Tulip Festival in Morges: Switzerland’s Premier Spring Event
Mar 28 - May 11
Every spring, Morges hosts Switzerland's largest flower festival at the beautiful Parc de l'Indépendance on the shores of Lake Geneva, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of colors.
What a colorful bliss! This festival is free to the public, which is why it is eagerly awaited by thousands of visitors from Switzerland and around the world. The 2025 edition promises to be exceptional, featuring over 140,000 flowers including nearly 350 varieties of tulips under the theme of "water."
A Rich History of Floral Celebration
Founded in 1971, the Morges Tulip Festival (Fête de la Tulipe) has grown to become Switzerland's largest flower festival, attracting nearly 300,000 visitors annually. The 2025 edition marks the 55th anniversary of this beloved spring tradition.
Each autumn, apprentice horticulturists from the Centre d'enseignement professionnel de Morges (CEPM) and the city's gardeners meticulously plant thousands of bulbs across the 30,000 square meter park.
Their efforts culminate in the spectacular spring display that has earned Morges international recognition, including the "2019 World Tulip Destination Worth Travelling For" award.
Activities at the Tulip Festival in Morges
Since some tulip varieties bloom early while others flower later, the festival spans several weeks, ensuring visitors can enjoy the colorful displays regardless of when they visit. The 2025 program includes numerous events throughout the festival period:
- Guided tours every Wednesday and Saturday revealing the secrets behind the floral displays
- World music performances throughout the park
- Pottery Market (April 5-6) featuring 80 ceramists showcasing their work amid the tulips (More information)
- Special performance by yodeler Mélanie Oesch (April 23) at the Music Kiosk
- Artisan Market (May 4) offering local crafts and creations
- Children's activities with appearances by the mascot Mumu on April 1 and 13
When you visit, look out for various flower displays throughout Morges. Be it in fountains or pots in the old town, at Parc Seigneux, or along the lake promenade, you will find flowers adorning the entire city. As every year, the main tulip displays will be in the Parc de l'Indépendance.
Parc de l'Indépendance is the Perfect Setting
The Parc de l'Indépendance provides a magnificent backdrop for this floral extravaganza. Located between the Château de Morges and the river La Morges, the park offers breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and even Mont Blanc on clear days.
Apart from the tulips, the park itself is worth exploring, home to more than 50 different species of trees, including ancient horse chestnuts planted in 1750. The name "Parc de l'Indépendance" commemorates the centenary celebrations held here in 1898 marking the end of Bernese rule in Vaud.
Activities Beyond the Flowers
While the tulips are undoubtedly the stars of the show, Morges offers plenty of additional attractions for visitors:
- Explore Morges Castle, just steps away from the tulip displays
- Stroll through the charming old town with its boutiques and cafés
- Enjoy the lakeside promenade with stunning Alpine views
- Take a boat tour on Lake Geneva for a different perspective of the region
- Sample local cuisine at restaurants featuring regional specialties
Pro tip: For food and refreshments during your visit, you'll find catering options highlighting regional products at the festival. Alternatively, the old town of Morges offers numerous dining options just a short walk away.
How to Get to the Morges Tulip Festival
Morges is easily accessible by various transportation methods:
By Train:
- From Lausanne: 10 minutes (frequent service)
- From Geneva: 30 minutes (approximately 3 trains per hour)
- From Bern: Direct connection with transfer
- Check the train timetable
By Car:
- From Geneva direction: Take Autoroute A1, exit 15
- From Lausanne direction: Take Autoroute A1, exit 16
- Parking is available at the sports center across the Morges River
- See a listing of parking spaces
By Boat:
- CGN Lake Geneva pleasure cruise boats call at Morges on weekends during spring
- Check the boat timetable
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Advice about the Tulip Festival in Morges
Follow the blooming progress on the official website, and double-check whether specific areas of the park are open before heading there. While admission to the festival is free, consider making a donation to support this beautiful annual tradition.
For the best experience, visit the Tulip Festival in Morges on a weekday if possible, as weekends can be quite busy, especially during peak blooming periods. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for photography and typically fewer crowds.
Fête de la Tulipe
Parc de l'Indépendance
1110 Morges
Email
+41 (0)21 801 32 33
