With cows in the fields and buds in the trees, spring has truly arrived in Switzerland. Alongside welcoming the peak of the season, the alpine nation faces a number of crucial changes this April. From travel and trains to energy and politics, here’s what you need to know:

1. Switzerland expands subsidies for solar panels

In a bid to make them more financially attractive, from April 1 Switzerland will be increasing the bonus given to those who install solar panels. In future, homeowners and businesses who install solar panels with an inclination angle of at least 75 degrees - i.e., on roofs - will receive 400 francs for every kilowatt (kW) their system could theoretically produce, up from 250 francs previously.

Those who install semi-detached and free-standing systems will be given 200 francs per kW instead of 100. For larger systems capable of producing 100 kW of energy or more, 330 francs per kW will be offered for capacity up to 100 kW, with any further capacity rewarded at 250 francs per kW.

However, those who build solar systems capable of producing 30 kW or less will receive a smaller bonus The government argues this will encourage homeowners to build larger, more efficient systems.

2. Geneva to enforce ban on plastic cutlery

Though the ban on plastic and disposable tableware was first imposed in Geneva in April 2024, the canton gave events organisers one year to comply with the rules. Therefore, from April 1, 2025, everyone has to comply.

Under the new regulations, all public events are not allowed to use plastic straws, cutlery, crockery and cups, alongside any items made of single-use plastics. In pushing for the rule, Genevan authorities argued the scheme would cut down on waste and energy usage.

However, the plan to extend the ban to restaurants, food halls and takeaway outlets is currently in limbo. This part of the law was due to come into force in January 2025, but was suspended by authorities in December as it faces a legal challenge from various Swiss supermarkets. 

3. UK extends ETA requirement to EU and Swiss arrivals

Soon, most people who want to travel from Switzerland to the United Kingdom will need a digital ETA or Electronic Travel Authorisation. Though the system has already been in place for non-EU nationals since 2023, it will be extended to EU, Norwegian, Icelandic, Liechtensteiner and Swiss citizens on April 2.

The ETA is required for all types of travel to the UK (including transit) and is valid for two years, during which travellers can enter and leave the country as many times as they like and spend up to 180 days there. It costs 10 pounds per person, or around 11,20 Swiss francs. 

The only exemptions to the new fee will be given to UK and Irish citizens, including UK and Irish citizens with dual nationality, and those with a valid visa or residence permit for the UK or Ireland.

4. Martin Pfister to officially join the Federal Council

Following his successful election in March, Martin Pfister will become the newest member of the Federal Council in April. The special election took place following the resignation of Defence Minister and former President of Switzerland, Viola Amherd, in January.

Pfister will assume the role of Defence Minister at a time of uncertainty for the department. Among his many tasks will be allocating the increased funding given to the military by parliament, and finding replacements for both the head of the army and the head of the intelligence services, who are both due to step down at the end of the year.

5. SBB to launch direct train from Zurich to EuropaPark 

Beginning on April 12, Swiss Federal Railways will launch a new direct service between Zurich and EuropaPark. Thrill seekers will be able to take the train to and from the theme park on Saturdays and Sundays, and on some public holidays.

For more information about the service, check out our guide to the new SBB RailCoaster.

6. New direct flights to launch in Switzerland

April will also see new direct routes take off from Swiss airports for the first time. First, easyJet will launch a new flight from Zurich to Faro in Portugal. Edelweiss Airways will follow, launching flights to the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, from April 12.

On April 17, SWISS will launch its direct, five-times-weekly flight from Zurich to the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. The journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site city will take around two hours.

7. Basel reintroduces dog training courses

Following a spate of incidents involving unruly dogs, Basel will reintroduce mandatory training courses from April 1. The eight lessons involved in the course must be completed within twelve months of adopting the dog, and can begin once the dog is at least four months old. 

However, only new owners must complete the course.

8. Changes to COVID loan interest rates

In good news for entrepreneurs and businesses who took out COVID-19-related loans, the Federal Council has confirmed that it will be lowering the interest rates on the loans from April. Loans of up to 500.000 francs will be charged an interest of 0,25 percent, while loans of over half a million francs will be charged a 0,75 percent interest rate.

9. Price hikes expected at Zurich Zoo

Also from the beginning of the month, the cost of entering Zurich Zoo will increase. The price of adult, youth and child tickets for the zoo will rise by two francs, meaning an adult ticket will cost 32 francs during the high season.

In a statement, the zoo explained that the price hike was in response to significantly higher energy and food costs.

10. Easter, school holidays and Sechseläuten

Finally, those pining for relief from the absence of holidays in March will be happy to hear that Easter is finally on its way! This year, Good Friday will fall on April 18, giving a day off to everyone in Switzerland except those in Valais and Ticino.

Most will also be granted a sumptuous long weekend thanks to Easter Monday on April 21, as it is a public holiday in all but two cantons - though even in those cantons, Lucerne and Neuchâtel, most companies give their staff a day off. April will also see most cantons start their Easter or spring school holidays. Though their start date varies from region to region, most are two weeks long.

Finally, Sechseläuten will return to Zurich on April 28. Though it is not a statutory holiday, most companies in the Swiss metropolis give workers an hour, half-day or full day off to converge on Sechseläuteplatz to see the Böögg snowman burn. 

Let’s hope it burns quickly so that we can have wonderful weather this summer!

Thumb image credit: Little Vignettes Photo / Shutterstock.com