Rainy days in Switzerland don’t have to mean missed adventures or boring hotel stays. This alpine paradise offers countless indoor and weather-proof experiences for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Whether you’re exploring charming old towns, relaxing in thermal spas, or discovering interactive museums, Switzerland delivers amazing options for all ages — rain or shine.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best rainy day activities in Switzerland for a cozy, fun-filled escape, no matter where you are in the country.
Why You Shouldn’t Dread a Rainy Day in Switzerland
Switzerland’s varied geography means weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. But that also means the Swiss are masters at creating indoor experiences that are just as memorable as outdoor adventures.
From cultural attractions and food tastings to underground lakes and historic castles, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. So pack a light rain jacket and let’s make the most of your Swiss adventure — there are plenty of best rainy day things to do in Switzerland to keep your trip exciting.
1. Explore Switzerland’s Best Museums
Rainy days are ideal for discovering the top indoor experiences in Switzerland, from world-class museums to cultural gems that let you explore without getting wet.
⚙️ Swiss Museum of Transport – Lucerne
Perfect for: Kids, families, and curious adults
This interactive museum showcases everything from trains and planes to space travel and cars. With simulators, hands-on exhibits, and even a planetarium, it’s one of the best rainy day activities in Switzerland for curious minds and families alike.
🧠 Einstein Museum – Bern
Perfect for: History and science buffs
Follow Einstein’s journey while he lived in Bern, and learn how he developed his theory of relativity. The museum is engaging and thought-provoking — especially on a gray day.
🎨 Fondation Beyeler – Basel
Perfect for: Art lovers
Basel is known as Switzerland’s art capital, and this museum houses modern and contemporary masterpieces in a calming, rain-proof setting.
🏛️ Museum of Fine Arts – Zurich
Perfect for: Art and architecture fans
One of Switzerland’s most important art museums, it features works by Swiss and international masters, from Giacometti to Van Gogh, in a beautiful modern space.
🧳 Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum – Brienz (Partially indoor)
Perfect for: Culture seekers and families
While some parts are outdoors, many historic buildings are accessible even in light rain. See how Swiss people lived centuries ago, from traditional crafts to alpine kitchens.
2. Take a Scenic Train Ride Through the Mountains
Even if it’s pouring, panoramic trains offer incredible views from the comfort of your seat — a must-include in any Switzerland Rainy Day Travel Guide for scenic and stress-free experiences.
🚆 Glacier Express
The 8-hour ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz offers majestic alpine views — no hiking boots required.
🚋 Bernina Express
This UNESCO World Heritage route glides past glaciers, waterfalls, and charming villages — rain simply adds to the drama.
🚋 GoldenPass Line – Lucerne to Montreux
Traverse three very different regions — from lake Lucerne’s serenity to the vineyards above Lake Geneva. Perfect for admiring both mountains and Swiss chalets.
🚄 Gotthard Panorama Express – Lugano to Lucerne
Combines a boat and scenic train trip. Cruise on Lake Lucerne, then board a panoramic train through the original Gotthard tunnel route — a slower, historic alternative to the fast base tunnel.
🚉 Voralpen Express – St. Gallen to Lucerne
A lesser-known gem. Wind through rolling hills, pre-Alpine landscapes, and across Lake Zürich’s shores — ideal if you want beauty without the crowds.
3. Relax in Thermal Spas and Wellness Resorts
If you’re wondering what to do in Switzerland when it rains, visiting one of the country’s many thermal spas is the perfect cozy escape.
💧Therme Vals
Located in Graubünden, this architectural masterpiece offers steamy pools inside a stone labyrinth — a truly unique experience.
🌿 Bains de Lavey
Near Lake Geneva, Lavey boasts Switzerland’s warmest thermal waters, with both indoor and covered outdoor pools.
🧖♀️ Mineralbad & Spa Rigi-Kaltbad
Rain falling while you float in the warm rooftop pool? Yes, please — one of the best rainy day activities in Switzerland for ultimate relaxation with a view.
🏛️ Bad Ragaz Thermal Spa (St. Gallen)
A luxurious resort town famous for healing thermal waters. Choose between modern wellness centers or the elegant Tamina Therme, all nestled at the foot of the Alps.
🏔️ Leukerbad Therme (Valais)
Switzerland’s largest alpine thermal spa with 10 pools, bubbling jacuzzis, and steam rooms — all while snowflakes or raindrops fall around you. Great for adults and kids alike.
4. Visit Castles and Historical Sites
Some castles are even more atmospheric in the rain — think misty towers and echoing stone halls — making them perfect indoor activities in Switzerland for rainy weather.
🏰 Château de Chillon – Montreux
Switzerland’s most iconic castle sits on Lake Geneva and features moody dungeons, murals, and medieval architecture.
🛡️ Gruyères Castle
Combine a visit to the Gruyère cheese factory and the HR Giger Museum for a full itinerary of the best rainy day activities in Switzerland.
🏞️ Schloss Thun
Overlooking Lake Thun, this 12th-century castle offers fantastic views and an interesting museum inside with exhibits about medieval life in the Bernese Oberland.
🛡️ Schloss Hallwyl – Aargau
A lesser-known gem, this moated castle is romantic and peaceful. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions on daily life in noble households, all sheltered from the rain.
🏡 Lenzburg Castle – Canton Aargau
One of the oldest and most important hilltop castles in Switzerland, it features medieval rooms, knight’s armor, and even a children’s museum with interactive exhibits.
5. Discover Switzerland’s Underground Wonders
Bad weather? No problem. Switzerland rainy day ideas for tourists include exploring underground wonders like caves, bunkers, and interactive museums — perfect for staying dry while discovering something unique.
