Switzerland is a dream place to visit, especially in the summer when the snow melts and the valleys, lakes, and picturesque mountain villages come to life.  The country has a wide range of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities that are great for families, couples, or single travelers.  We've picked the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer for you, so your vacation will be full of memories you'll never forget.

1. Zermatt

In the summer, Zermatt is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.  There are no cars in this community at the foot of the Matterhorn. It has great hiking paths, beautiful train journeys, and views of the mountains from all sides.  The weather is great for outdoor activities like glacier trekking and paragliding in the summer.  It's a quiet place where nature and the beauty of the Alps come together perfectly.  The Gornergrat train has the best views of the mountains.

Things to do in Zermatt: Hike to Gorner Gorge and go for a ride on the Gornergrat cogwheel train.

Tourist Attractions in Zermatt: The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Matterhorn Museum.

What to Eat? At Restaurant Schäferstube, you may try raclette or rösti

What to Buy? At the Bahnhofstrasse Victorinox Store, you can buy real Swiss army knives.

Travel Tip: Book train tickets early—Zermatt is car-free and train access fills up fast in summer.

2. Montreux

Montreux is one of the best summer destinations in Switzerland. It is situated on the calm shores of Lake Geneva.  The lakeside promenade, beautiful vineyards, and the well-known Montreux Jazz Festival make for a summer that you won't forget.  Families and couples can go on boat rides, have picnics on the lake, and visit neighboring places like Chillon Castle.  The whole area is a great place to relax, listen to music, and enjoy nature in the summer.

Things to do in Montreux: Go for a paddleboat ride and walk along the lakeside promenade.

Tourist Attractions in Montreux: Château de Chillon and the Freddie Mercury statue.

What to Eat? Try Tchelo Kebab at Le Palais Oriental.

What to Buy? Lavaux wines from local cellars or gift shops near Vevey.

Travel Tip: Visit during the Montreux Jazz Festival in July for an unforgettable experience.

3. Interlaken 

Interlaken is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer with kids.  There are a lot of things to do with your family there, and it's surrounded by two clear lakes and the peaks of the Jungfrau region. It's a summer dream for kids and adults, with everything from mountain railways to lake cruises to adventure parks.  Don't forget to take the Harderbahn to see the whole area from above.

Things to do in Interlaken: You may enjoy paragliding or kayaking between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in Interlaken.

Tourist Attractions in Interlaken: Jungfraujoch and Harder Kulm.

What to Eat? Swiss fondue at Restaurant Bebbis near the main promenade.

What to Buy? Swiss watches from Kirchhofer’s flagship store.

Travel Tip: Get the Swiss Travel Pass. It includes boats, trains, and discounts on mountain trips.

4. Lucerne 

Lucerne is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland in summer.  This medieval town has a lot of culture and natural beauty. It has the famous Chapel Bridge, cafes along the lake, and easy access to Mount Pilatus.  The cogwheel train and aerial cableway provide you amazing views of the Alps all around. Lucerne is a great spot for anyone who wants to see history and have fun at the same time.

Things to do in Lucerne: Take a boat ride across Lake Lucerne, walk around the Old Town in Lucerne and ride the Titlis Rotair cable car to Mount Titlis.

Tourist Attractions in Lucerne: Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus cableway and the Titlis Cliff Walk – Europe’s highest suspension bridge.

What to Eat? Try Luzerner Chügelipastete (meat pastry) at the Wirtshaus Taube.

What to Buy? Handmade music boxes and cuckoo clocks in Old Town shops.

Travel Tip: Go to Mount Titlis in the morning to enjoy the best views.

5. Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen (Bernese Oberland)

Don't forget to include the beautiful valleys of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen in your Switzerland summer itinerary. This area is great for exploring at a leisurely pace because of its tall waterfalls, alpine meadows, and beautiful hiking routes.  It's a terrific place to get away from it all and appreciate the tranquil beauty of nature.  It seems like walking into a fairy tale when it's summer here.

Things to do in Grindelwald: You may hike the Eiger Trail or ride the First Cliff Walk at Grindelwald.

Tourist Attractions in Lauterbrunnen: Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls.

What to Eat? Cheese fondue with local mountain herbs at Restaurant Barry’s.

What to Buy? Wooden carvings and cowbells from local craft stalls.

Travel Tip: Bring thick clothing. The valley is warm, but the steep trails can be cold

Must Read: Things to do in Switzerland for Young Adults 

6. Mont Blanc Region – Chamonix (Swiss Border)

Chamonix, which is close to the Swiss border, is one of the best places in Switzerland to go in the summer if you want to have fun.  The area has magnificent mountain scenery and high-altitude thrills, from glacier hikes to cable car rides that give you a bird's-eye view of the Aiguille du Midi. It's a must-see for everybody who wants to have an adventure in the mountains. Because it is so close to Switzerland, it is a great side trip.

Things to do in Chamonix: Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car.

Tourist Attractions in Chamonix: Mer de Glace glacier and Montenvers Railway.

What to Eat? Tartiflette (potato & cheese dish) at Le Monchu.

What to Buy? Mountain sports gear from Mont Blanc Boutique on Rue Paccard.

