Okay, let's be honest. You've been scrolling through Instagram for hours. You've seen those turquoise lakes. Those impossibly green valleys. That one mountain that looks like a Toblerone triangle. And now you're thinking, "I gotta go there."
However, there is one thing. It's okay, I'm not the first person to find it overwhelming to plan a trip to Switzerland. There are lots of destinations. Everything looks gorgeous. You don't know where to begin and you have no idea where to start.
Sound familiar? (Been there. Last summer, actually).
For my first visit, I had been looking at for weeks which were the best regions to visit in Switzerland during summer. And honestly? There were some things that I got wrong. I also came across some magical things, though. So let me spare you the headache.
This is my unvarnished list of the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer, and the first time you visit. No fancy travel-speak. Just authentic words from one who knows and wants you to have a great time!
Why Summer is the Absolute Best Time to Go?
Look, winter in Switzerland is gorgeous. Ski bunnies love it. But summer? Summer is something else entirely
The valleys are green and electric. The meadows are dotted with wildflowers. The turquoise colour of the lakes is almost unbelievably unrealistic. And best of all? It can be done without a frost bite to a rear.
During the summer months, temperatures are in the high 60s to mid-70s in most areas. Perfect for hiking. Ideal for sitting out by a cafe. Perfect for everything.
Also, the days are so long. The darkness may not come until 8 PM and you can still be out on a hike. This is tough to outperform. The problem is, however, that. Everyone knows this. So summer is busy. Like, really busy. Book things early. Trust me on this.
Read More: Low-Budget Vacation Ideas for Couples on Any Budget
The Top Places You Cannot Miss
Let's get it on, shall we? Whether this is your first trip to Switzerland or not, here are the best things to see in Switzerland during summer.
1. Zermatt and the Matterhorn
This one's obvious. It's a good reason, too.
Zermatt is a car free village at the foot of the Matterhorn. I mean it when I say car free. No cars. Only the electric shuttles and horse-drawn carriages, and folks around all in a daze, unable to tear their gaze away from the mountain.
The Matterhorn is the iconic pyramid-shaped peak you've seen a million times. Up close? It's jaw-dropping.
What to do here in summer:
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Take the Gornergrat Railway: This open-air train takes you up to a ridge with insane views of the Matterhorn and 38 other peaks . Go at sunset. You won't regret it.
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Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: This is Europe's highest cable car station at 12,500 feet . You get 360-degree views of glaciers and peaks across three countries. Switzerland, Italy, and France. All at once.
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Hike the 5-Seenweg: This is a gorgeous hike past five alpine lakes that perfectly reflect the Matterhorn . It's mostly downhill and totally doable even if you're not a hardcore hiker.
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Check out the Glacier Palace: Carved 50 feet into the ice, this place has tunnels, sculptures, and even an ice slide . It's like a frozen wonderland.
Zermatt is also one of the best places to visit in Switzerland for first timers because it's so easy to fall in love with. The village is charming. The views are epic. And there's stuff to do for everyone.
Pro tip: Stay for at least two nights. One day isn't enough.
2. Lauterbrunnen Valley
Okay, I'm gonna say something controversial. Lauterbrunnen might actually be more beautiful than Zermatt.
This valley has 72 waterfalls plunging off cliffs that are almost 1,000 feet high . Yes, 72. You can't walk five minutes without seeing another one.
The most famous is Staubbach Falls. It drops 297 meters and you can see it right from the village center . No hiking required. Just look up.
But the real hidden gem is Trümmelbach Falls. These are a series of waterfalls inside the mountain . You take a tunnel lift up and walk through caves while water thunders all around you. It's loud. It's wet. It's unforgettable.
Lauterbrunnen is also the gateway to the car-free villages of Mürren and Wengen. You take a cable car up the cliffs and suddenly you're in this peaceful little village with views that'll make you cry.
What to do:
- Hike the valley floor
- Visit Trümmelbach Falls
- Take the cable car up to Mürren
- Ride the funicular to Wengen
- Just stand there and stare. Seriously.
3. Lucerne
If you want a city that feels like a postcard, go to Lucerne .
Lucerne sits right on Lake Lucerne with mountains rising on all sides. It's compact. It's walkable. And it's the best introduction to Switzerland for any first-timer .
The main attraction is the Chapel Bridge. It's the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, built way back in 1333 . There are paintings in the rafters that date back centuries. And the Water Tower next to it used to be a dungeon. Dark history, beautiful present.
