Easter in Switzerland 2024 – The Complete Travellers Guide
Easter is one of the most magical times to visit Switzerland. Across the country, vibrant festivities and age-old traditions make this Spring celebration extra special. But, confused about how to celebrate Easter in Switzerland in 2024? Then you are at the right place. This guide has everything you need to enjoy an incredible Easter vacation with a Switzerland Visa.
Why Should You Celebrate Easter in Switzerland in 2024?
Easter in Switzerland combines religious devotion, culinary traditions, and lively festivities for an unforgettable celebration of Spring’s renewal.
From colourful Easter egg hunts to centuries-old folkloric events, the country embraces its rich heritage during the Easter period. Add in scenic landscapes, alpine villages draped in flowers, and mouth-watering Easter treats. And you have all the makings of a magical holiday escape!
Easter Week in Switzerland – Quick Overview
Easter Sunday will take place on 31st March 2024. Apart from this, Good Friday and Easter Monday are also celebrated as public holidays across Switzerland.
Holy Week sees religious services held in churches and cathedrals, particularly in Catholic cantons. Many families also enjoy short breaks timed around the Easter school holidays. However, the real fun begins in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. So, make sure to plan your holiday accordingly!
Interesting Easter in Switzerland Traditions to Experience
Switzerland boasts many unique Easter customs that visitors can experience during their trip. Here are some highlights to look for:
- Easter Egg Hunts
One of the most universally beloved Easter activities, Easter egg hunts take place across the country. So, expect churches, hotels, and tourist attractions all organise elaborate hunts. In these, usually, children need to search high and low for colourful eggs stuffed with chocolates or other sweet treats.
You will find some of the largest and most extravagant hunts by luxury hotels like the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne. They hide over 20,000 eggs across its immaculate gardens and parklands for a true Easter spectacle.
Another amazing option for families is the annual Ozcodenz Easter Egg Hunt in Nyon. Here over 50,000 chocolate eggs are hidden around the picturesque town for an egg-stravaganza unlike any other!
- Eiertütschen
This is a popular and traditional Easter game in Switzerland. In this, you will find locals tapping hard-boiled eggs against each other. The goal – to see whose egg remains uncracked till the end. Have fun taking part in this exciting tradition with your loved ones!
- Zwänzgerle
This tradition is similar to Eiertütschen. But, the difference is that instead of cracking eggs against each other, people hit each other’s egg with a coin. This is a popular Easter Monday tradition that you should take part in!
- Chlefeli
This fascinatingly archaic custom still involves ringing cow bells to scare the winter spirits and welcome the spring season. This marks the advent of Lent & Easter season.
- Decorated Fountains (Nyon)
The idyllic lakeside town of Nyon stages a beloved tradition every Easter when residents work together to create stunning Easter egg tree displays around the town’s 16th-century fountains – a visual delight not to be missed. Each ornately decorated tree features colourful eggs carefully affixed by hand in whimsical designs.
Popular Easter Foods in Switzerland to Relish
No Easter in Switzerland would be complete without indulging in the delicious chocolates, baked goods and other culinary specialities of the season:
- Chocolate Bunnies
Like many places, chocolate bunnies are an Easter staple across Switzerland and you’ll find plenty of beautifully crafted creations in every chocolatier. From solid chocolate to filled varieties – sampling at least one is a must!
- Osterfladen
These sweet yeast breads in the shapes of rabbits, lambs or wreaths are found in bakeries all over Switzerland during the Easter period, often decorated with almonds, raisins or sugar glaze.
- Colomba Pasquale
While originating in Italy, these ornate, dove-shaped yeast cakes are also sold at Easter time in Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland like Ticino. The sweet bread usually contains almonds, candied peel and pearl sugar on top.
- Zopf
Swiss braided loaves called zopf often appear at Easter brunches, studded with raisins, nuts and brushed with an egg wash for a beautiful golden crust.
