Switzerland in the Summer: Essential Travel Guide

While it might initially conjure up images of snow-capped mountains and winter sports, Switzerland in the summer months show a whole new side to this beautiful country. A perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, find out why summer is one of the best times to visit Switzerland, taking you from outdoor activities and scenic hiking trails to picturesque lakes and historical villages. 

Switzerland has something for everyone, and there’s so much more than just exceptional chocolate to get stuck into, though that is a definite highlight. Here’s our guide to visiting Switzerland in the summer, from our top 10 things to do to where to visit, and what to expect from the weather. 

10 Things To Do in Switzerland in the Summer

1. Take a dip in Lake Geneva

The largest body of water in Switzerland spanning 45 miles (72 km), Lake Geneva is framed by picturesque towns and the scenic surroundings of the Swiss Alps. An iconic natural landmark, in the summer months it offers a serene setting for a leisurely cruise and rejuvenating swim. If you’re the active type, there are water sports to get stuck into, or charming lakeside towns to be explored with vibrant markets and delicious restaurants.  

2. Stroll the streets of Zürich

The largest city in Switzerland, Zürich in the summer offers a unique blend of cultural vibrancy, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. Immerse yourself in the city’s history by exploring Bern with its Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, adorned with medieval architecture and brimming with lively cafes and shops. Stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich, or make the most of the good weather and with the city’s open-air concerts and festivals. If that all sounds like too much, then simply pick one of Zürich’s many parks and green spaces, and relax. 

Explore Bern with a historian on our Country Roads of Switzerland Tour.

3. Discover the Lavaux wine region 

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva with around 200 wineries, the Lavaux wine region offers world-class wines and stunning views. Explore 800 hectares of hillside vineyards, with 10,000 stone terraces set against a backdrop of Lake Geneva. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of winemaking that dates back centuries, and learn about local wine growing culture and grape varieties grown in this UNESCO World Heritage site. 95% of production is consumed locally, so this is a unique chance to taste wine that you won’t find anywhere else in the warmth of the Swiss sun.  

Unveil the best of Switzerland with a Travel Director here: The incredible insights you’ll uncover in 7 days on Magical Switzerland

4. Take Europe’s highest cable car 

If you’re after some snow even in the summer, take Europe’s highest cable car ride up the Klein Matterhorn. Starting in Zermatt, enjoy stunning views as you ascend to 3,883 meters (12,740ft) to view the magnificent snow-capped top of the world. Taking the title of Europe’s largest summer ski area, here you have the chance to ski all year round. There’s room for the hikers too, who can take on the task of scaling the Breithorn at 4,164 meters (13,660ft), while more relaxed travellers can admire the views from the mountain observation window looking out over the Breithorn. 

5. See a different side to St Moritz   

While best known as a winter mountain resort, in the summer St. Moritz transforms into a playground of activity, perfect for those who like things a little cooler thanks to its higher altitude. A must-go for the more active adventurer, discover the hiking and mountain biking trails that offer stunning vistas of the Engadin Valley and its lakes. Indulge in world-class golfing on verdant courses nestled amidst majestic peaks. Take a rejuvenating dip in mineral-rich thermal baths, or embark on scenic horseback rides through lush meadows. 

Switzerland has 7,000 lakes, but we’ve picked out five favourites for you to add to your bucket list: Lake Thun, Lake Léman, Lake Brienz, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Maggiore. Enjoy some of the clearest water in the world as you cool off from the summer heat in these Alpine lakes, or treat yourself to a boat ride across the waters. 

7. Stunning train journeys

Switzerland by train is one of the most leisurely and scenic ways to see it. Embrace the glamorous and romantic side of a travelling, and sit back while the breathtaking vistas and alpine landscapes pass your window. Perhaps the most famous and modern of Switzerland’s trains, travelling at just 24mph (making it the slowest train in the world) is the glass-topped Glacier Express The perfect opportunity to see the lush mountain scenery in all its glory during the summer months, it ascends over 6,600 feet between Zermatt and St. Moritz. See for yourself on our Magical Switzerland tour.

