With temperatures in some Swiss regions exceeding 35C this week we asked our readers how they manage to stay (relatively) cool in a severe heatwave in Switzerland.
The most logical way to cool down at home in the middle of a crippling heatwave might be air conditioning, but getting permission to install one in private dwellings in Switzerland involves lots of sweating – both literal and figurative kinds.
READ MORE: In Switzerland it’s easier to get a work permit than an air conditioning permit
However, respondents to our survey have found alternative ways to cool off even as temperatures in the parts of Switzerland where they live top 35C.
For instance, Sara from canton Zurich and originally from Arizona, in the US (and therefore accustomed to both extreme heat and AC in homes) suggests “dark rooms and cool showers” and she says “take a damp towel to bed and lie in front of the fan.”
A reader from Zug said: “Stay indoors, don’t be adventurous, drink loads of drinks like water lemonade. Wet your head if you can, splash water on your face when out and about.”
She also pointed to Switzerland’s fountains as a place that offers respite.
“It was too hot and I was out for a walk. I just put my head under a water fountain. Cooled me down and I continued for rest of my journey.”
In fact, this is an excellent idea, because it reminds us of the cooling effect of Switzerland’s fountains – not only do most spout icy-cold drinkable water, but some are also great for dipping your toes, legs, or even entire bodies.
READ MORE: Where is bathing in fountains allowed in Switzerland?
And Sameera Tak also from Zug advised readers to “wear loose cotton clothing and carry an umbrella or sun hat when outside. Do not wear closed shoes with socks, open sandals are better.”
She also advised drinking water infused with mint leaves to stay hydrated.
And André from Zurich suggested people buy the portable AC units that don’t need permission from authorities.
“Buy those clunky awful looking portable ACs; that’s really the only thing that makes a big difference. Ventilating your home during the night is good, but nothing is as good as an AC,” he said.
A few respondents offered suggestions based of heatwave-coping techniques from their own countries, like one respondent who said she comes from “southern Europe” and lives in the Zug area.
She said: ”We always have blinds down during heatwaves, fans on, eat lots of water-rich foods (watermelon, cucumber, etc.), hydrate hydrate + ice, and try to avoid heavy physical activity if possible. Also avoid going out at the strongest sun times whenever possible.”
An Australian now living in Basel said the Swiss should “Build new buildings to cope with heat. He said theuy should “focus on ventilation, cooling systems.”
Actually, this is already being done in Switzerland. The so-called ‘Minergie’ houses are generally designed with thermal insulation and an automatic ventilation system for good air circulation.
As a result, Minergie apartments stay comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer, plus you don’t have to open the windows to ventilate, as fresh air circulates automatically.
READ MORE: What are ‘Minergie’ homes in Switzerland?
‘Put your head under a water fountain’
And then there is this, a very pertinent tip for Switzerland: “In a country with so many referendums, please someone start one for ACs to be allowed.”
But that not all…
From my own experience, this cooling-down technique works as well:
Buy flexible ice packs and use them during daytime and at night: wrap in a towel and place at the nape of your neck, or under the mattress while you sleep.
Share your own tips with readers below.
