Let me start with something personal. I honestly didn’t think much of Switzerland when I first planned my honeymoon there. Sure, I’d seen the Instagram-perfect photos of snow-capped peaks and quaint lakeside towns, but live there? It’s a completely different world. Switzerland isn’t only beautiful, it’s peaceful, it’s organized, it’s romantic, and it’s way too easy to fall in love with (and in).
From sipping hot chocolate in a wood-heated chalet in Zermatt to watching the sunset over Lake Geneva with my partner, everything felt cinematic. But, I’ll be honest: Planning it wasn’t a bed of roses. It’s expensive, and it can be very overwhelming with all the choices: where to go, how to get around, when to go, and how to not go broke in one of the world’s most expensive countries.
To enjoy every moment romantically, you should definitely know about the best honeymoon places in Switzerland. And that’s precisely the reason I’m writing this guide. Not only to share the dreamy highlights but to walk you through the full experience, including the magical moments and the things I wish I’d known in advance.
Whether a couple living in Switzerland is seeking a local romantic getaway or coming from abroad to plan a honeymoon, this guide is meant for you. I’ve made it super easy for you to see the best destinations, the can’t-miss experiences, smart travel tips, and more, including what to avoid (because yes, not every scenic town welcomes honeymooners with open arms).
This is not a list. It’s like a chat, a bunch of memories, personal and loving advice to guide you through this most decidedly romantic country.
Let’s begin.
Top Honeymoon Destinations in Switzerland
1. Zermatt & The Matterhorn – For a Classic Alpine Escape
Zermatt was the first of our honeymoon stops, and I can still conjure the complete silence no cars, just the crunch of snow under our feet, and the view of the Matterhorn, standing like a painting. If you’re part of a couple who love dramatic views, skiing, or simply snuggling up next to the fireplace with a mountain view, Zermatt is truly magical.
What to do:
- Consider the Gornergrat Railway, a scenic train journey with views of the Alps.
- Ski or snowboard (or sit back with a cup of hot wine while others do).
- Have lunch at Chez Vrony, a romantic mountaintop restaurant.
- Reserve Time: A private spa session at the Backstage Hotel Vernissage.
Where to stay:
Stay CERVO Mountain Resort: Stylish, romantic, and sustainable.
Personal tip: Don’t show up with large suitcases. Zermatt is car-free, and you’ll need to walk or take an electric taxi to your hotel.
Advantage: The pinnacle of peace, luxury, and mountain romance.
Advantage: It’s a little on the expensive side! Not great for a very short honeymoon, as it’s a bit remote.
2. Lucerne & Lake Lucerne – For Fairytale Romance
Lucerne was as if you were walking into a postcard. It’s the perfect mix of old-world charm and lakeside tranquillity. Holding hands and walking across the Chapel Bridge the one covered in swans swimming beneath and the most perfectly framed mountain vista behind it was one of those moments I wish I could bottle.
What to do:
- Embark on a sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne
- Take the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, the Pilatus Railway, up Mount Pilatus
- Riverside cafés and the Old Town
- In warmer months, rent a rowboat or paddleboat.
Where to stay:
Hotel des Balances – A romantic place to stay, with lake views and an old town location.
Personal tip: Visit in late spring or early autumn to avoid the crowds and yet have the lake in all its glory.
Advantage: Easy to walk, romantic, and packed with fun things to do.
Disadvantage: Can be crowded at the height of summer; lakefront dining can be costly.
3. Lauterbrunnen & the Jungfrau Region – For Nature Lovers & Dreamers
Lauterbrunnen is as close as you can get to what heaven would look like if it were chiselled into a valley. Waterfalls tumbling off cliffs, wooden chalets blossoming with flower boxes, and the never-ending sound of cowbells, it’s the sort of place that makes you slow down and savour the simple pleasure of being together.
What to do:
- Stay in Lauterbrunnen & day trip to Wengen, Mürren, Grindelwald, etc
- Take the Jungfraujoch train to the Top of Europe
- Picnic at the base of Staubbach Falls
- Take the Panorama Trail for stunning vistas.
Where to stay:
Hotel Silberhorn or an Airbnb chalet in Wengen or Mürren for placid romance.
Personal tip: Travel light and dress in layers! The weather changes fast in the Alps, even in summer.
Advantage: Stunning natural beauty, and adventure with a side of tranquillity.
Disadvantage: Nightlife is limited; not great for couples seeking city buzz.
