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Must-knows about Swiss summer destinations

  • I advise staying in or near the mountains if you visit Switzerland in summer, for quick access to hikes, mountain excursions, and more outdoor activities.
  • Large cities at lower altitudes (such as Basel and Bern) can get pretty hot in summer.
  • Alternatively, consider a lakeside city (such as Zurich or Montreux) for refreshing water activities.

“The itinerary had great detail and a good choice of activities in each location. Very helpful to group things that can be done in the same day. Love that the options are linked to the website.”

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Find your Swiss summer resort

The map further down shows where in Switzerland the listed towns are located.

Interlaken
The Grand Hotel Beau Rivage on the Aare river near Interlaken Ost.
Jungfrau Region, Lake Brienz, Lake ThunTrain stationAltitude: 567 m (1860 ft)
Interlaken is the central town in the Bernese Oberland, and the gate to the famous Jungfrau Region. I share my insider sightseeing, traveling, and accommodation tips. Show more ►
Zermatt
Hotel Beau Rivage on the banks of the Mattervispa river, with views of the Matterhorn.
ValaisTrain stationAltitude: 1605 m (5266 ft)Winter sports resortThis is a car-free town
Zermatt is a car-free, luxurious alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn. It’s a bit secluded, but you can enjoy spectacular mountain excursions right from town. Show more ►
Mürren
Main street and cableway to Birg in Mürren.
Jungfrau RegionTrain stationAltitude: 1650 m (5413 ft)Winter sports resortThis is a car-free town
The village of Mürren is perched on a cliff high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This town at the slopes of the Schilthorn offers amazing mountain views. Show more ►
Zurich
Zurich and its lake seen from Uetliberg
Zurich regionTrain stationAltitude: 408 m (1339 ft)On a lake
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. There is a lot to see and do, including boat trips, museums, luxury shopping, and a historic town center with a wide choice … Show more ►
Lucerne
Chapel Bridge/Kapellbrücke over river Reuss in Lucerne
Lake LucerneTrain stationAltitude: 440 m (1444 ft)On a lake
Lucerne is an appealing city in Central Switzerland. It’s ideal for first-time visitors: the historic town center, lake and nearby mountains offer a full Switzerland experience. Show more ►
Wengen
Jungfrau view from the town center of Wengen in early April.
Jungfrau RegionTrain stationAltitude: 1276 m (4186 ft)Winter sports resortThis is a car-free town
Wengen is a car-free alpine village in the Jungfrau Region, surrounded by hiking trails and ski slopes. It has gorgeous views of the Jungfrau and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Show more ►
Grindelwald
The Eiger North Face towers above the village of Grindelwald.
Jungfrau RegionTrain stationAltitude: 1034 m (3392 ft)Winter sports resort
Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger has all tourist facilities you need. It’s the perfect base for trips to Jungfraujoch, Männlichen and Grindelwald-First. Show more ►
Lauterbrunnen
The Lauterbrunnen Valley, its waterfalls, and the village of Lauterbrunnen seen from the train to Wengen.
Jungfrau RegionTrain stationAltitude: 793 m (2602 ft)
The scenic village of Lauterbrunnen is the gateway to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and to the mountain villages Wengen and Mürren. It’s famous for the Staubbach waterfall. Show more ►
St. Moritz
St. Moritz in the Upper Engadine, Graubünden
EngadineTrain stationAltitude: 1775 m (5823 ft)Winter sports resortOn a lake
St. Moritz is an upper-class alpine town. Located in the magnificent Upper Engadine valley in Graubünden, the town is a perfect base for hiking and skiing. Show more ►
Montreux
Montreux seen from Lake Geneva boulevard toward Veytaux
Lake GenevaTrain stationAltitude: 396 m (1299 ft)On a lake
Montreux is a pretty town on eastern Lake Geneva, with one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lake promenades. It’s on the GoldenPass train route and close to the Chillon Castle. Show more ►
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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.