Switzerland Easter Break: 18 Best Things to Do for Easter in Switzerland

When you think of Easter in Switzerland, the first things that come to your mind may be chocolate bunnies and colorful eggs. But Easter is much more than that – a celebration of heritage, community, and even the changing of the seasons from the colder to the warmer part of the year. 

Your favorite activity for this period may be participating in age-old customs, enjoying mouthwatering Swiss treats, or heading into the mountains for one last ski weekend. Whatever the case, Switzerland offers a variety of unique Easter experiences.

In this guide, you’ll find some inspiring activities. Let’s explore some of the best ways to spend Easter in Switzerland.

Swiss Easter Traditions

Switzerland is rich in Easter traditions, many of which date back centuries. From religious customs to playful games, these common Easter traditions bring families and communities together.

The art of decorating eggs

Unlike modern store-bought artificial dyes, traditional Swiss Easter eggs are often decorated using natural ingredients. People use onion skins, flowers, and herbs to create intricate patterns and earthy colors, making each egg a true work of art. The practice symbolizes new life and renewal, making it an integral part of Swiss Easter celebrations.

Eiertütschen

This beloved Easter game is both simple and competitive: two people knock their hard-boiled eggs together, and the person whose egg remains intact wins. The game is played in homes, at Easter Sunday gatherings, and even in some public competitions in cities like Bern.

Zwänzgerle

Popular in Zurich, this playful Easter tradition is a mix of skill and luck. Children hold a beautifully decorated Easter egg while adults toss a 20-cent coin, trying to crack the shell. If successful, the adult keeps the egg. If not, the child pockets the coin, which is a really fun way for kids to boost their Easter pocket money.

Chlefeli

Easter parades in Catholic Swiss regions are accompanied by the Chlefeli, a small wooden instrument that produces rhythmic clicking sounds. Children learn to play these during Lent, and their distinct sounds are now synonymous with Easter.

Osterbaumli

Much like a Christmas tree, the Osterbaumli is decorated with colorful eggs and ornaments to celebrate Easter and the arrival of spring. Families place small branches in vases and hang beautifully painted eggs, bringing an extra festive touch to their homes.

Easter egg hunts

Swiss Easter isn’t complete without an Easter egg hunt. Parents hide chocolate bunnies, colorful eggs, and small treats in gardens, parks, and forests to create an exciting scavenger hunt for children. Many cities and villages also organize public Easter egg hunts with prizes, making it a festive community event.

Blue-egg swim in Greifensee

If you’re feeling adventurous, join the Blue-Egg Swim on Easter Monday. Held in Lake Greifensee (Zurich), participants swim 20 meters in icy waters to reach a diving platform, grab an Easter egg, and return to shore, where they are rewarded with warm egg soup, tea, or a splash of Swiss brandy.

Fountain decorating & treasure hunt in Nyon

In Nyon (Vaud), Easter is marked by beautifully decorated fountains. Locals and businesses adorn fountains with flowers and Easter ornaments, and a town-wide treasure hunt encourages participants to solve clues to uncover a hidden Easter phrase, winning small prizes from local shops.

Easter markets & festivals

Cities like Basel, Bern, and Zurich come alive with Easter markets showcasing handcrafted Easter decorations, Swiss chocolates, artisanal baked goods, and traditional Easter crafts. A visit to these markets is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Easter spirit.

The Weeping Women of Romont

Finally, this is a deeply moving tradition in the town of Romont (Fribourg), where the Weeping Women Procession takes place on Good Friday. Women dressed in black walk in silence through the streets, carrying symbols of Christ’s Passion, followed by a hooded man bearing a wooden cross. This centuries-old reenactment of Christ’s journey to Golgotha remains a powerful and emotional event.

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Easter Foods

No Easter celebration in Switzerland is complete without indulging in delicious seasonal treats.

Swiss chocolate bunnies & eggs

Switzerland, home to the world’s finest chocolate, takes Easter chocolate seriously. Handcrafted chocolate bunnies, pralines, and marzipan eggs fill store windows, and these are a must-try (and must-buy) Easter treat both for Swiss residents and foreigners.

Osterkuchen

This delicious Easter dessert is made from semolina or rice, with a touch of apricot jam. Found in bakeries across Switzerland, Osterkuchen is a traditional favorite for Easter brunch.

Zopfhasen

Soft, slightly sweet, and braided into the shape of a bunny, Zopfhasen is a delightful Easter treat. Best enjoyed with butter and jam, it’s a staple on Swiss Easter tables.

La Colomba

A specialty in Ticino, La Colomba (meaning “dove” in Italian) is a light and airy bread similar to Panettone but baked in the shape of a dove. Topped with candied orange peel and a sugar-almond crust, it’s a must-try for Easter food lovers.

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Easter Skiing Switzerland

While Easter marks the beginning of spring, Switzerland’s ski season isn’t over yet. With excellent spring skiing conditions, sunny slopes, and fewer crowds, it’s a really good time to hit the mountains.

Top Easter ski destinations in Switzerland

• Verbier is great for those who prefer great ski routes and amazing après-ski options.
• Zermatt allows you to ski at the Matterhorn until late April.
• In St. Moritz, you can hit sun-kissed slopes and enjoy luxury après-ski.
• Jungfrau Region (Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren) is great for families.
• Davos-Klosters offers extended skiing with a lively Easter atmosphere.

Verbier is one of Switzerland’s most sought-after ski destinations, offering world-class slopes and high-end real estate opportunities. Secure your own Alpine retreat today.

Easter Getaway in Switzerland

If you’re looking for a relaxing yet adventurous way to spend Easter, Switzerland offers an incredible variety of destinations.

Ticino

For those craving warmer weather, Ticino offers a Mediterranean-style Easter with flowering landscapes, charming piazzas, and scenic boat rides on Lake Maggiore.

Easter boat cruises

Enjoy breathtaking lake cruises on Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, or Lake Zurich. Many cruises offer special Easter brunch packages with gourmet Swiss dishes.

Hikes to waterfalls and gorges

Nature lovers can explore Lauterbrunnen Valley, Walensee waterfalls, and Aare Gorge for stunning spring hikes. Some trails still have snow, adding to the magical Swiss Easter scenery.

The Easter Switzerland Offers Is One You’ve Never Experienced Before

From ancient traditions and mouthwatering Easter foods to thrilling outdoor adventures and spring ski getaways, Easter in Switzerland is a magical time filled with joy, beauty, and celebration. Egg-smashing in Bern, the icy Greifensee swim, or a scenic Easter hike, there’s something for everyone to create unforgettable Easter memories.

Your Easter weekend Switzerland experience will make you embrace Swiss traditions and see the Easter holiday like never before.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a holiday home in Switzerland, Verbier offers the perfect mix of luxury and Alpine charm. Discover exclusive real estate opportunities and make Verbier your Easter retreat.