4. Montreux & Lake Geneva – For Sophisticated Romance
Montreux gave us that refined, lakeside honeymoon vibe something about the palm-fringed promenade, vineyards on the hill, and relaxed French-Swiss atmosphere that felt indulgent and relaxing. It’s the spot for wine lovers and anybody who likes a slower pace.
What to do:
- See Chillon Castle (at the lake’s edge)
- Ride the scenic Lavaux wine train through vines listed by UNESCO
- Eat by the lake with Franc…
- Discover Vevey, the peaceful yet romantic town next door
Where to stay:
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace – Traditional luxury and spa choices.
Personal tip: If you’re a jazz fanatic, schedule your visit during the Montreux Jazz Festival (July), amazing vibe, even if you don’t consider yourself a major jazzhead.
Advantage: Trendy, artsy, and culture-rich.
Disadvantage: Less snowy in winter; not as much of an “Alps” feel.
5. Interlaken – For Adventure Couples
Interlaken surprised me. I arrived expecting a tourist megalopolis; instead, I discovered a launching pad for adventure and beauty that is well suited to a couple who longs for more than mere relaxation. From paragliding to chocolate-making classes, it has a little of everything.
What to do:
- Try tandem paragliding over Lake Thun
- Take a boat ride across Lake Brienz
- Ride the Harder Kulm funicular for scenic dining. encoder For dinner with a view, take the Harder Kulm funicular
- Book a Swiss chocolate workshop as a cute couple activity
Where to stay:
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel – Luxury, spa, and mountains.
Personal tip: Don’t overstay your time here, just plan to use it as a 2–3 day hub or springboard to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.
Advantage: Central with lots to do
Downside: Can be touristy, especially in high season
6. St. Moritz – For Luxury and Winter Glamour
If it’s that James Bond meets a winter honeymoon vibe you’re chasing, St. Moritz has it covered. We only spent a weekend there, but it felt like entering a different world frozen lakes, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and some of the best spa treatments I have ever had.
What to do:
- Go ice skating on the frozen lake (in winter)
- Take the Bernina Express train through stunning alpine landscapes
- Enjoy luxury shopping and fine dining
- Book a ‘couples’ treatment at Kulm Hotel Spa
Where to stay:
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel – A storybook in the snow.
Protip: It’s an extravagant spot. Budget meticulously and book ahead, especially during the winter.
Advantage: World-class luxury, exclusive atmosphere
Disadvantage: Pricey and less intimate than some smaller communities
7. Zurich – For Urban Romance & Cultural Comfort
So we wrapped up our honeymoon with a stay in Zurich, and it was the best way to get back into city life. If you’re a couple that digs art museums, river walks, and cozy coffee shops, Zurich manages to provide all that chic, urban European romance.
What to do:
- Visit Kunsthaus Zurich (Art Museum)
- Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Zurich with your loved one
- Take a walk around Old Town (Altstadt)
- Visit Thermalbad & Spa Zurich – rooftop pool with city views
Where to stay:
Widder Hotel – A historic little romantic hotel in the centre of town
Personal tip: Zurich is an excellent place to start or end this itinerary. Try to avoid Sunday most shops and restaurants are closed.
Advantage: Modern conveniences, airport access. The room was cleaned and had a fridge
Disadvantage: Missing the private honeymoon vibe
8. Ticino – For a Warm, Mediterranean Feel
Ticino does not feel like regular Switzerland, it’s warm, Italian-speaking, and full of palm trees, lakes, and gelato shops. We discovered it at the end of our trip and love the fact that it’s Italian Swiss fusion.
What to do:
- Explore the town of Lugano and its lakeside promenades
- Visit Bellinzona’s castles.
- Enjoy pizza and pasta by the lake with a bottle of Ticino Merlo.t
- Hike or take a funicular up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore
Where to stay:
Villa Principe Leopoldo – History and lake views.
Personal tip: Great for spring or fall, but not so hot if it’s cold and dead (no restaurant open).
Advantage: Romance, Warmth, Italian Food, Italian Way of Life
Disadvantage: Lesser known, fewer English signs or guides
Most Romantic Experiences in Switzerland
Switzerland is not just about beautiful places, it’s about the memorable moments you have there. Here are some of the most romantic experiences I had (or wish I had known about sooner) that really did bring warmth, laughter, and connection to our honeymoon. For those of you who are couples who enjoy quiet time together or exploring something new, these ideas will make your trip feel extra special.
1. Ride the Glacier Express – A Window to Romance
I’ll never forget this: sitting beside my partner on the Glacier Express, watching the world slowly change from icy mountain passes to sunlit valleys, all from a panoramic window. It’s not just a train ride it’s an 8-hour love letter to Switzerland.
