What to do in Zürich in April & May

By Trippico

Sechselauten / Sächsilüüte

Sechselauten (also called Sächsilüüte in Swiss-German) is usually celebrated in Zürich on afternoon of the 3rd Monday in April. The historic trade guides of Zürich put on a parade through the center of town. It’s one of the largest festivals in Switzerland, so it’s worth going to watch! At the end, a giant snowman whose head is stuffed with firecrackers is set on fire. However long it takes for the firecrackers to explode is how far away spring is.

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Cherry Blossoms

Photo by Evan Bollag on Unsplash

The city of Zürich has some beautiful parks and gardens feature cherry blossoms, magnolias, and other flowering trees. You can see them in:

• Rieter Park
• Belvoir Park
• The Lake Zürich lakefront
• Stauffacherplatz

The city tracks the flowering status of the most famous viewing places on their website, so be sure to check in real time!

Low-Altitude Hiking/Walking

Photo by Lucas Derksen on UnsplashPhoto by Florian Schmid on Unsplash

• Hike Uetliberg, or take the train to the top. This is a great option for families or groups with mixed mobility, as one group can walk up (~2 hours) while others take the train, and you can meet for a meal at the restaurant at the top. Find several Uetliberg hiking trail options here.
• Cycle along or around Lake Zürich, with a stop in picturesque, medieval Rapperswil (which is also a stop on the Grand Tour of Switzerland).
• Visit the Rhein Falls in Schauffhausen, the largest waterfall in Europe by volume of water
• Take the William Tell section of the Swiss Path. You’ll pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in central Switzerland, along the Vierwaldstättersee. While this option is also further from Zürich, it is accessible via public transport. Make sure to get an early start.

Arts & Culture

While these museums are open all year, they may be especially welcome in April as the weather is changeable, and can range from near freezing to around 18°C.

• Visit the works of world-renowned (Monet, Van Gogh) and Swiss artists (Tinguely, Hodler) in the Kunsthaus (Art Museum). The permanent collection features an exhibit showing how Switzerland handles artworks of dubious provenance in the wake of World War II.
  The permanent collection is free on Wednesdays.
• Visit the National Musem (Landesmuseum) near the main train station explains how Switzerland’s relatively unique geopolitical situation came to be… and also contains some ancient treasures! There is evidence of human activity in the area going back 6’400 years, including a Roman settlement (known as Turicum).
• See how chocolate is made at the Lindt Factory — admittedly a little outside of the city of Zürich, in Kilchberg, but easily accessible via public transport. Make sure to book in advance!

Asparagus

This April treat is unavoidable! Every restaurant will be serving seasonal asparagus dishes in April. Some of the best places to try them include:

• Neue Taverne (Vegetarian Restaurant, $$$)
• Eden Kitchen & Bar (Vegetarian Restaurant, )
• Orsini (Modern Italian Restaurant, )

F.A.Q.

Q: Is Zürich worth visiting in the spring?

A: Yes, Zürich’s biggest festival is in the spring! If the weather is pleasant, there are several lakeside and riverside hikes. The city itself hosts several outstanding museums and several interesting historic sights (such as the Fraumünster Church).

Q: Where are the best photo spots in Zürich?

A: Lindenhof, one of the elevated parks, is one of the best viewing spots. Burkliplatz and Chinagarten are also beautiful! Finally, Uetliberg will give you a view of the whole city.

Q: Where are the best brunch spots in Zürich?

Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse is famous for its excellent Brunch offering. However, many cafés offer some form of brunch!

Q: What hidden gems in Zürich are there?

A: There is a small street - Thermengasse - where you can see the ruins of a Roman thermal bath complex beneath your feet! Most of the ruins are still underneath the houses on either side. A second hidden gem is walking along the canals of Zürich, which follow a star pattern on the map. There are generally few people, and you can walk all the way from the main train station to the lake using this path system. Although less hidden, the church of St. Peter has the largest clock face in Europe (even beating out Big Ben!)

Q: Are there any free things to do in Zurich?

A: Yes, with a little timing! The Kunsthaus (Art museum) is free on Wednesdays. The Wasserkirche has Roman ruins in the basement, and outdoor activities like Sechselauten, viewing the rose-covered fountains in Easter, and walking along the lake and canals of the city are all free.

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

Q: What is there to do in Zurich with kids?

A: The Zurich Zoo is a classic excursion for families with kids! There are also many family-friendly walks and day trips, such as going to the Rhein Falls. Kids will also enjoy the Lindt Chocolate Factory!

Q: What are the best Zurich tourist attractions?

A: The Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Kunsthaus, Landesmuseum, and Niederdorf are the key tourist attractions in Zürich. It has to be said — if you are coming just for the city, you are missing out! If you are coming to Zürich, you should definitely plan day trips to some of the beautiful nature locations outside the city.