Bad weather in Switzerland? No worries!
- Marta
- Jul 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 24
The unpredictable and changeable weather these days can be a bit disappointing, especially when you've traveled far to Switzerland and have spent time and effort planning your itinerary. Although this country is renowned for its hikes and outdoor activities, it still offers many fantastic indoor options to keep you entertained during rainy days.
Since most of you are traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass, now is the perfect opportunity to make the most of it. Here are my tips and recommendations on what to do:
✅ 1. Track the weather smartly
Currently, weather forecasts can only be reliably predicted 1-2 days in advance. To plan effectively, check:
🔗 SwissMeteo for the most accurate weather predictions in Switzerland and Windy radar to track rain and storms up to an hour in advance – especially handy for hikers who want to anticipate rain or storms.
💡 Pro tip: If possible, be flexible and head south to canton Ticino, which generally enjoys milder and sunnier weather compared to the rest of Switzerland.
✅ 2. Check mountain webcams
Before heading to the mountains or specific destinations, check webcams at Bergfex. This will give you a real-time view of the current weather and visibility conditions. Often, lower altitudes experience worse weather, while higher elevations may offer clear skies—so double-checking is essential.
✅ 3. Explore museums and culture with your STP
If the weather looks truly dreadful, don’t worry! Your Swiss Travel Pass grants free or discounted access to many (around 500!) museums and cultural sites across Switzerland. Whether you're interested in Swiss chocolate, watchmaking, art, or history, there's plenty to discover indoors. Check my reccomendations below.
💡 If you don’t have an STP, check out City Cards (valid 24–48h and often include transport) or a Swiss Museum Pass (CHF 117/yearly, covering 500 museums).
🎨Art & Culture Museums:
Museum of Art in Basel - The largest art museum in Switzerland, featuring an extensive collection from classical to contemporary art. Located at Little Basel, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Rosengart Collection in Lucerne - Home to Picasso paintings and works by other modern masters. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Kunsthalle Zurich - A contemporary art gallery showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions. Open Wednesday to Monday from 11 am to 6 pm.
St. Gallen's Abbey District (Stiftsbezirk) - This UNESCO World Heritage site features a stunning baroque cathedral and monastery complex. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana (MASI) in Lugano - Located in the historic Palazzo Hungar, it offers Swiss art with a focus on the Italian-speaking region. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
📜History Museums:
Château de Chillon in Montreux - One of Switzerland’s most famous castles, situated on Lake Geneva, with guided tours available. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Landesmuseum Zurich (Swiss National Museum) - Offers a comprehensive overview of Swiss cultural history. Located in Zurich city center, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Historisches Museum Bern - Showcases Bern’s history with exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to modern day. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Schloss Heidegg in Hitzkirch - A historic castle with art exhibitions and beautiful gardens. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Sasso San Gottardo - A fortress complex and museum exploring Swiss military history, located in Airolo. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
🌳Nature & 🔬 Science Museums:
Novartis Pavillon in Basel - An interactive science center focusing on medical research and innovation. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Natural History Museum Bern - Houses extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and animal specimens. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
🍽️Food-related Museums:
Chocolarium in Flawil - An interactive chocolate experience where you can learn about Swiss chocolate production. No need to book in advance. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Maison Cailler in Broc - The famous chocolate factory offers guided tours and tastings. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm; no reservation needed.
Allimentarium in Vevey - A food science museum exploring Swiss culinary traditions. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
La Maison du Gruyères - A cheese dairy where you can see traditional cheese-making. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Valais Vine and Wine Museum in Sion - In this museum you can explore temporary exhibitions. Current one, which is opened till 30th of November compares winemaking in Valais to other famous wine regions in the world. Open from Wednesday to Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, from Saturday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Wine Museum in Salgesch - This place will take you through history of winemaking in the most important wine region in Switzerland. Open from Wednesday to Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, from Saturday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
🕵️♀️Unique Museums:
Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva - Displays a world-renowned collection of timepieces and watchmaking history. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Museum of Music Automatons in Seewen - Features mechanical musical instruments and automaton displays. Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Glass Factory/Museum in Hergiswil - Shows how the glass is made using traditional methods. You can visit this place and see the Glass Master at work (free entrance) and/or visit museum which will take you through history of glassmaking (7CHF). Opened Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm.
Paper Mill Museum in Basel - Demonstrates traditional paper-making techniques. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Alpine Museum in Bern- Focuses on Alpine culture, mountaineering, and local traditions. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
FIFA Museum in Zurich - A must-visit for football fans, showcasing the history of world football. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
✅4. Relax in Swiss thermal baths
Feeling stressed due to weather changes? Switzerland’s thermal baths offer a perfect retreat to unwind. Enjoy thermal pools, jacuzzis, saunas, and even book massages or attend sauna rituals to relax your mind and body.
Brigerbad in Brig - Famous for its thermal baths and natural hot springs, open from 10 am to 8 pm; tickets CHF 20.
Termali Salini & Spa Locarno - A thermal spa with indoor pools, saunas, and wellness options. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm; entry around CHF 30.
Bad Ragaz Thermal Baths - Known for therapeutic mineral waters, open daily from 8 am to 9 pm; prices from CHF 30.
Forty Seven Thermal Baths Baden - Offers various pools, saunas, and relaxation areas. Open from 10 am to 10 pm; CHF 30 entry.
✅5. Semi-outside activities
Are you tired of rain but still want to spend some time outside? In these places, you will have a chance to explore Swiss nature without getting soaked.
Tamina Gorge in Valens - before visiting the Tamina Therme thermal baths, you can visit a gorgeous gorge (pun intended ;)), where you will experience the power of the water. Open daily, 10 am to 4 pm, CHF 5 entry.
Salt Mines in Bex - still operating Swiss Salt Mines, where you will learn about history of salt mining and the wealth it brought to the region. Open from Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4.30 pm, CHF 26 entry.
St. Beautus Caves in Beatenberg - where the legend meets nature. A place where brave st. Beat monk lived his humble life. Open daily, Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, CHF 20 entry.
Höllgrotten in Baar - a 6000 years old cave with a modern twist. There, you can see beautifully lighened stalagmites and stalagtides. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, CHF 14 entry. Important note: you have to walk a bit to and from the cave, so wear waterproof jacket and good shoes.
💡 Bottom Line
Rain or shine, Switzerland still offers rich experiences—from world-class museums and food-themed attractions to tranquil spa escapes. Stay flexible, consult local resources, and your trip will remain unforgettable regardless of the weather.
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