18 best things to do in Switzerland in summer: our top picks

Skiing might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Switzerland, but summer can be just as rewarding. With its mountains, lakes, and, of course, chocolate, the country has plenty to enjoy beyond winter sports. Here are the best things to do in Switzerland during the summer months, to inspire your next trip.

1. Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail

The Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail runs along the southern edge of the Aletsch Arena, where you get wide views of Europe’s longest glacier. TThe glacier itself stretches for about 14 miles (23 km), framed by 13,000-foot (4,000 m) peaks, and in summer the surrounding meadows are filled with wildflowers.

The route connects mountain stations at Bettmerhorn, Eggishorn, and Fiescheralp, so you can pick shorter or longer sections depending on your energy level. Walking here is as much about the alpine culture as the scenery. You’ll pass wooden chalets, mountain pastures, and those huge sweeps of ice that make the UNESCO site so remarkable.

How to get to Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail

You can reach the trail by cable car from the villages of Fiesch, Betten, or Riederalp in Valais. Trains run from major Swiss cities to these villages, and gondolas connect you to the panorama points. The trip from Zurich takes around three hours. Cable cars usually run from early June to October, with longer hours in peak summer. If you want to stay overnight, book early since mountain hotels and guesthouses are limited.
 

2. Canyoning in Interlaken

Interlaken is one of the main bases for canyoning in Switzerland. It’s a popular place for rappelling, sliding, jumping, and swimming through steep gorges shaped by glaciers.

Summer is the best season, when the water is higher and the air warmer, and you can expect everything from calm pools to 65-foot (20 m) waterfalls. Local guides provide wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses, then lead groups through canyons like Grimsel, Saxeten, or Chli Schliere.

Each canyon has a different level of difficulty. Some are better suited to beginners or families, while others are more demanding. It’s a way to see a side of the Swiss landscape you wouldn’t reach otherwise, with emerald pools and natural rock slides hidden deep in the valleys.

How to get to canyoning in Interlaken

Most tours begin in central Interlaken, about two hours by train from Zurich or Bern. Tour companies usually drive you to the canyon itself, which can be 20 to 45 minutes away. You should be comfortable swimming and have a basic level of fitness, but guides adapt routes to match the group’s ability.

3. Fête de la Musique, Geneva

Each June, Geneva becomes one big stage for the Fête de la Musique, held around the summer solstice.

Over the weekend you can move between parks, courtyards, squares, and the lakefront, hearing everything from orchestras and jazz groups to electronic DJs, folk singers, and drumming circles.

Professionals and amateurs share the program, which gives the whole event an easygoing, international feel that fits Geneva well. The long daylight means music often continues late into the night, and the lakeside setting makes for memorable evenings with Lake Geneva and the Alps in view.

How to get to Fête de la Musique, Geneva

Events are spread across the city center, mainly around the old town, Parc des Bastions, and the lakefront. Public transport is the simplest way to get around, and during the festival you can travel for free with an event program. Trains run regularly between Geneva and other Swiss cities, so you could come just for the day. If you want to stay overnight, book well ahead since hotels fill quickly. The festival app is useful for schedules and maps.
 

4. Cycle the Rhone Route

The Rhone Route follows the river for about 220 miles (350 km), running from the Rhone Glacier in the Alps all the way down to Lake Geneva. The scenery changes constantly, shifting from alpine passes to vineyards and lakefront stretches, so you get a real sense of the country’s variety in one trip. Summer is the best time to ride since the higher sections are clear of snow and the days are long enough to take your time.

You don’t need to cycle the full distance, in fact most people ride shorter sections that fit their style. Some stretches are flat and family-friendly, while others climb through mountain terrain that will keep more serious cyclists busy.

Along the way, you’ll pass through German-speaking villages, medieval castles in Valais, and the wine regions around Lake Geneva. Highlights include the Rhone Glacier, the Lavaux vineyards, and quiet riverside towns.

How to get to the Rhone Route

For the full ride, begin in Andermatt. You can also join the route at different towns in the Rhone Valley. Trains are set up for cyclists, though you need a bike reservation. Rentals, including e-bikes, are available at larger stations. The route is easy to follow with red route 1 signs. If you want to keep your load light, there are services that transfer luggage between overnight stops.
 

5. International Alphorn Festival, Nendaz

Each July, Nendaz hosts the International Alphorn Festival, bringing together hundreds of players in the Valais Alps. The sound of the alphorn carries across the valleys, with performances ranging from solos to groups of more than 200 musicians. You can also take part in workshops to try playing one of these 11-foot (3.5 m) wooden horns yourself.