💎 Saint-Léonard Underground Lake
Europe’s largest underground lake offers guided boat tours, making it one of the most fascinating rainy day activities in Switzerland.
🕳️ Höllgrotten Caves – Baar
These illuminated limestone caves near Zug feature beautiful stalactites and fairy-tale formations.
🧂 Bex Salt Mines – Canton Vaud
Dive into Swiss industrial history as you ride a miners’ train deep into the mountain. Learn how salt was extracted over centuries and explore fascinating galleries carved in rock.
🕳️ St. Beatus Caves – Near Interlaken
Legend says a dragon once lived here! Now, visitors can explore stunning limestone chambers, underground waterfalls, and a museum that’s great for curious minds.
🚇 Sasso San Gottardo – Gotthard Pass
A former top-secret military bunker turned museum. Walk through armored tunnels and discover exhibits on Switzerland’s wartime defense and sustainable energy — all inside the Gotthard Massif.
6. Enjoy Chocolate Tastings and Cheese Tours
Rainy weather pairs perfectly with Swiss comfort food, making cozy restaurants and local tasting experiences some of the most fun rainy day attractions in Switzerland.
🍫 Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory (Broye Valley)
One of Switzerland’s oldest and most famous chocolate brands. Take a guided tour to see how chocolate is made and sample freshly made pralines.
🧀 Gruyères Cheese Factory
Learn the traditional process of making Swiss Gruyère cheese and enjoy tastings of various cheese ages paired with local wine.
🍫 Lindt Home of Chocolate (Zurich)
Explore the world’s largest Lindt chocolate shop, museum, and interactive experience center with a giant chocolate fountain and tastings.
🧀 Emmental Show Dairy
See how the famous Emmental cheese (Swiss cheese with holes) is crafted by hand, and savor fresh samples of cheese and butter.
🍫 Chocolaterie Auer (Basel)
A historic chocolatier offering guided tastings of artisanal chocolates, truffles, and pralines in the heart of Basel — a delicious choice among the best rainy day activities in Switzerland.
7. Take a Cooking Class or Swiss Food Workshop
If you prefer a hands-on experience, try learning to make local dishes in one of the many cozy and fun rainy day destinations in Switzerland.
- Rösti and fondue workshops in Zurich and Bern
- Swiss baking classes in Lucerne or Lausanne
- Chocolate workshops at Lindt Home of Chocolate near Zurich
Great for families, groups, or date day indoors!
8. Visit Aquariums and Zoos with Indoor Areas
Explore amazing aquatic and wildlife attractions — perfect examples of family-friendly rainy day activities in Switzerland, where kids and adults alike can enjoy indoor exhibits, interactive displays, and close encounters with nature.
🏙️ Zoo Zürich
A large zoo featuring indoor tropical rainforest in the Masoala Hall, home to exotic plants and animals.
🏙️ Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium (Lausanne)
Switzerland’s largest freshwater aquarium with diverse fish species and indoor vivarium exhibits.
🏙️ Tierpark Goldingen
A family-friendly zoo with indoor petting areas and animal shelters to explore regardless of weather.
🏙️ Natur- und Tierpark Goldingen
Indoor enclosures offering close-up views of native Swiss wildlife and exotic species.
🏙️ Papiliorama (Kerzers)
Indoor tropical butterfly sanctuary with exotic animals and interactive exhibits, ideal for rainy days.
9. Watch a Movie or Theater Performance
Enjoy cultural entertainment on rainy days by catching a film screening or live theater performance at some of Switzerland’s top venues.
🏙️ Kino Kunstmuseum (Basel)
A cozy art-house cinema near the Kunstmuseum showcasing independent and international films.
🏙️ Pathé Küchlin (Lausanne)
Modern multiplex offering the latest releases as well as special screenings and film festivals.
🏙️ Riffraff Kino (Zurich)
A beloved independent cinema showing a mix of cult classics, indie films, and themed movie nights.
🏙️ Theater Basel
A historic theater offering a wide range of plays, operas, and ballets in a stunning setting.
🏙️ Theater St. Gallen
Well-known for its diverse programming, including contemporary drama, musicals, and classic performances.
10. Explore Covered Old Towns and Local Boutiques
Rainy weather activities in Swiss cities often include strolling through arcades and narrow alleys — perfect for exploring with an umbrella while still enjoying the charm of urban Switzerland.
🏙️ Bern Old Town
Famous for its medieval arcades—the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe—offering quaint shops, local crafts, and cozy cafes.
🏙️ Lucerne Old Town
Explore narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful frescoed buildings, unique boutiques, and artisan stores beneath charming covered walkways.
🏙️ Basel Old Town
A mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture with covered passages, ideal for shopping local designer boutiques and antique shops.
🏙️ Schaffhausen Old Town
Known for its well-preserved covered galleries and colorful half-timbered houses, it’s great for discovering traditional crafts and souvenirs.
🏙️ St. Gallen Old Town
Wander through historic streets with covered arcades housing local fashion shops, textile stores, and artisan boutiques inspired by the city’s rich heritage.
Bonus Tips: Rainy Day Essentials for Switzerland
- ✅ Always carry a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes.
- ✅ Check train schedules in advance (some attractions may adjust in bad weather).
- ✅ Museums and spas can get busy — book online if possible.
- ✅ Look for combo passes (like Swiss Travel Pass) that include rainy-day options like museums and transport.
Final Thoughts: Rainy Days Can Still Be Amazing in Switzerland
Rain doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans — it can reveal another side of Switzerland: cozy, cultural, and delicious. From warm spas to epic train journeys and tasty treats, you’ll find that some of the most memorable moments happen when skies turn gray.
So next time you see clouds in the forecast, embrace the rain and explore Switzerland indoors — you won’t be disappointed.