas and chairlifts to the tops of some of the area's snow-capped mountains for some seriously excellent views.

Stroll Historic Streets

The history of Switzerland is just as accessible as the mountains. Simply grab your sweetheart and head out your hotel door for a romantic walk filled with culture. In many cities and villages around the country, medieval architecture is the norm, allowing you to get up close and personal with Swiss history.

The Old Town of Bern, with its Renaissance fountains, is a favorite for history buffs, as is Chateau Chillon Castle, known as Switzerland's most beautiful castle. Other castles to add to your itinerary include the castles of Bellinzona, a series of three castles you can see in one easy day trip. Bookworms will enjoy the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains one of the oldest medieval libraries in existence, as well as architecture dating back to the 8th century.

Get a Taste of Switzerland

Many European destinations are renowned for their food, and the same holds true in Switzerland. Foodie couples (or just all couples, really) will want to make an effort to get a true taste of Swiss culture and not merely leave their dining choices up to chance.

Plan to visit the Lavaux vineyards, Switzerland's largest vineyard region. And what goes better with wine than cheese? Make tracks for the town of Gruyères—the country's cheese capital and, yes, creator of the cheese by the same name. Make sure to get some chocolate while you're in the country, and definitely don't pass up the fondue.

What to Pack for a Switzerland Honeymoon

A couple walking on a snowy mountain above the clouds in Switzerland
Photo: Kitti Boonnitrod | Getty

Winter visits require heavy coats, gloves, scarves and après-ski outfits, of course, as temperatures average in the 30s. For a summer getaway to Switzerland, pack your honeymoon luggage with a mix of activewear for outdoor activities, business casual clothes for everyday sightseeing and more formal attire for evening meals.

It's smart to include jackets and other warm clothing on your packing checklist, even in the summer—temperatures can dip into the 60s.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.

Up Next
  • the knot travel trends 2025 piece couple travels guests train and more
    The Top Travel Trends and Trip Ideas in 2025