Summer is the best time to date in Switzerland. Now that the warm months are finally here, singles are keen to be out and about. Instead of retreating at home and hibernating in the cold by yourself, you want to enjoy the warm weather and the blue skies. This is the best time of the year for singles to meet people in real life! Time to make the most of the summertime dating in Switzerland.
Switzerland Is Perfect For Summertime Dating
Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest quality of life – no wonder it attracts so many single expats! In the warm months, life happens outdoors. You can easily meet new people even on your lunch break as everyone crowds to enjoy their salads by the lakes and rivers.
There are fun events happening all around the country, from cultural events and music festivals, to local sports competitions and wine festivals in small villages. Once you meet someone interesting, make the most of the summertime dating in Switzerland and its countless romantic destinations for dinners, picnics, and lake cruises.
Here are some of my top ideas for dating in the summer if you’re single in Switzerland and looking to meet that special person:
Sun And Fun By The Water
Even though Switzerland is a landlocked country, we cannot complain about the lack of water here. We’ve got over 60,000 kilometers of rivers and 1500 lakes! If you are single and enjoy swimming, or just taking in the sun, make the most of it and spend your after-work evenings on your local beach. Most of these places have small bars, bistros or even full restaurants where it’s easy to make small talk and meet someone.
Stand-up paddling is very popular now, so jump on that trend and sign up for a course or ask that nice man or woman for help and advice. Canoeing and sailing are other types of activities to try (and meet new people when you join an association or club).
Dating tip: grab a drink and socialize at the Limmat River in the Barfussbar in Zürich. This is one of the oldest baths in town and during the day it’s ladies only. In the evening the venue transforms into a hip bar with DJs and special events. Space is limited there so chances are high you’ll start a conversation with an interesting person in no time.
Hike For Love
The Swiss Alps are a true winter wonderland but the mountains are also the perfect destination for summer hikes. We have the most amazing trails for all levels of difficulty, so you can hike your heart out.
Now, here comes the tricky part. I’ve noticed that many of my single clients are avid hikers or climbers but they tend to choose solitary outdoor adventures. I always encourage them to balance these lonely explorations with more social ones.
Here’s what you can try to increase your chances of meeting singles in Switzerland while exploring the great outdoors:
- Choose more popular locations. Instead of opting for the off-the-beaten-track destinations, pick those where there may be other people that share your love of being in nature and staying fit.
- Don’t eat alone. Make sure you stop at a nice place in the mountains to have a drink or a picnic. Strike up a conversation with other people that have the same passions and that also enjoy nature.
- Join a community. Find local groups of hikers in your age group or join a sports association or training club for mountain biking, climbing, or other sports activities you can do in the Alps.
Dating tip: Check out this Meetup thread for different hiking groups in Switzerland.
Get Fit And Meet Singles
Most of my single clients value their health and fitness. Even though they stay active, they complain they are not meeting new people in real life. The truth is, fitness is a great way to meet someone but it’s all about being strategic!
Challenge yourself to try something new. As a single man, instead of hitting the same gym where you’ll likely meet other men, try mixed gender crossfit training. As a single woman who’s used to her tried and tested yoga studio (attended by 95% women), get curious and seek out fitness classes which attract more men.
Foodies Unite
Food is a great conversation starter, so instead of going to dinner with your happily married friends, explore restaurants and eateries with big community tables where it’s easy to initiate a casual chat.
Summer in Switzerland offers a variety of street food festivals. These events attract an international crowd and you can easily ask that nice man in the queue for his recommendations of the best ramen, or talk to that nice lady about her favorite cocktail by the bar.
Swiss wine is unique in the world and vineyards all over the country organize wine tastings and courses. What better way to meet the love of your life than in a picturesque setting overlooking the hills and lakes?
Dating tip: Find an exciting wine event in your canton and use it as an opportunity to practice your conversation skills. If you meet someone interesting you’ll be able to use your newly acquired knowledge for perfect wine pairing over dinner!
Mind the Summer Dating Slowdown
One small thing to pay attention to is what I like to call the Swiss summer dating slowdown. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about the whole summer! I’ve noticed that August is a slow month for some of my single clients who are active on dating apps and creating opportunities to meet people in real life.
August is the month when most people take vacation, especially if they have school-aged children from previous relationships. If you live in a big city, like Zurich, Geneva, or Basel, you may notice a spike in new matches on an app but this is tricky. Switzerland is one of the world’s top tourist destinations so pay attention to people’s profile descriptions as many of them will just be here for a week or two.
Plan your holidays accordingly and take some time off in August to recharge your own batteries and get ready for late summer dating in September (which is one of the most beautiful months in Switzerland).
Don’t Let Opportunities Pass You By
Imagine you’ve just met someone nice and had one or two dates. Then, that person tells you he or she is going on vacation. Or perhaps you have your own travel plans. Putting this fresh but promising connection on hold for a few weeks is a mistake! Don’t let that summer break burn your dating life.
Don’t assume you’ll get back in touch once you’re back from vacation. Go the extra mile and send occasional messages to keep your date thinking of you. This will help you keep momentum and pick up where you left off once you’re back from vacation.
Build Dating Momentum in the Summer
The summer period is relatively brief and Swiss weather can to be very moody, meaning the warm days can start quite late in the year. So it’s really a matter of taking advantage when you can, and making the most of your summertime dating in Switzerland.
We’ve helped single, divorced or widowed clients who haven’t been on a date for years kickstart their partner search and start meeting potential matches within a few weeks of working with me. Working with a dating coach helps you build the right strategy and set you up for success so you can make the most of your dating in the summer and beyond.
Message me for a free intro call and find out how matchmaking and dating coaching can help you find love this summer.
