When the fog in lower-lying parts of Switzerland just won’t lift and is getting you down, it’s worth heading to the higher ground and the sun. Get above the cloud and you’ll often be rewarded with a glorious day. Switzerland offers countless ways of escaping the gray. Here are 7 tips on how to escape the fog in style.
1. A peak experience
When central Switzerland has disappeared in the mist, you have to go high to catch some rays. Whether you take the gondola or make the climb yourself, a day out to a mountaintop like Pilatus, the Kronberg or the Niederhorn is always worth the effort. Once at the top you’ll look out over a sea of cloud as the sun warms your face. If you like, you can add in a short walk or enjoy a warm welcome from a cozy mountain restaurant.
2. Switch off at a spa
Luxuriating in warmth is all the more enjoyable when everything outside is shrouded in gray mist. A day at a spa is like a mini vacation as you float gently between sauna, steam room, and a heated outdoor pool with a mountain view. Popular destinations include the Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad and the mineral pools at Samedan. Enjoy a rest and stock up on vitamin D high above the valley fog. Some spas include water parks and adventure pools and are perfect for families. Alpamare, Aqua Basilea and Bernaqua, for example, offer fun for young and old alike.
3. Enjoy winter sports
Sun isn’t all you get in the mountains. Venture above around 1,500 meters and you’ll also find snow. They’re the perfect conditions to try out winter sports and spend the day on the slopes or cross-country track. In many ski areas such as Engelberg, Davos, and Lenzerheide the season starts early. Snowshoeing is another great option for all lovers of fresh air and exercise.
4. Soak up some culture at a museum or exhibition
Culture-seekers who are more interested in indoor activities will find a world of inspiration at Switzerland’s many outstanding museums. With the variety offered by institutes like the Kunsthaus Zürich museum of fine art and the Museum Rosengart collection in Lucerne, and the microcosm of museums that is the city of Basel, you’ll never be bored. They are the perfect places to absorb yourself in art and the arts and quickly forget the cloud and fog outside.
5. Foodie treats on a sunny terrace
What could be nicer than good food with a great view? Switzerland has countless mountain restaurants and panoramic terraces that invite you to stay a while, away from the fog far below. Enjoy a hearty dish of Älplermagronen at Belalp, a cappuccino on the Bürgenstock or a slice of apple tart on the Säntis. A side order of sunshine makes everything twice as tasty.
6. Shopping and strolling
Some cities still see the sun at this time of year. While central Switzerland is caught in a layer of mist, the climate around Lugano and Geneva is milder and they have more hours of sun on average than other parts of the country. Get moving with a gentle stroll around town, or try a mood-boosting market visit. No hiking boots required.
7. Take the train for a sunny change of scene
Sometimes all you need to do to escape the fog is hop on a train. The journey will take you through scenery that often gets more sun than Switzerland’s central plateau. What about the breathtaking panoramas from the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano? Or the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux? If you don’t want to spend all day on the train, just do part of the route. You’ll still experience how the light begins to filter through the gray until you’re suddenly in a land of blue skies. So book a window seat, sit back, and enjoy the weather!
