Valentine’s Day is a day when couples express their love, exchange lovely gifts, and spend quality time together. It is also a symbol of love and the gospel. While Switzerland does not have a long history of celebrating Valentine’s Day, only began doing so post World War II, there are many places in Switzerland that are ideal for this romantic occasion.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, many of you might look for the perfect recipe for a day with your partner. So, let me help you out a bit with this listicle where you may find an idea for a relaxed staycation or an adventurous trip.
1. A Day Out in Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest and oldest city and if you and your partner enjoy spending time in nature, this date idea might be perfect for your Valentine’s Day plans. There are numerous activities available to nature lovers in Zurich like hiking trails, biking routes, and, most importantly, romantic walks around Lake Zurich for Valentine’s Day. Visit the Swiss National Museum for a romantic stroll through history, take a boat ride on Lake Zurich, with stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains and explore the Old Town, with its narrow streets, charming boutiques and quaint cafes. You can take a scenic hike in the Uetliberg, a mountain located just outside of the city, offering panoramic views of Zurich and the surrounding area, visit the Rietberg Museum, which is dedicated to non-European art and has a collection of over 20,000 objects from around the world or enjoy a romantic picnic in the city’s many parks, such as the Belvoirpark or the China Garden. If you love nature, you could even visit the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, located a short train ride from Zurich.
Explore the city, take in its beauty, and participate in various other activities with your partner, such as rides over the Gotthard, Fondue Trams, “love padlocks” on the Muhlesteg footbridge, and steam engine rides over the Furka Pass. If you both have a sweet tooth, spend Valentine’s Eve eating mouth-melting chocolate from the famous chocolate stores in Zurich such as Confiserie Sprüngli or Läderach.
2. Take a stroll in an old Swiss village
Switzerland has many breathtaking villages and towns. Swiss villages have a certain charm, whether they are on the banks of a stream or set between many immense mountains. My personal recommendation would be Zermatt. Zermatt, a Swiss village, is romantic and mystical, making it ideal for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day. Romance can be found everywhere, from hillside restaurants serving traditional dishes to large terraces like Zum or Findelhof. Restaurants provide live music and excellent food. Stroll through the historic streets of Zermatt, through the charming, cobblestone streets of Zermatt and enjoy the quaint, Alpine architecture. Finally, your romantic Valentine’s Day evening will be complete with a ride on Switzerland’s first electric railway, the Gornegrat.
3. An Evening at Lake Zug
On Valentine’s Day, the Magical Lake Zug in Switzerland is the ideal destination for adventurous couples. The lake’s stunning mountain ranges and crystal-clear waters provide a stunning backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities. There are numerous thrill-seeking activities available, including paragliding, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The lake is also a popular fishing spot, and you can spend a relaxing day fishing together while admiring the scenery of the surrounding mountains. The lake is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere for a romantic evening walk or a cozy dinner, and your sporty day can be combined with a romantic culinary excursion on Lake Zug for a complete experience. The point is that you can completely customize your plan to meet all of your needs and remember this Valentine’s Day for the rest of your life.
You could take a romantic boat ride and enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake Zug on a romantic boat ride, or even add a visit to a traditional Swiss cheese dairy to learn about the art of cheese making and sample some of the finest Swiss cheeses. Another fun-filled and love-filled idea would be to indulge in a chocolate-making workshop. If you or your partner are history buffs, you could also add a visit to the Rietberg Museum to explore the art and culture of Switzerland and other cultures to your list of Valentine’s Day activities, which is just a short train ride from Lake Zug.
4. A Romantic Trip to the Mountains
A romantic and scenic escape for couples, a trip to the Swiss mountains is the ideal Valentine’s Day idea. The Swiss Alps are known for their breathtaking scenery, which includes towering peaks, rolling hills, and pristine glaciers. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing are just a few of the outdoor activities available in the Swiss Alps. You can relax in cozy mountain lodges or ski resorts in the evenings or enjoy a romantic dinner in a scenic restaurant with mountain views with your partner. Many ski resorts even provide unique experiences, ranging from private sleigh rides to cable car dinners. For an even more relaxing Valentine’s Day, you can enjoy a spa day in the Swiss mountains, soaking in hot springs and rejuvenating your minds and bodies.
5. A Day of Luxury at St. Moritz
St. Moritz, a luxurious mountain resort in the Swiss Alps, is the ideal Valentine’s Day destination. St. Moritz is synonymous with luxurious romantic getaways because of its high-end shopping, dining, and spa experiences. The breathtaking mountain scenery, combined with the elegant architecture of the town, creates a magical atmosphere ideal for a perfect Valentine’s Day getaway. You can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, ski down the slopes together, or enjoy a spa day at one of the area’s many high-end spas. St. Moritz’s evening dining options range from candlelit dinners in five-star restaurants to comforting cafes serving traditional Swiss cuisine. The town is also well-known for its nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from, making it ideal for you if you want to dance the night away. Given its prestige, St. Moritz is often pricey. However, it is a Swiss destination that must be seen at least once, and what better excuse than Valentine’s Day?
