May in Switzerland
In May, some mountain areas start opening slowly, with the viewpoints, restaurants, and lower elevation trails.
While most mountain trails are still closed, you’ll find so many beautiful hiking options with waterfalls, flower-filled meadows, river gorges, and hidden lakes.
Spring flowers cover many alpine meadows, so a great time to wander the countryside.
Below are resources to help you’ll choose activities suitable to May in Switzerland.
Need help planning? Book a travel consult.
The best hikes for spring in Switzerland (April to June), when most mountain resorts and trails are still covered in snow.
Here are our favorite activities for spring Switzerland while you are waiting for the snow to melt, including hiking along rivers and lakes, walking through flower fields, admiring waterfalls, riding on boats, and touring charming villages.
What to do in spring in Switzerland (March - June) for tourists and locals, including where to see flowers, which mountains are open, where to hike, and rainy day suggestions.
May Destinations
What to do in April and May in Interlaken, Jungfrau Region and Bernese Oberland: hikes, waterfalls, viewpoints, lakes, rivers, and gorges.
- Bernese Oberland
- Bernese Oberland & Bern
Spring hikes and activities in the Lucerne region, including mountain tops, lake cruises, low elevation hikes and scenic drives.
- Lucerne Region
Hikes and other activities for spring in Zürich, Appenzell, Heidiland and Toggenburg regions.
- Eastern Switzerland
May Events
3 May – Grüyeres cheese festival
3 May – SlowUp Liechtenstein bike event
thru 10 May – Morges tulip festival
24 April to 3 May – BEA spring festival in Bern
25 April to 30 May – Schaffhausen Gourmet Festival
31 May – SlowUp Schwyz bike event
May Flowers
Our favorite spring flower hikes in Switzerland for April to June, to see cherry blossoms, crocus, narcissus, dandelions and wildflowers.
- Switzerland
- Easy
- 2 h
- 5.45 k
- 200m
- 200m
The easiest flower hike near Montreux to see the narcissus blooms (wild daffodils) in late May. Accessible by car or train and an easy hike with lots of places to picnic.
- Lake Geneva Region
- Montreux Riviera
- Easy
- 1.25 h
- 3.2 k
- 130m
- 120m
Wander through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, ending at several narcissus fields that bloom mid-May to mid-June. I have a short loop for families and a longer hike if you want a full day outing.
- Graubünden
- Davos Klosters
May Waterfall Hikes
- Easy
- 1 h
- 2.75 k
- 200m
- 200m
This is a short walk along a rushing river, passing several small waterfalls, ending at the dramatic Berschnerfall, about 46m tall.
- Eastern Switzerland
- Easy
- 1.5 h
- 3.5 k
- 110m
- 110m
Short hike along the Walensee lake to some of the tallest waterfalls in Switzerland. Start with a ferry ride across the lake. For kids, there is a treasure hunt theme trail and small playground.
- Eastern Switzerland
- Heidiland
- Moderate
- 3 h
- 8 k
- 520m
- 520m
Hike up a narrow river valley to reach three big waterfalls and a bouncy suspension bridge.
- Eastern Switzerland
- Easy
- 2 h
- 6 k
- 250m
- 250m
How to reach the powerful Stäuben waterfalls near Lucerne on an easy walk thru a lush river valley.
- Lake Lucerne Region
- Uri
May Bike Tours
Families will love the bike path around Lake Constance, which is flat, well marked, with playgrounds, cafes, swimming and other services along the route.
Switzerland has many long rivers, some with wide multi-use paths used by bikes and pedestrians, other with hiking trails. Here are a few of our favorites.
Lovely bike ride along the Rhine river north of Zurich, riding through the Stein am Rhein village and past the Rhine Falls.
- Eastern Switzerland
- Moderate
- 1 h
- 32.7 k
- 260m
- 260m
Scenic bike ride from Lucerne with lakeside views, quiet roads & charming villages—ideal spring outing with easy bike rental & train access.
May Events
Where you can hike on Pfingsten weekend, including mountains that are opening early for the holiday. Plus activities for non-hikers.
Pretty picnic spots, proper hikes, and children’s theme trails for the upcoming Ascension holiday weekend. All are day trips from Zürich or Lucerne.