Lucerne is also your base for mountain adventures:
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Mount Pilatus: Take the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the top. Or take a gondola. Either way, the views over the lake are spectacular .
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Mount Rigi: This is called the "Queen of the Mountains" and offers panoramic views of the Alps .
What I love about Lucerne is that you can be "in the city" and "in the mountains" on the same day. That's the magic of Switzerland.
4. The Jungfrau Region
This is the area around Interlaken, Grindelwald, and the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains .
Interlaken is the adventure capital . Paragliding, skydiving, jet boating, canyoning. If you want adrenaline, you'll find it here. It sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, which is where the name comes from. ("Inter" means between, "laken" means lakes).
Grindelwald is more village-y and mountain-focused . The First Cliff Walk is insane. You walk out on a suspended platform over a massive drop. Your knees will shake. Your camera will get a workout.
And then there's Jungfraujoch . This is the "Top of Europe," the highest railway station on the continent. It's expensive (around 200 CHF roundtrip). But standing on a glacier surrounded by 4,000-meter peaks is something you'll never forget.
You can get a 25% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass, so definitely look into that .
5. Bern
Everyone skips Bern. And everyone is wrong .
Bern is the capital. And it's gorgeous. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . There are these covered arcades called Lauben that stretch for six kilometers. You can walk around, shop, eat, and never get rained on.
The Zytglogge clock tower is a must-see. The moving figures come out on the hour. Get there a few minutes early to watch the show .
And then there's the Aare River. In summer, locals literally float down it. You jump in, let the current carry you, and get out downstream. It's free. It's fun. And it's the most "local" thing you can do in Switzerland.
Bern is also way less crowded than Interlaken or Lucerne. It's a calm, beautiful, surprisingly affordable city.
6. Lake Geneva and Montreux
Lake Geneva is actually the largest lake in Switzerland . The French call it Lac Léman. Either way, it's stunning.
The Château de Chillon is the main attraction in this area . It's a medieval water castle perched on an outcrop in the lake. Lord Byron wrote a poem about it and literally carved his name into one of the pillars . You can still see it. Over 400,000 people visit this castle every year .
Montreux is the town right there, famous for its jazz festival in July . But even if you're not into jazz, the lakefront promenade is gorgeous. Find the Freddie Mercury statue. He recorded his last albums here.
The Lavaux vineyards are nearby and absolutely worth a visit . They're terraced vineyards right on the lake with views of the Alps. You can hike through them and do wine tastings. It's one of the few places in Switzerland where you can drink wine and look at snow at the same time.
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7. Ticino (Italian Switzerland)
Want Switzerland but make it Italian?
Ticino is the southernmost canton, and it feels completely different . Palm trees. Mediterranean food. Italian spoken everywhere. It's like stepping into a different country.
Lugano is the main town, with a lovely lakeside promenade and mountains right behind it . Verzasca Valley is famous for its crystal-clear river with smooth rocks and emerald pools . People swim here in summer. Fair warning: the water is absolutely freezing. But it's beautiful.
The Valle di Blenio (Valley of the Sun) is a hidden gem . It's rugged mountains mixed with Mediterranean vibes. Perfect if you want to get away from the crowds.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland in the summer is magical! Mountains, lakes, villages, trains, food. It's what you have seen in the pictures and more.
But honestly? The views aren't the best part. It's the feeling you get from the views. The moment when the train takes a turn and there on the horizon is the Matterhorn. Or when you stroll through Lauterbrunnen and discover you're surrounded by waterfalls. Those moments you remember.
So go. Book the trip. Choose the highlights that appeal to you. And let Switzerland do its thing.
FAQs
Which is the best summer month to visit Switzerland?
Best time is June, July and August. It is the hottest month in July. June has the highest number of wildflowers. There are a bit fewer people here in August.
Are there any high costs in Switzerland during summer?
Yes. It costs a lot of cash year round. However, prices are higher during the summer months. Expect to pay for a mid-range experience at $200-$300 per day.
Which is the optimal mode of transport from city to city?
Train. Always the train. The Swiss rail system is amazing, and the Swiss Travel Pass makes it easy and cost-effective .
Is German or French required?
No. English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourist areas. Knowing a little bit is courteous and amusing.
Are men and women travelling alone in Switzerland safe?
Yes. One of the safest countries in the world. Use common sense as in any other application.