After a few conversations and a first drink, the idea of a romantic weekend soon follows. Here are six ideas in Switzerland for taking the time to get to know each other, from Lake Geneva to the Alps, without travelling too far.
1. Montreux and the Lavaux vineyards
A walk through the Lavaux terraces, between Lausanne and Montreux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. You can go up on foot or by train, stop in a wine cellar for a tasting, then finish with dinner overlooking the lake. Ideal in spring and autumn, when the light on Lake Geneva is at its softest.
Who is it for? Wine lovers and those who enjoy a gentle walk. The scenery gets the conversation going, and you can shorten or extend the walk as you please.
2. Gruyères, the medieval village
A fully pedestrianised medieval village, with cobbled lanes and a 13th-century castle you can visit. In the evening, a fondue for two. A setting made for long conversations.
Who is it for? Those who love history and good food. Gruyères can be seen in a day; a night there gives you time to enjoy the village once the visitors have gone.
3. Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn
A car-free village: you leave your car in Täsch and finish the journey on the shuttle train. Walks for every level, views of the Matterhorn and cosy chalets for the evening.
Who is it for? Couples who love the mountains, summer or winter, and like the idea of leaving the car behind for a weekend.
4. The GoldenPass Express to Gstaad
The journey is part of the weekend. The GoldenPass Express links Montreux and Interlaken with no change of train, through the cantons of Vaud, Fribourg and Bern, with large windows framing lakes, mountains and villages as they go by. Get off at Gstaad for a night in the Saanenland and its chalet villages, or carry on to the end of the line. Remember to book your seats.
Who is it for? Those who like to take their time. The train becomes a moment for two, with no steering wheel or road map.
5. Saint-Ursanne, on the banks of the Doubs
In the Jura, a small town with a medieval centre, reached by a bridge over the Doubs. Its three gates, its lanes and its collegiate church with its massive bell tower make for an intimate setting, far from the bustle. A quiet destination for an off-season weekend, with walks along the river and peaceful evenings.
Who is it for? Couples looking for peace and quiet and small towns full of character, away from the big destinations.
6. Leukerbad and its thermal baths
In Valais, at around 1,400 metres above sea level, Leukerbad (Loèche-les-Bains) is a spa resort set in an imposing Alpine landscape. You unwind in the thermal pools, indoors and out, facing the mountains. An especially good idea in winter, when steam rises into the cold air.
Who is it for? Those who mainly want to relax. A day at the baths, an evening in the warm: the ideal plan for talking without hurrying.
Practical tips
- Agree on sharing costs from the start to avoid any awkwardness.
- Leave each other some time alone.
- Choose a destination you can reach by train: you enjoy the journey together, without the fatigue of driving.
- Book separate rooms if you would rather take your time; nothing says you have to share everything on your first weekend.
- Plan an activity, but not a timetable. The best moments are often the ones you had not planned.
Not quite at the weekend stage yet? Start with dinner: our recommendations are in Romantic restaurants in Lausanne.