Seating is plush; meals are delivered to your seat! And you can raise a glass of Swiss wine while traversing 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. It’s slow travel at its best, and how we can best be present with each other.
Personal tip: If you can afford it, book the Excellence Class. It’s expensive, yes, but absolutely unforgettable.
2. Lake Cruises at Sunset – Lucerne, Geneva & Lugano
There’s something indescribable about being on a boat as the sun sets behind the mountains. We went on a sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne, and the scene was surreal: pastel skies, shimmering waters, and a warm breeze in our hair.
You can also cruise Lake Geneva for vineyard views or Lake Lugano for a Mediterranean feel. Most of the boats have food and drinks, so it’s also great for a honeymoon date night.
Best tip: Sit on the breezy top deck, bring a sweater (even in the summer), and go just before sunset.
3. Thermal Spas in the Alps – Pure Indulgence
And after a few days of hiking or sightseeing, there is nothing better than soaking in a mountaintop spa. We booked a couple’s session at Leukerbad Therme, where you can float in a heated outdoor pool with snowy peaks all around you.
Another great option is Thermalbad & Spa Zurich, where you can take a dip in a rooftop infinity pool in a converted brewery. This is romantic, it’s cozy, and it feels particularly Swiss.
What not to do: Don’t assume you don’t need to book in advance for a room or for a spa; don’t wing it. Also, note that most spas in Switzerland are mixed-gender and | or naked (in the sauna area). I’m just saying!
4. Wine Tasting in Lavaux Vineyards
This was a delightful gem of a find, completely unexpected. We visited the Lavaux area, whose terraced vineyards tumble down into Lake Geneva. It is local, fresh, and not widely distributed, so it feels like a secret that only a few people get to taste.
Walking hand in hand through the vines, with the sun dipping over the lake and a glass of Pinot Noir or Chasselas to hand… could it get any more romantic?
Tip: Hop on the little Lavaux Panoramic Train or take a guided walk with tastings. It’s a beautiful thing to slow down and connect in that way.
5. Winter Strolls & Hot Chocolate Moments
Don’t discount the poetic possibilities of a snowy walk in winter. Swiss towns Grindelwald, Zermatt, or almost anywhere in Appenzell turn into silent, storybook worlds when snow falls. We dressed warmly, took slow walks beneath the glowing orange streetlights, and ended the night with Swiss hot chocolate by a fire.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. The most romantic moments are often as simple as being still together but in the right place.
Bonus: Plan a Surprise or Small Gesture
One thing I did: I secretly arranged a private fondue dinner in a tiny alpine hut near Lucerne. Candles, cheese, wine, the two of us. You don’t need to do anything major, but a small but thoughtful gesture can make the entire trip.
Personal Tips & Planning Advice
So, having explored where to go and what to do, now let’s talk about real-life honeymoon planning, the kind of advice that I really wish someone had offered me before we booked anything.
The following tips go straight from experience into your toolkit, a catalogue that details a few grains of wisdom, a pinch of what not to do, and all of the real-life lessons that ensure your Swiss honeymoon is smooth, affordable, and meaningful from the get-go.
1. Choose Your Season Wisely – It Makes All the Difference
Switzerland is a different place with each season, and so is your honeymoon vibe:
- SUMMER (JUNE-AUGUST): Best for hiking, lake cruises, and wine tastings. More hours of daylight, more festivals, and livelier towns.
- Fall (September-October): Best in my opinion foliage, fewer tourists, and grape harvest.
- Winter (December–February): If you like snow, skiing, and snuggling in mountain lodges, it’s a magical time. Christmas markets = pure romance.
- Spring (April-May): This period offers a lull in a quiet beauty with meadows in full bloom, yet prices are a little lower, but mountain passes can still be closed.
Personal Note: We opted for late September, the absolute sweet spot between weather, sentiment, and tranquillity.
2. Pack Smart, Not Overboard
Don’t overpack. Most Swiss towns are walkable, or car-free (like Zermatt), and it’s no fun to lug heavy bags on cobblestone streets or on wee mountain trains.
Bring:
At least one nice pair of tennis shoes that are waterproof
- A warm enough jacket (yes, even in the summer, it cools down at night)
- Lightweight day backpack
- I want something nice but also comfy dinners
Bonus tip: Save room for Swiss chocolate, local wine, and a handmade souvenir or two.
3. Swiss Travel Pass = Honeymoon Hero
If you’re going to visit more than a couple of cities (and I highly recommend it), the Swiss Travel Pass is a major game-changer. It covers:
- Trains, boats, buses, and the odd mountain top drive.
