13 unique spring experiences in Switzerland, according to Tong Bing Yu

#1: Château de Chillon at Montreux

If you are one who loves to discover heritage sites and historical monuments, the Château de Chillon at Montreux is one of the grandest sights to behold in Switzerland.

Sitting on a rock island on the banks of Lake Genera, this majestic architecture houses a collection of period furniture, weapons and tapestries that records the four decades of history from the 12th to the 16th century. You can book your own tours and audiovisual experiences here to take you through the entire castle for an immersive walk-through.

The castle aside, the panoramic sight outside its walls is also a spectacle not to be missed. 

Bing Yu says, "The Château de Chillon truly holds a great experience for me as I walk through the halls to take in the sights, heritage and history behind it. And taking a rest at Café Byron that overlooks the castle on the lake after my tour inside is the cherry on top of the cake."

#2: Vevey at Montreux

From  Château de Chillon, you can also take a short drive down the banks of Lake Geneva to visit Vevey, more fondly known as the "Pearls of the Swiss Riviera", which is known for its breathtaking views and outdoor activities in the spring season.

Bing Yu says, "When in Vevey, I definitely recommend taking a walk down the flower-lined lakeside promenade. The whole stretch is dressed in exotic flowers that are in full bloom during the spring season."

#3: Matterhorn Glacier Palace at Zermatt

Next stop, we take a train further into the mountain valleys to find Zermatt, the all-year ski village that is tucked at the foot of Matterhorn, one of the tallest mountains in Switzerland.

Bing Yu says, "While skiing is the most iconic activity that you can do all-year round here, I personally recommend taking the cable car up to Matterhorn to view the iconic mountain top (the one use featured on Toblerone chocolate) and to visit the Matterhorn Glacier Palace".

Named "The Highest natural Glacier Palace in the World",  this is where you travel 15 meters deep into a glacier to explore beautifully crafted ice sculptures and art pieces, which are also periodically changed to feature new ice artists and sculptors. 

#4: Gornergrat Train at Zermatt

Matterhorn aside, Zermatt is also known for Gornergrat, a scenic rocky ridge located south-east of Zermatt.

All you need to do is board the Gornergrat train that runs all the way up to the peak, making this train experience the highest open-air railway in Europe. A perfect photo spot on train and at the peak, there is more to the experience that are perfect for families.

When at the peak, you can join in a little virtual reality experience with Zooom The Matterhorn, where you have interactive games and tools to let you learn more about the region.

"The virtual flying experience is definitely my favourite thing at Gornergrat, where I can glide through the entire mountain range and get the best view of the majestic Matterhorn."

#5: Skiing at Aletsch Arena in Valais

What's a holiday in Switzerland without a little ski experience and thanks to the glorious Mother Nature, you can even ski in spring in some of the iconic arenas and resorts like Aletsh Arena in Valais.

Bing Yu says, "I was pleasantly surprised that even in mid April which is the peak of spring, I can enjoy a full winter ski experience in Aletsch Arena. The sunny skies and white wintery slopes is simply perfect!"

#6: Stockalper Castle in Brig

"If you love fairy tales, enchanting castles and dreamy palace gardens, then Stockalper Castle in Brig is a must-see!"

Built in the late 16th century, the Stockalper Castle is the largest private structure built in Switserland at the time and it is owned by a famed merchant Kaspar Stockalper. Roam the halls and marvel in the unique structure and furnishing of ancient times and get immerse in some of the great history of Switzerland, there is nothing better than this.

#7: Thermal Spa at Hotel Waldhaus, Leukerbad

For a healing and relaxing spring vacation, Leukerbad is the destination to be due to its wondrous offering of thermal spa and hot springs. Bing Yu's personal recommendation? The Hotel Waldhaus.

"One of the best healing experiences I've had was at Hotel Waldhaus, which is a Swiss chalet-styled resort, where I soak in more than just the healing properties of the thermal bath. The view that comes with the bath is one to be remembered for life."

#8: Gemmi Pass at Leukerbad

While in Leukerbad, one should always give Gemmi Pass a hike (especially before a relaxing thermal spa experience). This famous mountain pass have been walked by some of the most iconic cultural figures of the world including Mark Twain, Pablo Picasso and Lenin.

For mountain hiking enthusiasts, this region is the perfect calming hike you need to rejuvenate yourself.

And if you are up for it, there is also the Berghotel Wildstrubel hotel up in the mountain that awaits you with a panoramic restaurant, before unwinding with a spa treatment.

#9: First Flyer Zipline at Grindelwald

For a little thrill and excitement, Grindelwald has just the thing for you. Packed with outdoor experiences, you can try the First Flyer zipline ride where you glide across 800 metres in height at the speed of over 80km/h.

"I'm so glad to take this off my bucket list of thrilling experiences. Zipping through the cold spring air and sunny skies of Grindelwald with a view of beautiful Mother Nature is just divine!"

#10: Paragliding at Interlaken

What's more exciting than ziplining? Paragliding will be one of them and where best to do it than Interlaken itself, one of the most popular cities in Switzerland.

Bing Yu says, "If there is one thing I am terrified and excited to try in this trip, it is paragliding. The thought of me free gliding through the air is unimaginable but safe to say, it was spectacular and with the help of the instructors with me, it was a smooth sailing ride." 

#11: The highest altitude railway station at Jungfraujoch

One of the most recommended peaks to visit on the Swiss Tourism website, Jungfraujoch "puts a jewel in the crown of any visit to Switzerland".

From Grindelwald, you can hop on the celebrated Eiger Express cable car to take you to the top of Europe in just under 47 minutes.

"Being able to stand at the highest point of Europe right here in Switzerland truly blew my mind away. The view is unlike any other as I stand on top of the clouds overseeing the various snow-capped peaks of the region."

#12: Lindt, Home of Chocolate at Zurich

Mountains, snow and castle aside, let's talk Lindt, one of the most famous export of Switzerland and if you are in Zurich, you definitely need to squeeze in some time to this Home of Chocolate.

A museum dedicated to offer you a delectable experience of Lindt chocolate, you are rewarded with plenty of amazing experience for both adult and children. While you are there, be sure to get your hands of the Swiss-exclusice Lindt chocolate candies, which have a long list of unique flavours.

But the star of the Home of Chocolate is the Chocolateria where you can create and decorate your own masterpieces to bring home as a souvenir.

#13: WOW Museum of Illusions at Zurich

If you are looking for a little urban fun with the family, the WOW Museum is a great way to unwind and explore for a day in Zurich.

A house of optical illusions spread across three-floors, this musuem is one to test your brain and marvel in scientific wonders unlike any regular museum. Bing Yu says, "It is like I went back in time to relive my childhood fantasy as I wander through the exhibits here. It is truly a fun-filled adventure in here."