Easter Weekend Travel in Switzerland 2025: Key Dates, Disruptions, and Tips to Plan Ahead

As Easter weekend approaches in 2025, many people in Switzerland are preparing for a long weekend getaway. If you are planning to travel within the country or visit Switzerland during this time, there are several things you should know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Easter weekend, which takes place from Good Friday to Easter Monday, is a popular time for travel in Switzerland, with many locals and tourists alike taking advantage of the long weekend to explore the country. However, this also means that popular destinations and transportation routes are likely to be busier than usual.

One of the most important things to consider when planning your trip is the train schedule. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) will operate on a reduced schedule on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with some trains running less frequently than usual. It is essential to check the SBB website or mobile app in advance to plan your journey and book your tickets.

In addition to train travel, road traffic is also expected to be heavier than usual, particularly on popular routes such as the A1 motorway and A2 motorway. Drivers should be prepared for potential delays and congestion, especially during peak travel times. It is a good idea to check for traffic updates before embarking on your journey and to consider alternative routes if possible.

For those planning to travel by air, it is worth noting that some flight schedules may be affected by the Easter weekend. It is recommended to check with your airline for any changes to your flight schedule and to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Another important consideration for travelers is accommodation. Many hotels and holiday rentals in popular destinations such as Interlaken, Zermatt, and St. Moritz may be fully booked, so it is crucial to book your accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment. Additionally, some tourist attractions and restaurants may have reduced hours or be closed during the Easter weekend, so it is a good idea to check ahead of time to plan your activities.

Lastly, don't forget to check the weather forecast before your trip, as the weather in Switzerland can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Make sure to pack accordingly and be prepared for any eventuality.

Weather and Natural Hazard Bullettin

The main phase of intense continuous rain and heavy snowfall caused by storm "Hans" is ending around midday Thursday.

Very high (Level 5) warnings for rain and high (Level 4) warnings for snow remain in effect for parts of Upper Valais (Binntal, Simplon region, Saastal) until Thursday evening (18:00). High (Level 4) rain warnings are also active for adjacent Valais areas (Aletsch, Mattertal, Obergoms).

Considerable (Level 3) warnings for rain and snow are active for other parts of Valais, the Bernese Oberland, and the Urner Oberland until Thursday evening.

Moderate (Level 2) flood warnings remain active for Ticino, specifically for the Maggia River and Lake Maggiore, until Friday morning (11:00 AM).

Cause: Low-pressure system "Hans" directed very moist air against the Alps, causing heavy precipitation, particularly in Upper Valais. A cold front lowered the snow line significantly overnight, reaching valley floors in the Rhone Valley and Bernese Oberland.

Observed Precipitation (since Tue PM): Up to 200 mm fell in the hardest-hit areas (Simplon, Vallemaggia in Ticino). Widespread totals over 100 mm occurred in Upper Valais and the Bernese Oberland. Significant snowfall occurred even at low altitudes (e.g., 30 cm in Visp), with around 100-150 cm of new snow above 2000-2500 meters in the high Alps.

Forecast: Precipitation will become less persistent through Thursday evening, though isolated thunderstorms are still possible. Only small additional accumulations (mostly snow) are expected this afternoon (10-20 mm S. Simplon/Saastal, ~5 mm elsewhere).

Ticino: The Maggia River reached moderate flood stage (Level 2) Thursday morning and is expected to recede slowly from the afternoon; the warning remains active. Lake Maggiore also reached Level 2 overnight and will continue to rise slowly until Friday morning due to high inflows, but is not expected to reach Level 3 (Considerable); the warning remains active. Warnings for smaller rivers in Ticino also continue.

Valais/Bernese Oberland: Flood warnings for the Rhone River and smaller/medium rivers in Valais and the Bernese Oberland have been lifted, as river levels are receding due to the low snow line trapping precipitation as snow.