- Entry to 500+ museums
- Savings on scenic trains, e.g., the Glacier Express
In the end, we saved over CHF 400 by using the pass, and that meant everything was easier. No ticket lines, no stress.
4. Mind Your Budget! Switzerland Is Expensive
Let’s face it: Switzerland isn’t exactly cheap. You have to plan smart, but it is totally worth it.
What worked for us:
- Combine luxury hotels with quaint mid-range Airbnbs
- Eat one meal out a day, but snacks or local groceries for the others
- Opt for picnic spots in place of restaurants for lunch
- Select 1-2 luxury experiences (a spa or a glacier train) and mix them in with free hikes or lake swims
What NOT to do: Do not make “save money” the central plan for everything. You’re on your honeymoon, and it’s okay to splurge just a little where it counts.
5. Slow Down, Be Present
This might be the top tip of all. You certainly don’t have to look at everything. You don’t have to tick each one of the boxes. Some of our most loved memories happened not in a guidebook way, but in the lull, the leisurely morning, the left turn.
Let romance breathe. Don’t overplan. Believe me, Switzerland will take it from there.
Sample Itineraries in Switzerland
Deciding to go on a honeymoon in Switzerland can be daunting: there is so much beauty everywhere. But the good news is you don’t have to experience it all to have a great time.
To assist, I’ve drawn up two sample itineraries from my own experience one for a brief, care-erasing couple’s getaway, and one for a more relaxed and in-depth honeymoon. These are meant to be fairly breezy, with a mix of adventure and relaxation, and romance packed in without feeling too rushed.
3–5 Day Romantic Escape
Great honeymoon romance package is for couples who have little time and want to get away on a fairytale honeymoon.
Day 1: Lucerne
- Zurich to Lucerne (1 hr by train). Pick up at Zurich airport and proceed to Lucerne.
- Check out Old Town & have a romantic lakeside dinner
- Stay the night at Hotel des Balances
2: Lake Lucerne & Mount Pilatus
- Hop on a cruise on the lake and the cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus
- Spa night or chill fondue night
3: Lauterbrunnen or Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken
- Hop a train to Lauterbrunnen (2 hrs)
- Waterfall, picnic, and quiet mountain dinner walk
- Overnight in a chalet or mountain-view hotel
(Optional Days 4–5)
- Day walk through Mürren or visit Jungfraujoch.
- Return to Zurich for 1 night + spa + shopping.
Why it works: It’s compact, but rife with romance, scenery, and ease of travel.
7–10 Day Honeymoon Itinerary
Best for Couples looking for the complete Swiss experience, from lakes to Alps to luxury.
1–2: Zurich → Lucerne
- Arrive in Zurich, proceed to Lucerne
- Cruise on the lake, Pilatus, Old town
3–5: Lauterbrunnen & Jungfrau Region
- Stay in Wengen or Mürren
- Spend the day at Jungfraujoch, hike to Gimmelwald, quiet mountain dinners
6–7: Zermatt
- Glacier Express to Zermatt
- Panoramic railway, spa, and romantic meals with views of the Matterhorn
8–10: Montreux or Lake Geneva Region
- Wine tasting in Lavaux
- Explore Chillon Castle and finish with dinner by the lake
- Drive back to Zurich for onward departure.
Why it works: This route combines city, nature, and culture, all with a coating of romance.
Face-to-face conversation followed by the July camp is Customizable, depending on your season, interests, and budget. But don’t hesitate to trade a mountain village for a lakeside town! What matters is what resonates with you as a couple.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read all the way through, I genuinely hope this guide has helped you dream plan, and feel inspired about your honeymoon in Switzerland. I didn’t just sit down and hammer this piece out as a result of the research I’ve written from real experiences, real moments of the heart, and lessons learned while altar-ing through this magical Laguna with someone to hold my hand.
Switzerland has a way of slowing you down and filling you up at the same time. Whether it’s a steaming glass of wine at the Lavaux vineyards, a blanket under the stars in Zermatt, or a quiet coffee in the mountains in the morning, these are the moments that last a lifetime.
My biggest piece of advice? Don’t overcomplicate it. Switzerland’s natural beauty will do the heavy lifting. Focus on being present, the romance will naturally happen.
Now it’s your turn:
That’s it! If this guide was helpful to you or if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or reach out. I would be delighted to help you plan the ultimate romantic getaway.
Ready to start planning?
Browse through my destination guides, travel advice, and packing lists on Swiss Sustain, your genuine guide for life and travelling in Switzerland.
Here’s to a honeymoon you will never forget.
