Spring Travel in the Alps: Ideal Routes and Destinations for March and April
1. Why Travel to the Alps in March or April?
March and April are part of the “shoulder season”, meaning fewer crowds and better prices — but that’s just the beginning:
✅ Best of both worlds – You can ski in the morning and hike in the afternoon.
✅ Milder temperatures – Especially at lower altitudes, allowing for comfortable travel.
✅ Authentic experiences – With fewer tourists, local culture shines through.
✅ Seasonal contrast – From frozen lakes to blooming meadows, it’s a photographer’s dream.
2. Suggested Itinerary Ideas for Spring
Here are some inspiring routes and combinations that work especially well in March and April:
🏔️ Option 1: Glacier & Flower Combo – Zermatt + Les Pléiades (Switzerland)
Zermatt still offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing, with the Matterhorn as your dramatic backdrop.
Take a detour to Les Pléiades, near Montreux, to see fields of blooming narcissus with panoramic lake and mountain views.
📸 Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, and romantic spring getaways.
🛷 Option 2: Last Snow Adventures – Sölden + Innsbruck (Austria)
Sölden, with its high-altitude glaciers, offers skiing into late April.
Combine it with a visit to Innsbruck, where spring festivals begin, and you can stroll along the Inn River under blooming trees.
🎿 Tip: Try a morning on the slopes and an afternoon spa with mountain views.
🚶 Option 3: Valley Hikes & Local Culture – Lauterbrunnen + Bernese Villages (Switzerland)
In Lauterbrunnen, waterfalls are at full flow due to snowmelt, and valley hikes become accessible again.
Stay in nearby Wengen or Mürren, where traditional chalets and cozy inns offer spring menus with fresh herbs and cheese.
🌿 Best for: Gentle walks, food lovers, and a peaceful mountain vibe.
🚂 Option 4: Panoramic Train Journeys – Montreux to Lucerne
Board the GoldenPass panoramic train from Montreux through green valleys and snow-dusted peaks to Lucerne.
Along the way, stop at small villages like Gstaad or Zweisimmen for a mix of culture and scenery.
🚆 Ideal for: Slow travelers, families, and anyone who loves scenic routes.
🧀 Option 5: Cheese & Bloom Trail – Gruyères + Lake Geneva Region (Switzerland)
Visit Gruyères for spring landscapes, cheese tasting, and a medieval town atmosphere.
Pair it with the Lavaux vineyards along Lake Geneva, where the vines are just beginning to sprout.
🍷 Bonus: Many wine cellars reopen in spring with special tasting events.
3. Spring Travel Tips in the Alps
🧳 Pack for all seasons – You’ll likely experience sunshine, wind, and even snow — all in one day.
👟 Check trail conditions – Some hikes may still be muddy or snow-covered. Local tourist offices offer updates.
🏔️ Balance altitude – Spend time in both high and low altitudes to get the full range of spring landscapes.
🗓️ Plan around festivals – From Easter celebrations to spring flower festivals, local events add cultural flavor to your trip.
📷 Don’t forget your camera – This is one of the most photogenic seasons in the Alps!
4. Where to Stay
🏡 Spring is perfect for cozy chalets, alpine lodges, and boutique hotels that may offer better rates than in high season. Look for:
Guesthouses with mountain views
Spa hotels with outdoor hot tubs
Farm stays in blooming valleys
Conclusion: A Season of Discovery and Quiet Beauty
Traveling through the Alps in March and April offers a rare mix of adventure and calm, tradition and transformation. It’s a time when the mountains reveal both their icy and blooming faces — inviting you to slow down, explore, and be inspired.
Whether you’re chasing snow, wildflowers, or simply the magic of the changing season, spring in the Alps will greet you with beauty, hospitality, and fresh mountain air.
🗺️ Are you planning a spring trip to the Alps? Which destinations are on your wishlist? Let us know in the comments!