The festival includes more than music. You will also see traditional flag throwing, yodeling, and local crafts on display. The mix of music, traditions, and mountain scenery makes it a memorable experience in a setting that feels very tied to Swiss culture.

How to get to the International Alphorn Festival, Nendaz

Take a train to Sion, then connect by postal bus up to Nendaz in about 30 minutes. During the festival, shuttle buses run between venues. Since accommodation in Nendaz is limited, it is best to book early. If you cannot, Sion has more hotel options with regular bus connections. The main performances are at Tracouet, which you reach by cable car from Nendaz.
 

6. Walk the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces stretch along the north side of Lake Geneva, where vines have been growing since Roman times. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the terraces are at their most striking in summer, when the rows of green vines meet the deep blue of the lake and the outline of the French Alps across the water.

Trails connect wine villages like Saint-Saphorin and Epesses, where family-run wineries pour their Chasselas wines. The south-facing slopes get extra warmth from the lake and the heat stored in the old stone walls, which helps ripen the grapes.

Walks here range from easy paths by the lakeshore to steep climbs through the vineyards, each showing a different view of this long winemaking tradition.

How to get to Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

Take the train along the Lausanne–Montreux line to stations like Cully, Epesses, or Saint-Saphorin. In summer, the Lavaux Express tourist train links several of the villages.

The hiking trails are marked with yellow signs that also give walking times. Start in the morning if you can, since much of the path is exposed to the sun. Wineries are often closed on Sundays and Mondays, so check ahead if you plan to stop for tastings. The Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz is a good place to try a range of wines and learn more about the region.
 

7. Glacier Express

The Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz in an eight-hour ride that passes over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels.

In summer, the scenery includes alpine meadows in bloom, bright blue mountain lakes, and villages tucked into valleys below snow-covered peaks. Large panoramic windows and glass roof sections mean you get full views of the highlights, including the Oberalp Pass at 6,670 feet (2,033 meters) and the Rhine Gorge, sometimes called Switzerland’s Grand Canyon.

The train climbs steep grades that seem unlikely for a railway, while onboard commentary explains the history, geology, and culture of the regions you pass through.

How to get to Glacier Express

You can start in either Zermatt or St. Moritz, both connected to the Swiss rail network. Reservations are required and tend to fill up quickly in summer.

The full journey takes eight hours, though you can book shorter sections if you prefer. There are first and second class tickets, while Excellence Class comes with additional services.

The train runs daily from May through October, and it is worth planning an overnight stay at either end of the route to avoid rushing connections.
 

8. Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux

The Montreux Jazz Festival has been running since 1967 and today covers a wide range of music beyond jazz, including rock, soul, pop, and electronic. It takes place in July for two weeks along Lake Geneva’s Riviera.

Free outdoor shows bring crowds to the flower-lined lakefront, while ticketed concerts happen in smaller venues like the Stravinski Auditorium. Summer evenings are often filled with informal jam sessions, workshops, and smaller gigs around town, and you may end up hearing new artists before they become well known.

How to get to Montreux Jazz Festival

Montreux is on the main rail line along the north shore of Lake Geneva, about 60 miles (97 km) from Geneva and 150 miles (241 km) from Zurich. The festival zone is compact and easy to walk, with everything centered around the lake and train station. 

Accommodation goes quickly, so plan ahead or look at nearby Vevey or Lausanne, both linked by frequent trains. Special late-night trains run during the festival to connect people back to the bigger cities.
 

9. First Cliff Walk

The First Cliff Walk by Tissot stretches along the cliffs of Grindelwald’s First mountain, with steel walkways and a glass platform that extends out over a sheer drop.

At more than 6,500 feet (2,000m), you get wide views of the Eiger’s North Face, the Grindelwald valley, and the peaks surrounding it. Walking across the grated sections can test your nerve since you can see straight through to the drop below.

In summer the path is clear of ice and open throughout the day, so you can move at your own pace. The walkway itself is free once you reach the top, and there are plenty of other activities nearby like the First Flyer zipline and the mountain carts. Wildflowers line the trails in the warmer months and sometimes you’ll see ibex grazing on the slopes.

How to get to First Cliff Walk

Take the train to Grindelwald, then ride the First gondola from the village center. The ride takes about 25 minutes to the summit. Gondolas run from early morning until evening in summer, with extended hours during the busiest weeks. If you want to try several activities, look at combination tickets. The walkway is generally open except during strong winds.
 

