Top 10 things to do in Switzerland in the summer
Switzerland is the favorite destination for many people. It is stunningly beautiful, clean, easy to get around, safe and… well, just gorgeous.
IF you are planning to visit Switzerland this summer, we have some great places and activities for your Switzerland itinerary
1. The Matterhorn
This pyramid-shapes giant is one of the world’s most photographed mountains, which means it’s definitely a top place to visit in Switzerland. Standing at an impressive 4,478 meters, thrill-seeking mountaineers from around the globe descend on Switzerland to attempt the summit. If you’re not feeling quite so energetic, why not stick to the cable car? The mountain is home to the highest cable car station in the Alp, which offers some excellent views of the mountain peak and beyond. It really doesn’t get much more Swiss than a trip to the Matterhorn.
At the foot of this mighty peak, lies the charming village of Zermatt, a top international resort with horse-drawn carriage rides, quaint chalets, and world-class restaurants and hotels. To preserve the air quality and peaceful ambiance, motorized vehicles are banned in the village.
In the winter, skiers can schuss down more than 300 kilometers of slopes. In the summer, swimming and tennis are popular pursuits as well as hiking, biking, and climbing in the surrounding mountains. Summer glacier skiing is also available.
2. Jungfraujoch: The Top of Europe
The Jungfraujoch is an Alpine wonderland that fully deserves its nickname “The Top of Europe”. Technically a glacier saddle between two mountains, the Jungfraujoch is one the best – and highest – attractions in Switzerland. And don’t let the altitude put you off – there’s plenty for the whole family up there, from mountain climbing to tobogganing and much more. However, perhaps the most impressive attraction is the world-famous Jungfrau railway. Starting at Kleine Scheidegg, the train climbs up to 3,454 meters above sea level to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.
Other popular walks include Panorama Way to the sunny, south-facing First slope; the Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Gorge); and Öpfelchüechliwäg, the high-altitude trail from Holenstein to Brandegg through fields of flowers, alpine pastures, and woodlands. The less active can ride gondolas and cable cars to scenic viewpoints over the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Picturesque Grindelwald is a glacier village in the Jungfrau region, which makes a great base for adventures into the surrounding mountains. It nestles at the base of snow-cloaked mountains and is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most popular resorts. Towering above this alpine valley is the tiara-shaped Wetterhorn and the sheer north face of the Eiger, one of the planet’s most dramatic and difficult climbs. Between the mountains lie Grindelwald’s two glinting glaciers. For the best views, Faulhorn, at 2,681 meters, offers breathtaking panoramas of the giant peaks.
3.Lac Léman /Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva/Lac léman Europe’s largest Alpine lake straddles the Swiss/French border, and laps at the shores of some of Switzerland’s most popular cities. The city of Geneva (in French Genève; in German Genf) sits between pretty snow-capped peaks at the point where the Rhône spills into Lake Geneva.
This French-speaking “capital of peace” is the European seat of the United Nations and exudes a pleasing blend of French joie de vivre and Swiss structure. Promenades, parks, and gardens surround the lake, and the old town is a lovely spot to stroll among the historic buildings. The Jet d’Eau, a fountain in Lake Geneva shooting water 150 meters into the air, is a famous landmark. Cultural attractions include the Opera House and the Grand Théâtre, which stages international acts.
Also on the lake, about 62 kilometers from Geneva, Lausanne boasts lovely views over the surrounding region and the lake, with the Alps rising in the distance. Take a stroll through the medieval old town with its cute cafés and boutiques and stunning Gothic cathedral. At the foot of the Alps, on Lake Geneva, Montreux hosts the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in June/July.
4. Bern
Bern is undoubtedly a beautiful capital and possibly one of the most beautiful ones in the world. And if there’s one reason you should visit Bern in summer, then that should be the atmosphere of the Aare river. The city’s inhabitants have a special relationship with their river. When the temperature rises, Bern’s inhabitants do what they like best: they go boating on the Aare.
Sometimes green, sometimes turquoise and sometimes dark blue, the Aare winds its way through the city of Bern. In summer, when the days get warmer, there is no stopping the city’s inhabitants. By the thousands, they gather at the Aare and enjoy its cooling water. The audacious ones head to the popular Marzili pool and the Lorraine Bad to jump from the bridges into the river. Those more in favor of relaxation take an inflatable boat. Boating down the Aare, or “Aareböötle” as it is called by the locals, is the favorite pastime of Bern’s inhabitants. Depending on the length of the boat trip, people can launch their boats at different places between Thun and Bern. Once the boat is launched, there is only one thing to do: to drift along the river. The longest route, from Thun to Lake Wohlen takes around 4 hours. Those who prefer to drift past the landscape in a more active way either swim or use a stand-up paddleboard. However, be aware that this is only suitable for experienced swimmers!