Travel Tip: Get to the cable car station early because the lines are long, especially in the summer.

7. Zurich & Rhine Falls

One of the best places to visit in Switzerland is Zurich.  In the summer, the city comes to life with outdoor activities, places to swim in the lake, and parks for families.  The tremendous Rhine Falls, which is just outside the city, is a natural wonder that you have to see. It has boat rides and viewing platforms.  Zurich easily combines the cosmopolitan with the raw strength of nature.

Things to do in Zurich: Swim in Lake Zurich and shop in Bahnhofstrasse.

Tourist Attractions in Zurich: Old Town, Grossmünster, Rhine Falls and more.

What to Eat? Hiltl Pulled BBQ Burger, Züri Geschnetzeltes and Sri Lanka Jackfruit Curry at Haus Hiltl.

What to Buy? Luxury chocolates from Läderach, Bahnhofstrasse.

Travel Tip: Use the ZVV app for Zurich's public transportation to organize your trip easily.

Check out: Beautiful Places in Zurich Switzerland

8. St. Moritz and Engadin Valley

St. Moritz and the Engadin Valley are two of the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer.  The lakes in the area are like mirrors, the weather is beautiful, and the hiking trails are easy.  Visitors can do mountain biking, boating, or just enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Alps.  This area is great for both people who want to live in luxury and people who appreciate the outdoors.

Things to do in St. Moritz: You can sail on Lake St. Moritz or trek the Segantini Trail and more.

Tourist Attractions in St. Moritz: Muottas Muragl and the Leaning Tower.

What to Eat? Capuns (Swiss chard dumplings) at Chesa Veglia.

What to Buy? Designer goods from Via Serlas—the “Beverly Hills of the Alps.”

Travel Tip: Drink more water  and wear sunscreen—even on cooler days, the high-altitude sun in St. Moritz can be intense.

9. Gstaad & Bernese Highlands

Gstaad is one of the nicest spots in Switzerland to visit with kids in the summer.  The peaceful mountain community has easy hiking paths, animal parks, and cable car routes that are safe for kids.  It's a terrific place for families who wish to spend time in nature on a tranquil but exciting vacation.  The quiet setting and fresh mountain air make it a popular place for families.

Things to do in Gstaad: Go for gondola rides that take you through beautiful scenery and relax in mountain spas.

Tourist Attractions in Gstaad: Glacier 3000 and Gstaad Promenade.

What to Eat? Enjoy tuna, burrata, agnolotti at Restaurant Muli

What to Buy? Traditional wooden toys and crafts at Heimatwerk Gstaad.

Travel Tip: Gstaad is less busy on weekdays, so plan to explore the village then.

Check out: Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland

10. Lugano & Ticino

In the summer, Lugano is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.  It is in the Italian-speaking region of the country and has a Mediterranean feel with lakeside walks, palm trees, and great food.  It's great for relaxing walks, lunches by the lake, and boat cruises in the summer.  You can't resist the combination of Swiss efficiency and Italian flair.

Things to do in Lugano: Cruise Lake Lugano or explore Parco Ciani.

Tourist Attractions in Lugano: Monte Brè and Swissminiatur

What to Eat? Enjoy Swiss and Italian classics like cheese fondue, pizza, and risotto at Ristorante Trattoria Galleria

What to Buy? Handmade Italian leather goods at Via Nassa boutiques.

Travel Tip: Learn a few Italian words and phrases. People in this area will appreciate the effort.

Best Time to Visit Switzerland 

Switzerland is gorgeous all year long, but it really shines in the summer.   Think about these dates and reasons to take a vacation.

Best time to travel in the summer is from mid-June to early September.

This is when Switzerland is at its most active.   The sunshine is now shining on the mountain lakes because the snow is melting and the hiking trails are open.

Weather Highlights

June: Quiet and pleasant, with less people around.   Good for taking your time and seeing the sights.

July and August:  In July and August, you can enjoy the warmest weather, go to great events, have fun with the kids, and easily get to high-altitude areas.

September:  September is the best month to go because the weather is nicer, there are fewer people, and the evenings are quieter.

Best Time for Families

If you are traveling with kids, July and August are the greatest months to go.   The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like going to the lake or the mountains, and many destinations have special events.

Why take a vacation in the summer?

• The freedom to travel on gorgeous train routes like the Glacier Express
• Beautiful lakes and green pastures that are great for biking or hiking all day
• In the summer, there are outdoor cafes, cultural festivals, and boat rides on the lake.

Switzerland is the perfect place to go in the summer because it has a lot to do outside, has a lot of history, and has a lot of fun things to do. Switzerland is a great place to come in the summer, whether you want to relax or go on an adventure.

Conclusion

Switzerland is a great place for families to go in the summer if they want to do fun things, see beautiful scenery, and learn about the culture.   No matter where you go, you'll find something wonderful about it, like the food, the calm lakes, or the mountain trails to hike.  Switzerland in the summer will be a journey you'll never forget. There are famous places to see like Lucerne and Zermatt, as well as hidden gems in Ticino. When you book your Switzerland tour packages with Best Value Tourism Dubai, we can make your dream vacation come true with our expert planning and unbeatable prices.