10. Drive or bus over the Gotthard Pass

The Gotthard Pass is one of Switzerland’s historic mountain crossings at 6,900 feet (2,106m). While most people today use the tunnel, the summer road follows the old trade route that once connected northern and southern Europe.

The drive curves through hairpin bends and includes stretches of original cobblestones from the 1200s. Along the way you pass the Devil’s Bridge, the Schöllenen Gorge, and the hospice at the summit that now has a small museum.

Crossing the pass also takes you over the Continental Divide where rivers flow toward either the Mediterranean or the North Sea. Alpine lakes reflect the peaks around them, and the views give you a sense of why this crossing was so important for centuries. You can drive the road yourself or ride the yellow postal bus, which still runs the route regularly in summer.

How to get to Gotthard Pass

The road connects Andermatt in the north with Airolo in the south. It usually opens in June and remains accessible until October depending on snow. The postal bus makes several trips each day in summer, leaving from the train stations in both towns.
 

11. Interlaken International Street Artists Festival

Every August, Interlaken turns into a giant stage, with performers from across the world filling the streets with acrobatics, music, comedy, and magic. The shows pop up around town, often in Höhematte park, along the lakefront, or in the historic center, all framed by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.

The variety is wide, so in the same afternoon you could watch a Chinese acrobat troupe and then wander into a comedy act from Australia or a dance performance from Africa. Most events are free, and because the performances rely more on visuals than language, the festival works well for international visitors.

How to get to Interlaken International Street Artists Festival

Interlaken has two train stations, Ost and West, both with frequent connections to major Swiss cities. Most shows take place in the pedestrian area between the two stations, so it is easy to walk everywhere. Programs are available with times and locations for each act.

Since August is the busiest month of the year, booking accommodation well in advance is smart. If places in Interlaken are full, towns like Wilderswil or Bönigen are nearby and connected by short train rides.

12. Switzerland’s Lakes (Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Thun)

Summer is when Switzerland’s lakes are at their best. Locals swim, sail, paddleboard, or spend time on the promenades where cafés spill out onto the water’s edge. Each lake has a distinct feel. Geneva is large and international, Lucerne is framed by steep arms of water and sharp peaks, Zurich feels energetic and urban, and Thun reflects the mountains of the Bernese Oberland in turquoise water.

By mid-summer the lakes warm enough for long swims, with public lidos and beaches, known as badi, open across the country. Boats and historic steamers run frequent services, so you can travel between towns directly on the water. Around the lakes, summer festivals, markets, and concerts add to the activity.

How to get to Switzerland’s Lakes

All of these lakes are directly linked by train to their main towns and cities. Boat services run throughout the summer and are included on most Swiss Travel Passes, making it easy to hop between places at a relaxed pace.

Entrance fees for public swimming areas are usually small, and July and August are the warmest months for the water. If you want to link several lakes in one trip, routes like the GoldenPass Line connect Geneva, Thun, and Lucerne with scenic views the whole way.
 

13. Hike in the Engadin Valley around St. Moritz

The Engadin Valley is known for its high-altitude trails, clear lakes, and mountain views. In summer, paths that are snowed in for months finally open up.

You can take an easy lakeside walk linking St. Moritz with nearby villages, or head for tougher routes that reach glaciers and peaks over 9,800 feet (3,000m).

The climate here is unusually dry and sunny, giving the valley a crisp, bright quality that makes hiking especially pleasant. Some favorite routes include Val Roseg for its glacier views, the meadows near Muottas Muragl that bloom with wildflowers in summer, and the chain of lakes on the Upper Engadin plateau.

How to get to Engadin Valley

St. Moritz is connected by train on the Albula and Bernina lines, both scenic UNESCO World Heritage routes. The valley stretches from Maloja to Zernez, with good public transport linking the villages. Mountain railways and cable cars give access to higher trailheads, and the Engadin Bus system is timed with train arrivals.

If you plan to move around a lot, look into the regional hiking pass for unlimited mountain transport. 
 

14. Locarno Film Festival

Every August, Locarno turns into one big celebration of cinema. The centerpiece is the Piazza Grande, where thousands of people settle in for open-air screenings on one of the largest outdoor screens anywhere.

The setting is hard to beat: films under the stars, framed by the surrounding Alps. The program is broad, ranging from experimental films to premieres that draw bigger crowds, so there’s always something to discover.

The atmosphere before screenings is half the fun, with live music, wine, and the buzz of the square filling up as night falls. Away from the piazza, smaller theaters around town showcase new directors and themed retrospectives.

