Top 10 Places to Visit in Switzerland This Summer Now
Ah, Switzerland—where Alpine serenity meets sun-kissed elegance. When summer unfurls its golden wings over this idyllic country, the landscapes transform into living paintings. Snow gives way to lush meadows, glacial lakes turn turquoise, and villages awaken with vibrant charm. If you’re plotting a Swiss escape this summer, let this guide lead you through the ten most spellbinding destinations that promise adventure, tranquility, and everything in between.
1. Zermatt – The Crown Jewel Beneath the Matterhorn
Zermatt isn’t just a village; it’s an experience. Nestled beneath the majestic Matterhorn, this car-free haven is a sanctuary of crisp air and crystalline views. During summer, hiking trails lace the region like silk ribbons, leading to hidden alpine lakes, glacial caves, and panoramic ridges.
Cable cars glide you up to Gornergrat, where you can gaze at 29 peaks soaring over 4,000 meters. For thrill-seekers, paragliding offers an eagle-eye view of this Alpine marvel. Don’t forget your camera—or your sense of wonder.
2. Interlaken – Where Lakes Embrace the Mountains
If Switzerland had a heart, it would beat in Interlaken. Sandwiched between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and framed by the towering Bernese Alps, this resort town is the epicenter of summer adventure.
Paragliding, canyoning, kayaking, and skydiving are par for the course here. But even a serene walk along Höheweg—Interlaken’s iconic promenade—reveals stunning vistas and charming boutiques. It’s a place that balances adrenaline and tranquility with poetic finesse.
3. Lauterbrunnen – The Valley of 72 Waterfalls
Picture this: a fairy-tale valley with cliffs soaring like cathedral spires and waterfalls cascading down like silver threads. Lauterbrunnen is that dream, brought to life.
Summer brings vibrant greenery and meadows awash in wildflowers. Hike up to Mürren or take the train to Wengen—both car-free villages with cinematic views. And if the thunderous Staubbach Falls doesn’t steal your breath, the Trümmelbach Falls—roaring inside the mountains—certainly will.
4. Lucerne – Lakeside Elegance and Medieval Magic
Lucerne is where history wears a crown of elegance. With its medieval old town, covered wooden bridges, and the mirror-like Lake Lucerne, it blends culture and nature seamlessly.
Take a paddle steamer across the lake, or ascend Mount Pilatus by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Evenings are best spent at a lakeside café, watching the Alps glow pink under the sunset. This is refined summer living, Swiss-style.
5. Montreux – Riviera Flair on a Swiss Canvas
Perched on the northeastern shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux is pure poetry. Palms line the promenade, jazz drifts through the air (especially in July, during the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival), and the lake reflects Mont Blanc on clear days.
Visit Chillon Castle—a medieval fortress straight from a fantasy novel—or sip local wine in the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site clinging to terraced hillsides. It’s a place to linger and lose yourself in lakeside luxury.
6. Grindelwald – Gateway to the Glacier Kingdom
Grindelwald may sound like a wizard’s village—and it feels like one, too. Towering above are the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, glistening like ancient titans. The air is filled with pine, and the pace is perfect for explorers.
Ride the Eiger Express to the Jungfraujoch—the “Top of Europe”—or hike to the shimmering Bachalpsee Lake. In summer, cowbells echo through the valley, wildflowers bloom wildly, and every trail leads to a postcard-worthy view.
7. St. Moritz – Glacial Glamour in the Sun
While St. Moritz might be known for its winter glitz, summer unveils its quieter, sunlit soul. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, this high-altitude haven is ideal for hiking, sailing, windsurfing, and even glacier skiing.
The Engadin Valley here is a patchwork of turquoise lakes, pine forests, and sun-drenched trails. Stop by the Segantini Museum, enjoy a luxe spa, or ride the Bernina Express—one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
8. Bern – A Capital Wrapped in History
Switzerland’s capital city is anything but typical. Bern blends its UNESCO-listed medieval old town with lush riverbanks and cosmopolitan flair. The Aare River wraps around the city like an emerald ribbon, inviting summer swims and lazy floats.
Climb the Zytglogge clock tower, stroll through the Rose Garden for a sweeping view of the city, or visit the home of Albert Einstein. In Bern, every cobblestone whispers a story.
9. Appenzell – Rustic Switzerland in Full Bloom
Step into Appenzell and you step into a storybook. Rolling green hills, vibrantly painted houses, and locals clad in traditional attire—it’s a living museum of Swiss heritage.
Summer brings colorful festivals, mountain cheese tastings, and barefoot walks through blooming meadows. Hike to the Aescher cliffside restaurant or take in the views from Ebenalp. This is Switzerland in its most whimsical and pastoral form.
10. Ticino – The Mediterranean Soul of Switzerland
In the southernmost canton of Ticino, Swiss precision meets Italian passion. Palm trees sway beside alpine peaks, and lakes shimmer beneath baroque churches. Lugano and Locarno are the jewels of this sun-drenched region.
Wander through Piazza della Riforma, cruise Lake Lugano, or hike to the Verzasca Valley with its iconic stone bridge and emerald pools. Ticino is not just a destination—it’s a revelation.
Before You Pack: Practical Magic
Before embarking on your alpine odyssey, be sure to schedule your Switzerland visa appointment well in advance. Summer is high season, and appointments fill quickly. Whether you’re applying from the UK or elsewhere, securing your Switzerland visa appointment early ensures smooth sailing into this dreamland.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland in summer is an unfolding scroll of majesty and charm. From glacial peaks to sun-drenched vineyards, from medieval towns to mirror-like lakes—every destination offers a unique slice of paradise. So lace up your boots, charge your camera, and let the whispering Alps guide your soul. Summer is calling, and Switzerland is ready.
