Spring in Switzerland – Travel notes, food and more

A Swiss Spring Spectacle: From the Shores of Lake Geneva to the Charms of Lucerne

Our Swiss adventure began as we crossed over from France, our trusty hire car from Baden-Baden airport in Germany eating up the miles, and we were immediately swept up by the magic of a spring in full, glorious swing.

The Mighty Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman, or Genfersee)

We found ourselves drawn first to the magnificent Lake Geneva as we English speakers call it. But this is a lake of many personalities. To the French, it’s Lac Léman, and to keep things interesting, the Germans know it as Genfersee. One of the largest lakes in Western Europe, it’s a shimmering jewel shared between Switzerland (about 60%) and France (the remaining 40%).

I was fascinated to learn that the mighty River Rhône, which begins its life high in the Swiss Alps, doesn’t just feed the lake – it flows right through it! The river pours into the lake at its eastern end and emerges, transformed, near the city of Geneva to continue its epic journey to the Mediterranean Sea. To manage this powerful flow, the ingenious Seujet Dam was completed in 1985. This structure not only keeps the water level constant, protecting the shoreline from floods, but it’s also been designed with nature in mind, creating special fish passes to help them navigate upstream. A perfect blend of engineering and ecology.

Montreux: The Riviera’s Blooming Jewel

If Lake Geneva has a crown, Montreux is surely its most dazzling gem. Nestled on a sheltered bay and protected from harsh winds, this town is the epitome of Riviera glamour. The place is a veritable gallery of stunning villas and fairytale châteaux, many now transformed into luxurious hotels, gourmet restaurants, and chic boutiques. The service is, as you’d expect, impeccable.

While it’s famous as a winter wonderland, with the nearby Alps offering world-class skiing, visiting in spring was an absolute revelation. The entire region erupts in colour. We saw everything from familiar daffodils to exotic blooms we couldn’t even name. And the best part? In the mountains, this floral display isn’t a fleeting moment. It’s a rolling spectacle that lasts for months, like an endless spring.
One unforgettable evening, strolling along the flower-lined promenade, we spotted the most enchanting flowers – tall, poppy-like stems crowned with delicate, rose-shaped blossoms. It was pure magic.

Neuchâtel: Where History Meets High-Tech

Venturing north from Geneva, we discovered another aquatic treasure: the serene Lac de Neuchâtel. The largest city on its shores shares the lake’s name (or is it the other way around?), and Neuchâtel fittingly translates to “new castle.” This beautiful city, home to just over 30,000 people, feels like a breath of fresh air – literally!

The statistics are astounding. Nearly half the area is forest, with only a tiny fraction dedicated to industry. The result is air so crisp and surroundings so pristine, you can’t help but feel rejuvenated. While its heritage is rooted in precision watchmaking, Neuchâtel has boldly stepped into the future as a world-renowned centre for microtechnology, biotechnology, and cutting-edge research. A word to the wise: be prepared to practise your French, as it’s the primary language here.

With 32 historical sites of national importance, from grand churches to fascinating museums, Neuchâtel is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of old-world charm and 21st-century innovation.

Lucerne: A Rain-Kissed Finale

After several blissful days around Lake Geneva, we headed east, but not before a final stop in the enchanting city of Lucerne. We planned to meet friends nearby and seized the chance to explore this city on the lake for the very first time.

Classic Lucerne is defined by its iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) – a 204-metre-long, beautifully preserved wooden pedestrian bridge, the oldest of its kind in Europe. Adorned with a historic water tower, it’s a breathtaking sight, and possibly the best part of it. Crossing this piece of living history is completely free!

Though our visit was accompanied by a gentle rain, it did little to dampen the city’s charm. We wandered through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, explored its many bridges, and ducked into cosy shops. The public transport is wonderfully efficient, and the locals were incredibly warm, always happy to point us in the right direction. Lucerne, with its 80,000 residents (and a bustling 250,000 in the greater urban area), left us with a lasting impression of a truly beautiful and welcoming place.

Our Swiss spring journey was everything we had hoped for and more. But the adventure doesn’t end here. Next up, I’ll be taking you behind the scenes to see how Switzerland’s most famous exports are made – get ready for a delicious tale from a chocolate and Emmental cheese factory.