When temperatures soar in Switzerland, finding relief indoors can be harder than many might expect. A Spanish woman living in the country recently went viral on TikTok, pointing to a basic difference that makes Swiss heatwaves particularly challenging: air-conditioned spaces are scarce.
In her video, she says shops and restaurants in Switzerland rarely have air conditioning, and offices and public buildings often lack it too. "The problem is that it's not like in Spain, where you can walk into almost any place and find air conditioning," she explains. Her observation has resonated with thousands, especially people familiar with spending Spanish summers in cool interiors.
Built for Cold, Not Heat
Switzerland's reputation for cool, alpine weather has shaped its architecture and infrastructure. For decades, extreme summer heat was considered an exception, not the norm. So, many homes and businesses, along with public buildings, were designed for harsh winters and mild summers, rather than prolonged periods of high temperatures.
But, this is changing. MeteoSwiss reports that summer temperatures are rising, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. The agency notes that since 1991, Switzerland has experienced as many extremely hot days as it did in the entire 90-year period from 1901 to 1990.
The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) also identifies heatwaves as a growing health risk, particularly for older people and infants, as well as people who are ill or need care. In cities, built surfaces can hold heat and limit nighttime cooling, making shade and ventilation impressive, along with heat-conscious building design. Indoor comfort can so remain a challenge even when outdoor temperatures are similar: it depends partly on how buildings and public spaces manage heat.
Energy Rules and Building Standards
The lack of air conditioning reflects more than tradition. Strict energy-efficiency standards, concerns about electricity consumption and environmental regulations have all limited the spread of cooling systems in Switzerland. Federal climate policy also favors lower-impact buildings: BAFU says 475 million Swiss francs from the CO₂ levy will go toward climate-friendlier buildings, sustainable technologies and renewable energy. That policy makes summer cooling part of a broader effort to balance heat protection with energy use; Switzerland has no blanket nationwide ban on air conditioning.
Instead, Swiss buildings often rely on passive solutions, including exterior shutters and nighttime ventilation, with thermal insulation and automated systems also used to limit heat gain. These measures can work during moderate summers but may fall short in severe heatwaves. In Spain, the widespread availability of air conditioning in rental properties has even become a topic of legal debate during extreme heat.
Spain's Cooling Advantage
In Spain, especially in central and southern regions, air conditioning is standard in shopping centers and offices, as well as hotels, hospitals, restaurants and much of public transport. Together, these cooled spaces offer residents and visitors a reliable escape during the hottest hours of the day.
By contrast, people spending time outside their homes in Switzerland often struggle to find similar relief. The issue has also shaped workplace regulations in Spain, where bars and restaurants must now take measures to protect staff during dangerous heat.
Adapting to a Warmer Future
The viral video has reignited discussion about how Switzerland should adapt its buildings and cities to a warming climate. Demand for cooling systems has grown in recent years as passive solutions lose effectiveness during prolonged heat. Installing more air conditioners may not be the whole answer. Heat adaptation also involves urban planning and building design, along with shade, ventilation and public-health measures. One approach under exploration is a Swiss-developed terracotta brick that uses water and solar energy to cool urban air.
The Spanish woman's experience shows that coping with a heatwave depends on more than the temperature outside. It also depends on how well homes, businesses and public spaces are prepared for the changing climate. MeteoSwiss publishes official data on Switzerland's changing summer temperatures.