Bern has many tourist attractions waiting to be discovered, including many excellent museums. Art lovers will appreciate the impressive galleries, including the Zentrum Paul Klee, the world’s largest collection of works by this famous artist, and the Bern Museum of Art (Kunstmuseum). Don’t miss the markets, held in the Bundesplatz (parliament square) with views of the elegant Renaissance-style parliament building (Bundeshaus). Families will also enjoy a visit to the Bear Park.
5. Chateau de Chillon, Montreux
Explore one of Switzerland’s top historic tourist attractions, which inspired the likes of Lord Byron, Rousseau, Delacroix and Courbet. Chillon Castle on Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) features architectural styles including gothic vaulted chapels, medieval dungeons, sumptuous Savoy-period bedrooms, and renaissance banqueting halls.
Once the stronghold of the Counts and Dukes of Savoy from the 12th century, the complex encompasses about 25 buildings clustered around three courtyards. Highlights include the Great Halls, with magnificent views of Lake Geneva; the Gothic underground rooms; the Chapel, adorned with 14th-century paintings; and the Camera Domini, a bedroom occupied by the Duke of Savoy decorated with medieval murals.
6. Lugano
Located in the heart of Europe, Lugano is the largest town in the holiday region of Ticino which joins together the best of both Switzerland and Italy. Nestled on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Lugano, the city dubbed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland” blends Swiss and Italian cultures into an unforgettable weekend break. Home to plenty of museums and warmed by Mediterranean breezes, you might even think you’re in nearby Italy when you visit. Outside the city, impressive villas are sprinkled around the lush hillsides that rise from the lake.
This town is a world-class city, combined with flowers, sacred buildings, and villas. Lake Lugano makes certainly the largest summer attraction for many people (especially well-known celebrities), because of its views and refreshing waters. Considering the Italian influence in this region, you’ll bet that there will be plenty of food and shopping choices to seek.
7. Interlaken
Of course, Interlaken makes it in this list – this region is one of the most stunning ones in the world and if you are in Switzerland you have to visit Interlaken. See Lake Brienz, visit the cute town of Lauterbrunnen, admire the Top of World from Jungfraujoch….the options of things to see in Interlaken are endless.
Nestled between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most popular summer holiday resorts. In the center of town, Höhematte is a marvel of urban planning with 35 acres of open space. Flower gardens, hotels, and cafés surround the Höheweg, the main boulevard through here with breathtaking vistas of the mountains. The mighty peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower above the town providing excellent opportunities for alpine adventures. Hiking, climbing, abseiling, and kayaking is prime pursuits.
More than 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chairlifts, and ski lifts transport visitors into the surrounding countryside and offer plenty of chances for sightseeing from up above. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders can take their pick from the surrounding resorts and cross-country ski along with the extensive trail network. In the summer, paragliders launch from Beatenberg-Niederhorn. To admire the scenery from lower elevations, hop aboard a paddle steamer for a cruise around the lakes.
8. Lucerne
In a country of picture-perfect lakeside cities, it doesn’t get much more impressive than Lucerne. Surrounded by three large mountains, the compact car-free medieval city sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Wandering around the captivating old town, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into a painting. No wonder Lucerne (in German, Luzern) is a top spot for tourists. Famed for its music concerts, this quintessential Swiss town lures renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to its annual International Music Festival. The Culture and Convention Center is home to one of the world’s leading concert halls.
One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge, built in the 14th century. In a small park, lies the famous Lion Monument, a poignant sculpture of a dying lion, which honors the heroic death of Swiss Guards during the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution. History buffs will enjoy the Swiss Transport Museum with extensive exhibits on all forms of transport, including air and space travel, railroad locomotives, and a Planetarium.
For beautiful views of Lucerne, the Alps, and the lake, ride the funicular to the Dietschiberg on the north side of Lake Lucerne; cruise up Mt. Pilatus on the cableway; or head to the Rigi, a famous lookout point.
9. Rhine Falls
Europe’s largest waterfall, It is known as an incredible experience from tourists worldwide, who say to feel the roar and the vibration of the water flowing over their entire bodies. It’s easy to see why Rhine Falls is one of the top things to do in Switzerland. Visitors can take in the beauty of the waterfall – located near the northern town of Schaffhausen – from several viewing decks. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even rent a canoe and check out some nearby castles from the water. Every August, the falls host a spectacular firework display that attracts visitors from around the country as part of Switzerland’s National Day celebrations.
10. Zurich
And last but not least, no list of the top things to do in Switzerland would be complete without mentioning Zurich. The city with the best quality of life in Europe is our top recommendation if you want to visit Switzerland during the summer. At this season, Zurich buzzes with life while its citizens enjoy Lake Zurich’s promenades, in town squares, or garden terraces. In fact, despite its world-renowned financial offerings, Zurich has a surprisingly bustling social scene. From the popular Pride parade to Europe’s largest street rave, there’s a lot going on. And, if all that wasn’t enough, the city’s pretty easy on the eye – from the charming streets of the old town to the stunning scenery of Lake Zurich.
