When to Go

The four seasons are clearly defined here: nicely balanced periods of sun and rain bring springtime blossoms and flowers with a vengeance, thanks to the many orchards and fields; summer temperatures zoom upward to between 21°C (70°F) and 32°C (90°F), depending on whether it's a dry or wet one; the abundance of deciduous trees in this region means splashes of color in a crisp-aired, windy fall; and winter dumps lots of snow and brings temperatures hovering around –5°C (23°F) in town, down to –25°C (–13°F) on some mountaintops.

Summers in eastern Switzerland provide the best weather and activities; spring and fall are good alternatives. Although most places in this region are not too terribly crowded even in summer, Schaffhausen can become thick with tour buses and Stein-am-Rhein choked with spandex-clad cyclists looping around the Bodensee. Go earlier in the day or on a weekday when crowds are a bit thinner.