Don’t overlook the Bernina Express, a slightly older train compared to the Glacier Express but one that offers panoramic views nonetheless, journeying through 55 tunnels and nearly 200 bridges. Together, the two trains make up the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhaetian Railway. Alternatively you can take a ride on the Jungfraubahn, Europe’s highest railway scaling the famous Jungfrau standing at over 13,000 feet tall. For two thirds of the stretch, the cogwheel train travels through a tunnel inside the mountain, though there are windows in the rock wall so you can still admire the view. 

Get on track with your Switzerland facts here: 7 fascinating facts about Switzerland’s world famous Glacier Express

8. Make the most of cascading waterfalls 

Summer in Switzerland reveals a new side to its natural wonders with magnificent waterfalls. Marvel at the iconic Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall near Schaffhausen, explore the Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen surrounded by lush greenery and alpine views, or discover the fairytale Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz, a hidden gem on a forested mountainside.

9. Step into a hiker’s paradise

Switzerland’s summer transforms its already striking landscapes into some of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails, with its thousands of trails catering to a range of skill levels. Avid hikers can take on the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc, a multi-day trek offering views of the Alps across Switzerland, France, and Italy, or there’s the option to walk across the lush valleys of the Bernese Oberland on the Jungfrau Panorama Trail, taking you through summertime alpine meadows. 

10. Dine al fresco

Switzerland has one of the highest densities of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, and the summertime offers the chance to taste local in-season produce while eating al fresco. Absorbing influences from French, German, and Italian food, Swiss food goes far beyond the classics like cheese and chocolate, though don’t miss the opportunity to try a fondue. Each region has its own specialities and traditions, so make sure you get stuck into the staples wherever you choose to go.

What is the weather like in Switzerland in the summer?

Switzerland’s summer runs between June to mid-September, but peak summertime is in July and August. The weather is extremely pleasant – this is a country that never gets excessively hot, and in July and August the temperature ranges between 18-28 °C (65-82° F) during the day while June is slightly milder, but of course this depends on the altitude. Around the summer solstice in June, Switzerland gets up to 16 hours of daylight.

Visiting Switzerland in the summer generally means spending a lot of time outdoors, so you’ll experience the full range of temperatures throughout the day – this means even in the throes of summer you’ll want layers with you, so you can throw on a jumper and jacket when the evenings begin to cool down, and have a light raincoat handy.

Where to go in Switzerland for summer?

A trip to Switzerland in the summer is almost guaranteed to consist of mountainous views, glacial lakes, wildflower meadows and lush vineyards, while many of the lakeside towns come alive with festivals and events.

Interlaken

Summer is a time to get active in Switzerland, and a visit to Interlaken will give you the opportunity to try something new every day. The town, found in the Bernese Alps, sits between Lakes Thun and Brienz, with views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. Take a funicular to the top of Interlaken for unparalleled views, paddle board across the lakes, hike through the mountains, or get your adrenaline pumping and go white water rafting. It’s a summer paradise at Interlaken!

Zermatt

One of the key draws to Zermatt is the iconic Matterhorn, one of the highest summits in the Alps –  and Europe. It’s a great destination for both avid hikers and more relaxed adventurers, as you can take the cable car to the top of Matterhorn (no trekking poles needing). For those wanting to get their steps in, hiking at Gornergrat is another great thing to do from Zermatt for views of the Matterhorn and the stunning alpine scenery, with a range of trails for all levels.

Geneva

For a summer city break, Geneva has it all – a charming old town perfect for leisurely strolls and quaint architecture, exceptional restaurants, rooftop bars, plenty of lakes and beaches to cool off at (Bains des Pâquis is a hotspot), and even nearby vineyards just 20 minutes outside of the city. The best part? The locals take everything at a calm, relaxed pace – ideal for a summer vacation.

Montreux

See some of the finest live music in the world on the shores of Lake Geneva – the Montreux Jazz Festival takes place across two weeks every summer, usually around early July. It’s the second-largest annual jazz festival in the world (second only to Canada’s Montreal International Jazz Festival), and in 2025 it saw acts such as Raye, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross and Neil Young (among many, many others) take to the stage.

Explore our Switzerland guided tours now, and see another side to this magnificent country.