Chantal PanozzoEvery spring and summer, Switzerland's alpine meadows and flatlands burst into vibrant colors. There are some unmissable Swiss flower tours for the nature enthusiasts among you.
Eight years. That is how long I searched for Edelweiss flowers in Switzerland.
And I found quite a bit of it. I found it embroidered on shirts. I found it decorating bread bags. And I found it for sale in the plant department at the local Migros grocery store. But never once did I see Edelweiss where I wanted to see it: in the wild.
Later, I discovered there was a reason for this. Edelweiss has been picked so often over the last 200 years that it has reached the point of extinction. There are still some sightings in the Swiss National Park, but if you never find a single flower in its natural habitat, that is completely normal. Whew.
How to Experience the Best Swiss Flower Tours in 2025
Tulip Festival in Morges
March 28 - May 11, 2025
The Tulip Festival in Morges is a must-see event showcasing over 140,000 flowers and nearly 350 varieties of tulips. In 2025, the festival's theme is "water," promising a unique visual and sensory experience. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this colorful spectacle is the perfect way to welcome spring.
Cherry and Magnolia Blossom in Aubonne
March - April
The Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne offers a spectacular display of cherry and magnolia blossoms from mid-March to the end of April, rivaling Japan's famous sakura.
This open-air museum-like setting groups trees of the same variety together, creating beautiful "families" that are not only visually stunning but also convenient for bees.
The magnolia trees create a particularly impressive floral firework display with their spectacular, almost unreal blooms. This unique green park immerses visitors in an extraordinary natural beauty, offering a Swiss alternative to Japan's renowned cherry blossom experience.
Unique Crocus Flower Displays
Late March - Mid April
As soon as the snow has melted, a truly unique floral experience appears on the Rämisgummen meadow in the Emmental. From late March to mid-April, thousands of purple and white crocuses create a stunning carpet of flowers at this meadow at 1200 meters above sea.
It's a unique Swiss flower spectacle that can't be found anywhere else. But this beauty is fleeting, so check the Eggiwil municipal website for up-to-date blooming information. Here's a perfect round-trip hike to best see the crocus fields.
Camellia Gardens of Locarno
Ticino, Switzerland's Italian-speaking region, transforms into a floral paradise in spring. The mild climate supports a diverse range of plant species, including rare and protected varieties
For the largest display of camellias outside their home country of Japan, visit Locarno in March and April. At the Parco delle Camelie, you can marvel at almost all of its 850 varieties of camellia plants in bloom. This is also an ideal place to soak up the atmosphere (and the sunlight) since the park hugs Lake Maggiore.
Locarno likes to brag that it is the sunniest place in Switzerland, averaging over 2'100 hours a year - nearly six hours a day.
Locarno's Visconteo Castle hosts a camellia exhibition in the early spring featuring over 300 varieties expertly arranged by professionals. The annual Camelie Festival is a must-see for any flower lovers in Switzerland.
Alternative spots for flower tours in Ticino include:
- Parco Botanico del Gambarogno: 950 varieties of camellias, 450 types of magnolias
- Parco San Grato: Largest collection of azaleas, rhododendrons, and conifers
Narcissus Fields near Montreux
May - June
Despite local claims that the narcissus is becoming as rare as the Edelweiss, narcissi can still be found in the wild - if you know where to look. French-speaking tours of narcissus fields are available in Montreux, but it is easy enough to create your own tour.
From April to May, wild narcissi cover the meadows above Montreux and Vevey, creating a natural phenomenon known as "May snow".
We recommend guided walks along marked trails from various starting points such as Les Avants, Les Pléiades, Glion, Caux, and Mont-Pèlerin railway stations.
A good bet is to take a 20 minute train ride from Montreux to Caux. From there, continue hiking uphill until you come upon a glorious field of white. The best time to spot narcissus blooms is usually from the end of May through the first week of June.
Rapeseed Fields of Switzerland
Every April and May, blankets of gold cover the Swiss countryside. Rapeseed fields are to Switzerland what lavender is to Provence - except without the crowds or the clichés.
In fact, rapeseed is the most significant home-produced oilseed. Over 8'000 farmers grow it, and you will find the yellow fields spread across 15'000 hectares throughout the country.
Take a drive, bike, or walk through some of Switzerland’s flatter, low-lying regions. You will be sure to discover a rapeseed field.
Wettingen, not far from Zürich, is a lovely area to explore. Take Bus 3 from the Baden or Wettingen train station to Brunnenwiese and walk about five minutes east until you enter the fields and hiking trails.
In the French-speaking part of Switzerland, the fields around La Sarraz are also usually blanketed by rapeseed plants. The medieval castle in La Sarraz offers wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
Iris Fields near Morges
For a final flower adventure, head to Les Jardins du Château de Vullierens in May or June. The castle is in the middle of nowhere, but that doesn’t stop the Swiss transportation system, which can deliver you straight to the iris festival.
From Morges, you can take a 16-minute PostBus ride to Vullierens Village. (Tell the driver where you are going when you get on so you can get off at the right place.) Once you arrive at the castle and pay your entry fee, you will be free to wander the iris fields, enjoy pastries from the castle café, or buy some iris bulbs for your own garden.
Be sure to check the bus departure times while you can. Count on it to show up on time; the bus has more in common with a lazy French schedule than a demanding Swiss one - especially on the weekends.
Swiss Flower & Panorama Trail
June - October (July/August for peak blooms)
The Schynige Platte offers one of the most diverse alpine flora experiences in the Alps. The newly created trail starts at the railway station and winds through alpine meadows and pastures, showcasing a variety of flowers against the backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau
Alpine Flowers of the Upper Engadine
July
The Upper Engadine Valley transforms into a vibrant tapestry of alpine flora during the summer months, particularly in July. This high-altitude region offers a unique opportunity to witness the resilience and beauty of mountain plants in their natural habitat.
Head to Pontresina, your perfect base for exploring the Engadine flora. From here, you can easily access stunning meadows and forests above the tree line. Take these cable cars for easy access to high-altitude flower havens:
- Piz Nair Cable Car: For the most adventurous, with rocky terrain and resilient flora
- Diavolezza Cable Car: For panoramic views and hardy alpine species
- Muottas Muragl Funicular: Offers a gentler ascent with lush meadows
Once at the top, keep your eyes peeled for:
- Vibrant blue gentians
- Delicate primulas in various hues
- And if you are lucky, the iconic edelweiss!
Tips for Your Swiss Flower Tour
Swiss flower tours offer a unique way to experience the sheer natural beauty of Switzerland. After winter, there is nothing better than seeing spring awaken. From the vibrant tulip fields of Morges to the delicate cherry blossoms in Aubonne, there's something for every nature lover.
Here are some tips to plan your own Swiss flower tour:
- Check blossom calendars: Flowering times can vary based on weather conditions.
- Use public transportation: Many flower sites are accessible via Switzerland's public transport system.
- Respect nature: Stay on marked paths and don't pick wild flowers. Tread lightly and leave only footprints.
- Bring appropriate gear: Weather can change quickly, so pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.
- Join a guided tour: For in-depth botanical knowledge, consider joining expert-led tours, for instance by park rangers or nature guides.
Danielle Parla