6. A Staycation in Geneva
Geneva is located on the beautiful Lake Geneva, near the French border. It is so close that many people who are unfamiliar with Switzerland are perplexed: Is this city French or Swiss? Well, it’s definitely Swiss, but with a French twist.Going ice skating on the lake is the perfect way to start Valentine’s Day. Take a spin on the ice at the outdoor rink at Jet d’Eau, with views of the lake and mountains in the background before you start your little expedition for the day. The iconic Jet d’eau fountain, for example, is a must-see as a part of your romantic Valentine’s Day excursions. The elegant, imposing 13th century Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle) is a more appropriate daytime detour for you and your partner. It is easily accessible from Geneva by car, train, or boat, and it provides numerous fantastic lake views and photo opportunities. I would also recommend you visit the Reformation Wall if you want to explore the rich history of Geneva and its role in the Protestant Reformation at the Reformation Wall.
Geneva is the ideal place for couples to feel like royalty on Valentine’s Day, thanks to its stunning lakefront location, elegant architecture, and luxurious atmosphere. Geneva has something for everyone, whether you want to relax and be pampered or explore the city’s many attractions.
7. Wine and Dine at Montreux
Spend the day exploring the town, taking a scenic boat ride on the lake, or attending the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival. You can spend the evening at an auberge, a traditional Swiss inn, and have a wholesome and romantic night. Finally, you can cap off the perfect day with a wine tasting at Château Maison Blanche, a nearby winery. You can sample some of the best local wines here, while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. A day in Montreux is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and especially to strengthen the bond in a new relationship, with its mix of culture, scenic beauty, and indulgent experiences.
8. Take a Cooking Class Together
A fun cooking class is the ideal Valentine’s Day activity for you and your partner, especially if you are a new family looking to spend quality time together. You will not only learn new recipes and cooking techniques, but you will also have fun with your partner while creating something together. While learning how to cook a new dish, you can laugh, bond, and enjoy each other’s company. Cooking together can also promote communication, cooperation, and teamwork, making it an ideal activity for new families. What’s more, the best part? At the end of the class, you get to eat the delicious meal you made together! As “La Cuisine” says, “Love is when one cooks for the other” so why not spend Valentine’s Day in a fun and unique way by enrolling in a cooking class with your partner?
If you stay in Basel, you can also check out this list of top ten cooking classes in the city!
9. Be an Adrenaline Junkie
If you and your partner both enjoy adrenaline, speed, and lots of fresh air, you could combine skiing and paragliding to get an adrenaline rush of a lifetime on Valentine’s Day! This is possible in the snowy mountains surrounding Davos Klosters. Davos Klosters is known for its stunning mountain scenery, making it an ideal location for paragliding. There are several paragliding companies that offer tandem flights with experienced instructors, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views while soaring through the skies. Before you go paragliding, it’s important to check the weather conditions, as wind and visibility can affect the flight. It’s also recommended to wear comfortable, warm clothing, as the temperature can drop at higher altitudes.
Take off on your skis at Parsenn or Jakobshorn to experience the wicked combination of skiing and paragliding. Soon after, you’ll take off and glide for about 35 minutes over breathtaking mountain scenery. In a tandem flight, you will, of course, be accompanied by an experienced pilot. This is by far the most insane thing you can do in this area. And holding your loved one in your arms again I am sure, will never feel better.
10. A Candle-Lit Dinner at Home
A candlelit dinner at home is my personal favourite because it allows you to spend quality time on Valentine’s Day with your partner without distractions or interruptions, allowing you to focus on each other and enjoy each other’s company. You can cook a special meal together, order takeout from your favorite restaurant, or simply relax with wine and cheese at a candlelit dinner. The important thing is to create a romantic atmosphere with candles, music, and a table set for two. A home-cooked meal or a favorite restaurant dish can add a special touch to the evening, making it feel like a one-of-a-kind and intimate experience. The best part is that you can keep the costs under control by purchasing ingredients or ordering takeout that fits your budget. If you are in Basel, check out this list of the best places for ordering take-out, some of these are my personal go-to’s as well! This is definitely a good option for a Valentine’s Day Date, especially if you went all out with buying gifts for one another!
Are you enjoying our content? We would love to hear your opinions in the comments sections. Stay tuned for more resources, we are talking about – swiss travel, ex-pat living, mental health, nutrition, wellness and women empowerment. Stay well and stay with us!
To read posts from January, click here
Get in touch with me: About Us | Be a Part of My Swiss Story