Fireflies in Switzerland: How to watch nature's light show
By Jan de Boer
This summer, nights in Switzerland will be given a new vibrance and colour thanks to the humble firefly. Here’s why the luminous critters are so numerous in 2025, and how you can see them in action.
All you need to know about fireflies in Switzerland
You would not believe your eyes: in some places in Switzerland during the summer, evening explorers will be able to see a true wonder of nature, thanks to the emergence of thousands of fireflies. The beetles, which sport around 3.000 different species worldwide, emit light as they search for a partner during the mating season.
Depending on the species, male and female fireflies use special light-emitting organs in their abdomen to produce bright lights as they fly around and search for a mate. During the night, these formations develop into a stunning natural light show.
Why 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for the firefly
Speaking to Watson, Firefly Project Association president Stefan Ineichen noted that 2025 will be a great year to see fireflies in Switzerland. He noted that the Swiss species have benefited from very wet weather last autumn, which led to an increase in the number of snails on the ground - firefly larvae’s favourite food.
This should mean there are more of the little beetles to light up the night sky when the larvae mature and start to mate.
Where can you see fireflies?
Luckily, there are many places ideal for seeing fireflies in Switzerland. These include the Käferberg Forest and Kreuzkirche in Zurich, the Parc Bourget in Lausanne, the city cemetery in Lucerne, the foot of Mount Pilatus and the Jacquet nursery in Geneva. Large populations are also present in Canton Schaffhausen, Jura and some pockets of central Switzerland.
As for where to look, fireflies are typically found at the edge of forests, in damp meadows, vineyards, gardens and parks as they require both shelter and open space. Generally speaking, where local biodiversity is rich, you will find fireflies.
When is the best time to see fireflies in Switzerland?
The best time to see fireflies they are during their peak flight period. Thanks to the mild spring, Ineichen predicted that this will occur in the second half of June in most of Switzerland, though the peak in Ticino is typically a little earlier.
Since they are nocturnal animals, you should be sure to head out after dark. If you are lucky and pick the right spot, you’ll be able to see Swiss nature at one of its most vibrant moments.
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Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more