Summer is here and the best time for dating begins! I’ve been working as a dating coach for almost 18 years, mainly with international as well as Swiss singles here in Switzerland, so I know a thing or two about the best date ideas in this beautiful Alpine country. Here’s how to make your summer dating in Switzerland fun and exciting.
Why Summer Is the Best Season to Meet Someone New
Whether you’re a Swiss expat or have lived here your whole life, you know how hard the cold season can get. The days are short, the weather is cold, and there’s hardly any sunshine (unless you live high up in the mountains). Yes, skiing can cheer you up but at some point, everyone impatiently awaits the warm days.
Summer is the best time for singles looking to meet someone in real life. Everyone is craving human interaction, enjoying life outside, sitting in restaurants, and attending outdoor concerts. Why not find or create opportunities doing things or going places where you have a good chance of meeting other interesting singles?
The sunshine and lake breeze boost our mood and make us feel sensual. We ditch bulky winter coats for floral dresses and linen suits. We also feel more attractive, eating lighter and showing off those sun-kissed shoulders.
All this helps create a lasting impression on your date and build that physical attraction from the start (just don’t let yourself get carried away too soon if you’re looking for a committed relationship!)
Ideas For Summer Dating in Switzerland
Switzerland has a lot to offer regardless of where you live. If you’ve been dating for a while, it’s important to keep things fresh and interesting, that’s why choosing creative ways to spend dates is so important.
Plus, making memories together is a surefire way to deepen the bond with the person you really like. Here are some of my tried and tested scenarios for summer dating in Switzerland, but don’t stop there! Visit your local tourist office and get inspired by the wonders of nature and culture that Switzerland has to offer.
Book A Lake Cruise
Switzerland is the land of lakes, and a leisurely cruise is a chance to really disconnect from daily life and get to know your date better.
Don’t overdo it though – choose a short to medium length boat tour, maximum two hours. You don’t want to feel stuck on a not-so-great date for half a day!
Many boat companies offer experience cruises, for example including a gourmet lunch or wine tasting. You won’t run out of conversation ideas on these! On the Zurich Lake you can book a brunch cruise, or even go out dancing. And on Lake Lucerne you can have a candlelight cruise, perfect for new dates.
Hike the Vineyards
Most Swiss regions produce their own wine, but the French speaking part has the most spectacular vineyards on the hills, overlooking the lakes.
If you’ve already had a few dates and would like to deepen your connection, hiking the terraces in the Lavaux region, and finishing the date with some wine tasting is your chance to do that.
A small adventure like this is also an exercise in teamwork. You must have a plan, pack accordingly, and manage small challenges along the way. This is a good test of temperament and your general compatibility as potential partners.
Make the Most of Mediterranean Nights
A dinner date is always a good idea but a gourmet meal on a terrace of a restaurant on a hot summer evening is another level of romantic.
The scent of flowers in bloom, the warm, evening light, the soft music in the background… Love is in the air!
If you’ve been dating for some time, why not drive to another town to enjoy local culinary delights? Switzerland hosts over one hundred Michelin-starred restaurants. Combining an interesting meal with exploring a new city will add an element of novelty to your dating routine.
Grab a Picnic Basket
When you’re in the mood for some old-fashioned courtship, opt for a picnic at the lake or in the park.
Even though this is a casual date, try to wear something elegant and comfortable. Remember you will be sitting on the ground, so flexible trousers and a not-too-short dress are in order.
Drinking alcohol during the day in the summer will make you tired, so you may want to opt for alcohol-free prosecco you can bring in a cooler bag. Prepare simple snacks so that you can focus on eye gazing and handholding, instead of worrying about the mess.
Depending on the stage of dating you can organize a short city picnic, for example on Lake Geneva, or drive out and spend a date at one of the Alpine lakes, such as the Oeschinensee.
Enjoy Open Air Events
The cultural offer is endless for those dating in Switzerland and open-air events allow you to enjoy the music or movies while having more freedom to talk at the same time. Go to an open-air cinema or hit the Montreux Jazz Festival and grab a drink afterwards.
Unless you both love huge crowds and getting dirty in the sand, big music festivals may not be the best date idea, especially in the beginning. But some of those huge events are organized in large areas, so you can listen to the sounds away from the action.
From Summer Dating to Finding Love
Summer dating in Switzerland is memorable and full of adventures but remember your bigger goal. If you want to meet someone to build a relationship with, you need to keep your feet on the ground and make a cool evaluation of the situation and make sure those dates turn into something more than a fling.
My clients know that they need clarity, focus, the rights skills, and support to enjoy the dating process to succeed in finding love. They are set up for success and know how to create opportunities to meet singles and consciously enjoy the dating process.
Do not take a break from dating over the summer, instead enjoy meeting people in real life and have fun dating so that by fall, you may have found your person to brave the long, cold, and grey winter days.
As an international matchmaker and dating expert I’ve helped thousands of singles find love. Ready to transform your love life and finally meet your match? Book a free consultation today.