What makes the festival memorable is how it feels both glamorous and laid-back. You might just notice an international star at the next table while sipping a drink by the lake.

How to get to Locarno Film Festival

Locarno is easy to reach by train, either along the Gotthard line or via the scenic Centovalli route from Italy. The Piazza Grande is right in the town center, just a short walk from the station. Accommodation gets snapped up quickly, so plan well ahead. If rooms in Locarno are scarce, nearby Ascona and Bellinzona make good bases with regular trains into town. Tickets for the main piazza sell out fast, but smaller screenings often have space even during peak nights.
 

15. Take the cable car up to Schilthorn (Piz Gloria)

The Schilthorn cable car climbs nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 m) from the Lauterbrunnen Valley up to Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant that appeared as Blofeld’s hideout in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

The ride has four stages, starting among waterfalls in the valley, passing through alpine meadows, and finally reaching a bare, high-altitude summit.

At the top, you can walk out to a 360-degree platform with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. On clear days, you can see as far as Mont Blanc in France and the Black Forest in Germany.

There’s a James Bond exhibition at the summit, but the main reason to come is the mountain panorama. If you eat at the restaurant, the floor slowly rotates, making a full turn every 45 minutes so you don’t miss any part of the view.

How to get to Schilthorn

From Interlaken, take the train to Lauterbrunnen. From there, continue by cable car either through Grütschalp and Mürren or directly from Stechelberg. The trip takes about 30 minutes from valley to summit. Early mornings are usually quieter and the views tend to be clearer. The “Good Morning Ticket” includes a discounted ride and breakfast at the top. Before you go, check the live webcams, since the peak is often in cloud even when the valley is bright. 
 

16. Trümmelbach Falls

Trümmelbach Falls channel glacial meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau through a network of chambers inside the mountain. In summer, as much as 5,000 gallons (20,000 liters) of water per second rush through the tunnels, carrying boulders and debris that continue to shape the rock walls.

The sound is loud enough to drown out conversation and the spray is constant, so you feel the power of the water as soon as you step inside. A tunnel lift and a series of walkways let you move safely between the ten cascades while still being close to the action. It’s one of the few places where you can see the forces that created the Lauterbrunnen Valley still at work.

How to get to Trümmelbach Falls

The entrance is about 2 miles (3 km) from Lauterbrunnen village in the direction of Stechelberg. You can walk the valley path in about 45 minutes or take the postal bus from Lauterbrunnen station.

The falls are open from April to November, with longer hours in summer. Wear a waterproof layer because the spray is heavy. A tunnel lift helps with access, but you’ll still need to climb stairs to reach some of the galleries.

17. Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park in the Engadin Valley protects 65 square miles (170 sq km) of Alpine wilderness. Since 1914, it has been the only area in Switzerland where nature is left entirely on its own.

In summer, the park is full of activity. You might see marmots calling from the meadows, ibex grazing on the slopes, or golden eagles circling above. Around 50 miles (80 km) of marked trails lead through pine forests, alpine pastures, and wildflower-covered valleys.

Unlike much of the Alps, there are no lifts, trains, or restaurants inside the park, so you experience it in its raw state. Rangers also run guided walks if you want to learn more about the plants, animals, and how the land has been recovering since farming stopped.

How to get to Swiss National Park

Zernez is the main entry point. The visitor center there has maps, wildlife updates, and exhibitions. You can also reach trailheads from S-chanf or Scuol using the yellow postal buses. Trains from Zurich take about two and a half hours, connecting through Landquart. Rules are strict, so you’ll need to stay on marked paths.

Camping isn’t allowed, so plan to stay in one of the nearby villages. The best time to visit is June through October, when the trails are clear of snow.
 

18. Gurten Music Festival, Bern

Each July, Bern’s local mountain turns into the setting for the Gurten Music Festival. For four days, big-name acts share the stage with up-and-coming artists across indie, electronic, hip-hop, and more.

The atmosphere is easygoing. You can camp on the hillside, join a yoga session in the morning, or just stretch out in the grass while the music drifts across the fields. From the main stage, the view takes in Bern’s old town, the turquoise loops of the Aare River, and the Bernese Alps in the distance.

How to get to Gurten Music Festival

The quickest way up is the Gurten funicular from Wabern station. Tram 9 runs there from Bern’s main station, and festival tickets include both the tram and funicular rides.

There is a campsite with pre-pitched tents, or you can book a hotel in the city, though rooms go fast. If you are just coming for the day, late-night transport is arranged after the final shows. Cash machines are on-site, and most vendors now take cards.