Top Places to Visit during Easter in Switzerland
There’s no shortage of scenic spots to spend your Easter break in Switzerland. Don’t miss these standout destinations:
- Jungfraujoch
Marvel at Switzerland’s alpine splendour from the Jungfraujoch, towering 3,454m in the heart of the Bernese Oberland.
The highest railway station in Europe features walking trails, an observation deck with 360° panoramas, and the year-round Ice Palace attraction just waiting to be explored.
Take the Jungfrau railway through the Eiger and Mönch mountains, a jaw-dropping journey leading to the Sphinx Observatory offering staggering vistas across the Aletsch Glacier and iconic peaks like the Jungfrau, Möch and Eiger!
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
Europe’s oldest covered wooden footbridge dates back to 1333 and makes for a picturesque Easter photo setting. It’s decked out with colourful floral decorations and set against the gorgeous backdrop of Lucerne’s old town and surrounding Alps!
During Easter, the iconic Chapel Bridge becomes draped in thousands of flower baskets and decorations. These transform it into a fragrant, flower-lined walkway over the Reuss River that no visitor will want to miss. Time your stroll across just right to capture the ornamental swans swimming sedately below!
- Grand Tour of Switzerland Foto Spots
Time your Easter Switzerland holiday around the Grand Tour’s iconic scenic routes through:
- Jaw-dropping mountain passes
- Idyllic villages, and,
- Sparkling glacial lakes like Lake Geneva
These stunning locations offer postcard-worthy snapshots at every turn!
Make sure to check out some incredible places like:
- The storybook village of Morcote nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano
- the magnificent triple peaks of the Eiger
- Thun’s turquoise waters that reflect Monch & Jungfrau
These places on the Grand Tour route are an absolute dream for keen photographers. Make sure your camera batteries are charged and you have plenty of memory cards. So, what are you waiting for? Apply for Switzerland Visa. Go on an exciting Easter holiday with your loved ones to Switzerland.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Easter in Switzerland 2024
With proper planning, you can still celebrate Easter in Switzerland without breaking the bank. Here are smart tips to keep costs down:
- Plan Ahead
Book accommodation, travel and tours in advance to lock in the lowest rates for your Easter holiday. Also, check free activities and events to take advantage of.
- Use Public Transport
With its efficient trains, buses and cable cars – getting around Switzerland is easy and affordable. In addition to that, getting a Swiss Travel Pass covers travel costs in one cost-effective ticket!
- Look for Budget Accommodation
Hostels, alpine huts, and apartment rentals often provide cheaper alternatives to hotels in top destinations like Lucerne and Interlaken over Easter.
- Visit Easter Egg Markets
Stock up on Easter treats and gifts at festive Easter markets instead of overpriced stores and supermarkets where chocolate bunnies can cost a small fortune.
- Eat Local Food
Splurge wisely on culinary experiences by seeking out local eateries serving hearty regional specialities like rösti and raclette for a fraction of the cost of swanky Swiss restaurants.
Conclusion
With its captivating mix of religious customs, culinary indulgences and springtime celebrations – Easter in Switzerland promises an unforgettable cultural experience. Soak in the joyous atmosphere of flower-decked alpine villages, witness folkloric traditions dating back centuries, and create lasting memories your whole family will treasure. Book your Switzerland visa appointment today to go on an Easter vacation of a lifetime!
FAQs
Spring weather in Switzerland during Easter can vary from sunny and mild around 15-20°C to cooler periods with rain showers. Be prepared with light layers and rain jackets.
For the best rates and availability, aim to book accommodations a couple of weeks before Easter, especially in popular destinations like Lucerne and Interlaken.
Yes, most major attractions, shops and restaurants remain open over the Easter holidays across Switzerland, though some may have limited hours on Easter Sunday itself.
Popular kid-friendly activities include Easter egg hunts hosted by hotels and churches, visiting Easter markets, taking a scenic train ride, and seeing the iconic Easter bunny roaming city streets.
Utilize public transport, such as trains, buses, and cable cars, for an affordable way to get around. Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass to cover travel costs in one cost-effective ticket.
