May in Switzerland

For many physiotherapists who live here, May is one of the happiest months of the year. The mountains are turning green, the days are getting longer and you can tell from everything that the outdoor season is starting. The first longer hikes are back on the schedule, the first mountain huts open and in the evening after work, it's easy to stand outside in a T-shirt.

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We think it's a bit of a magical month ourselves. White peaks on one side, green valleys on the other. You only see that combination for a few months a year.

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Here are three things that make May in Switzerland extra fun: five mountain huts that are already open, events you can go to and some great day trips by train.

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5 mountain huts that are already open in May

Many people think that mountain huts will only open from July. Isn't right. There are a surprising number of them that are already accessible in May, especially mid-height cabins that are easily accessible with a gentle walk. So perfect for your first cabin day of the year.

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Brunni Hütte, Engelberg A very nice first mountain cabin of the season. The route is doable, even if you still have to build up after the winter. You immediately have that real Swiss feeling: cows, frying pans, views.

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Berggasthaus Aescher, Appenzell One of Switzerland's most famous spots, wedged against a steep cliff face. Not a classic SAC cabin, but a spot that you must have seen once. Combine it with a short walk and a Rösti on the terrace.

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Berggasthaus Ebenalp, Appenzell Good to combine with Aescher. The Appenzell region is definitely one of the nicest areas to be in the spring. Quieter than Bernese Oberland, but just as beautiful.

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Fronalpstock, Stoos View of Lake Lucerne that you've probably already seen on Instagram. You can from here different routes run, so it works for both half a day and a longer trip.

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Grosse Scheidegg, Grindelwald Classic Bernese Oberland region with views of the Eiger. In May, you can often visit here already walking well, while the mountain tops are still white.

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Tip: always check the webcam and local info beforehand. In May, there may still be residual snow in some places, especially at altitude. A little bit of preparation prevents the wrong surprise.

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Need some more inspiration? In our blog about what to do when family or friends come to visit you there are more tips. Most of them just work for yourself too.

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Fun events and festivals in May

May is also the month in which Switzerland really wakes up again. Terraces are full, festivals are starting in many cities and local Frühlingsmärkte are appearing everywhere.

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Zürich Street Food Park, May 5 to 10, 2026 A cozy opening festival in Zurich's Hauptbahnhof with over 40 stalls, drinks and live music. Ideal for popping in with colleagues after work.

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Streetfood Festival Basel, May 8 to 10, 2026 Part of the big one Swiss Street Food Festival tour that goes through seventeen cities. Free admission, local and international dishes, and a relaxed atmosphere.

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SlowUp Schaffhausen-Hegau, May 10, 2026 Pendant SlowUp roads are closed to cars and you can cycle, skate or walk freely over a route of about 38 kilometers. Very accessible, and one of the most fun ways to discover a region without a car. By the way, the following week (May 17), there will also be a SlowUp in Solothurn-Buechibärg.

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Streetfood Festival Baden, May 14-17, 2026 Four days of eating, drinking and music at Brown-Boveri-Platz. Great excuse for a train ride to Baden.

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Tasting Night Street Food Festival Zurich, May 27, 2026 The kickoff from the big Street Food Festival Zurich on the Hardturmbrache. On May 27, more than 40 chefs will prepare small trial portions, and then the festival will run until the end of June.

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In addition, in May, there are small Frühlingsmärkte and village festivals everywhere. Often a bit simpler than the big festivals, but that's why it's very fun. And a great way to get to know your neighborhood better.

Beautiful day trips by train

May is perhaps the best month for a day trip by train. Nowhere else is that contrast between white peaks and green valleys more beautiful than when you drive between them. Plan your trip via Sbb.ch and you'll be on the right connection in just a few clicks.

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Lucerne to Interlaken One of the most beautiful train routes in Switzerland. You drive past lakes, through gorges and mountains. Even the ride alone feels like a mini adventure, and Interlaken itself is a perfect base for Lauterbrunnen or a boat trip across Lake Thun.

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Zurich to Walensee Short drive (about an hour), but it immediately feels like you're on vacation. Perfect for a walk by the water, a lunch on a patio, or a swim for the brave.

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Bern to Lauterbrunnen Relatively short, but as soon as you get out, you're in a completely different world. 72 waterfalls in one valley, so yes, it's as impressive as it sounds.

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Zurich to Appenzell Heading east, perfect to combine with a walk to Ebenalp or Aescher. The train itself winds through hills and meadows, and the village of Appenzell itself is like walking into a children's book.

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These types of day trips are ideal if you only have one day off but still want to feel like you've really experienced something. A big advantage of Switzerland: public transport is so good that you can be almost anywhere within a few hours.

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By the way, don't you have SwissPass or Halbtax yet? That will soon pay off in May.

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Why we think May is such a good month

For us, Mei is secretly one of the reasons why we ever made the move to Switzerland. It feels like a reward after the winter: long evenings, eating outside for the first time, going back to the mountains for the first time.

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Are you playing with the idea of coming to work here? Read how it works or check out our physiotherapist jobs in Switzerland. And if you just want to sparring, plan an informal conversation. No obligations, just an honest conversation about what suits you.

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And if you're already here: have fun in May. It's a good month.

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