Bad Weather in Switzerland - What To Do, Photograph and Where to Go if it is Raining
- Maciek
- May 4
- 6 min read
Sometimes it is world against you. Or at least the weather is not cooperating with your travel and photography plans. It is pouring, it is wet, it is raining and you are stuck in Switzerland, among the Swiss Alps. And every time you look out through a hotel window you ask yourself: what to do here when it is raining? When it will stop?
Let's face it. Nothing is more upsetting than a sh*ty weather when you are on your holidays. Bad weather, bad luck. Though, there are always some alternatives. For sure you can spend the entire day in your hotel bad and watch Netflix. Though, you are paying probably serious amount of money for that cosy room, more than whole year subscription to even the best series. So, maybe it is possible to go out?! Now we are talking!
But first things first: the weather forecast for Switzerland
Where to check weather for Switzerland?
Forget your iPhone and Android forecasts. They work fantastic for New York, Berlin, London and sometimes for Zurich. In general, you are in the mountains, and for that you need something accurate - something the Swiss are using.
The best apps to check weather in Switzerland:
Swiss Meto App (link to Apple AppStore, Google Play) - Why it is good? Because it is precise and their simulation with animations are accurate in terms of precipitation and cloud coverage and movement.
Now we know how to set our expectations, let's see what to do when the weather is not the best and there are no hopes for interesting conditions. Here are my top suggestions for various regions.
What to do if it is raining in Zurich?
You are lucky—Zurich has plenty to offer as a panacea for bad weather:
Warm up in the Kunsthaus Zürich (huge new extension) or the Swiss National Museum next to Hauptbahnhof.
Taste and temper chocolate at the Lindt Home of Chocolate visitor center in Kilchberg or go to Läderach in Bilten (less fancy, but better chocolate + chocolate outlet)
Dive into world football lore at the FIFA Museum or puzzle your way around the new indoor Foxtrail scavenger hunt inside Zurich HB.
Soak in rooftop thermal pools at Thermalbad & Spa or book a half-day pass at the Dolder Grand Spa for the views
Shop (and stay dry) under the arcades of Bahnhofstrasse or the Viadukt market hall.
Try coffee from the best roasteries and cafes: Mame or Miro
What to photograph if it is raining in Zurich?
Bad weather in Zurich can push you out of the city center - but luckily, there are gorgeous waterfalls within 1h drive! But the city has also something to offer to photographers!
Mirror-like puddles on Münsterbrücke with Grossmünster behind you.
Water-sheened tram tracks on Bahnhofstrasse at blue hour or some street photography after dusk
Waterfalls in Glarus (there are two gorgeous): Berglistüber Waterfall and Schreyenbachfall that are next to each other. If you don't mind a short hike the Waterfall Arena Batöni is even better!
The Rheinfall (The Rhine Falls) near Schaffhausen - the largest waterfall in Switzerland.
What to do if it is raining in Lucerne?
Lucerne has many attractions not only for the bad weather.
Spend a half-day at the Swiss Museum of Transport (bonus: “Chocolate Adventure” ride-through). I've been here at least four times!
Step inside the Glacier Garden & Mirror Maze or the Rosengart Collection (Picasso & Klee).
Catch an IMAX documentary on Switzerland’s biggest screen inside the museum cinema.
Take a covered boat cruise on Lake Lucerne — bars and panoramic lounges stay cosy.
Day-trip 20 min to Hergiswil Glassworks for live glass-blowing under one roof.
Check for cameras - maybe on the top of Mount Pilatus (or the Rigi) it is sunny - no jokes, it happens often!
What to photograph if it is raining in Lucerne?
Kapellbrücke & Water-Tower reflected in the Reuss - this location works in any weather conditions!
The Stäubifall (Stäuben Falls) is one of the cutest and still spectacular waterfall close to Lucerne - it is 50min walk from a car park, but it is an easy walk and it is worth it.
Our guidebook for the best photography locations, hidden gems and instagram spots around Lucerne, Lake Lucerne and the Rigi!
What to do if it is raining in Interlaken and Jungfrau Region?
Craft your own bar at Funky Chocolate Club or blow an alphorn at Bernatone Alphornbau.
Explore St. Beatus Caves or the underground galleries of Trümmelbach Falls —waterfalls are actually bigger in wet weather.
Family time: Grindelwald Indoor Rope Park, fun pools, escape rooms, or Trauffer World of Experiences (Swiss wooden cows!).
Castle-hop around Lake Thun (Spiez, Oberhofen) by covered boat.
Book a spa afternoon at Victoria-Jungfrau’s massive pool & saunas.
What to photograph if it is raining in Interlaken and Jungfrau Region?
Ethereal mists drifting across Lake Brienz—look for turquoise water against dark clouds, especially Iseltwald looks amazing in poor weather conditions.
Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen Valley; rain supercharges the flow. I highly recommend walking into the Trümmelbach Falls or checking Giessbach Waterfalls.
You can explore canyons and gorges, there are three in the area: the Glacier Canyon Grindelwald, Aareschlucht, and Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui. Which one is the best for photos? I cannot decide.
All the best photography spots and instagram location around Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen!
What to do if it is raining in Lugano (Ticino)?
Head to LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura for art, concerts and MASI museum shows.
Spa time at Termali Salini (Lake Maggiore) or thrill slides at Splash & SPA Tamaro.
Outlet therapy at Foxtown Factory Stores in Mendrisio—easy 15 min train ride and good prices are guaranteed. Open on Sunday!
What to photograph if it is raining in Lugano (Ticino)?
Narrow lanes and lake-view staircases in Morcote; terracotta colours glow when wet.
Low cloud wrapping the twin peaks of Monte Brè and San Salvatore.
Valle Verzasca and water-polished rocks are spectacular during rainy days (though, slippery). In fact, I am coming here only when it is raining.
Foroglio Waterfall - in Val Bavona, with intense rains this waterfall looks spectacular!
What to do if it is raining in Zermatt?
Zermatt is a little bit tricky when it comes to bad weather. But, you are not totally doomed here!
Descend into the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis for alpine history.
Book a spa session (many hotels sell external day passes) or tackle the indoor climbing wall.
Chocolate tasting at Fuchs bakery, or watch Swiss watchmakers at work in town.
Short train ride to Brig’s thermal baths if you want hotter waters.
What to photograph if it is raining in Zermatt?
Photograph old barns in Zmutt and above Zermatt!
Explore the Gorner Gorge just above Zermatt
Check webcams, maybe view from Gornergrat is good and clouds are below!
Check our guidebook to instagram and photography locations in Zermatt and around the Matterhorn.
What to do if it is raining in St. Moritz and the Engadin?
Enjoy one of many SPAs and thermal pools - Scuol has one of the best, but you can find many more in the entire valley!
Dive into alpine art at the Segantini Museum, Berry Museum or Hauser & Wirth gallery.
Try your luck at Casino St. Moritz inside the Kempinski.
Hop on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express for a glass-roof train ride that’s spectacular even in bad weather. And... usually Poschiavo or Tirano have way better weather!
Sweeten things up with Engadin nut-tart tasting at local pâtisseries.
What to photograph if it is raining in St. Moritz and Engadin?
Fog curling over Lake St. Moritz—panoramic shots work best before the wind rises.
Low-cloud drama on the larch-lined Albula or Maloja passes if you’re driving.
Macro details: raindrops on gentian or alpine roses along the lakeside path.
Check all the best locations for photography in the Engadin and around St. Moritz, not only for bad weather!
My last advice: Dare to step out of your comfort zone into bad weather, even in Switzerland
Because this is when magic and spectacular moments happen (though, stay safe!)
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