The 15 most popular Swiss summer destinations

Ronco sopra Ascona, view of Brissago Islands and Lake Maggiore © Alessio Pizzicannella

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Swiss summer resorts offer you charming towns, cultural highlights, excellent gastronomy and a wide range of leisure activities. Here, urbanity meets relaxation - perfect for exploring and enjoying the summer.

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Zurich in summer

Zurich has a completely different feel in summer - lighter, livelier and with a touch of southern flair. The city becomes a bathing city: a dip in the lake in the morning, a café by the river at lunchtime, a drink with a view of the city in the evening. In between, take a stroll along the promenade or relax in one of the parks.

Zurich shows its culinary side with market stalls, outdoor cafés and garden restaurants. And last but not least, you can enjoy music, film and culture in the open air at a whole series of summer events throughout the city.

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Geneva in summer

Geneva in summer offers a perfect mix of nature and city life. Lac Léman becomes the center for leisure activities: swimming, sailing or simply strolling along the lakeside promenade.

Enjoy a cool break in the parks and on the riverbanks or stop off at one of the many cafés or restaurants. The old town invites you to take a stroll and offers historical sights and charming corners. And last but not least, outdoor summer events, from concerts to open-air cinemas, create a special atmosphere in the middle of the city.

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Basel in summer

In summer, Basel offers a mixture of culture and leisure right on the Rhine. The river invites you to go swimming and boating, followed by relaxation and enjoyment in one of the many buvettes, lovingly designed, small open-air restaurants.

At the same time, the old town with its historic buildings and modern museums invites you to take a stroll. There are numerous paths along the Rhine for walks or bike rides. Summer festivals, open-air concerts and the popular Basel Music Festival give the city a very special charm in summer.

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Zermatt in summer

Those who love nature and want to be active will also find a true paradise in Zermatt in summer. Surrounded by majestic mountains and the world-famous Matterhorn, the region offers numerous hiking and climbing routes, themed paths, high mountain tours and trails.

You can also go mountain biking or paragliding. The Gornergrat Railway takes visitors to breathtaking heights with views of glaciers and peaks. Zermatt is a wonderful place to stroll through the alleyways with traditional chalets and enjoy regional specialties in the restaurants.

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Bern in summer

Bern offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities in summer. The River Aare is ideal for swimming and boating, while the Gurten or the Rose Garden offer spectacular views of the Old Town and the Alps. The Old Town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors with historic buildings such as the Zytglogge Tower (clock tower), markets and cafés.

Those interested in culture can discover exciting exhibitions at the Paul Klee Center or the Bern Art Museum. Numerous summer festivals and open-air events also bring the city to life.

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Lausanne in summer

In summer, Lausanne attracts visitors with its location on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and the surrounding hills. The lake offers perfect conditions for water sports and boat trips, while the lakeside promenade invites you to stroll and linger.

In the old town, the imposing cathedral and picturesque alleyways are waiting to be discovered. Those interested in culture can visit the Olympic Museum or the Musée de l'Élysée. During the summer months, there are also numerous events that make the summer even more enjoyable.

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Interlaken in summer

Interlaken offers an incomparable mix of nature and activity in summer. Located between the two lakes of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the region is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and hikers. The surrounding mountains, including the famous Jungfrau massif, beckon with challenging routes and fantastic views.

The relaxed atmosphere in the center of Interlaken, with its beautiful parks and views of the Alps, ensures relaxation and enjoyment. Numerous summer events and sporting events enrich your stay in summer.

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Grindelwald in summer

Grindelwald is a true paradise for nature lovers and mountain enthusiasts in summer. Surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Wetterhorn and the north face of the Eiger, the region offers numerous hiking and climbing opportunities for all levels.

The First Cliff Walk by Tissot is also a highlight in summer. From Grindelwald, you can also experience the fantastic Jungfrau region with the Jungfraujoch. Or you can simply enjoy the idyllic village with its traditional chalets. Grindelwald also offers a wide range of activities such as mountain biking and paragliding.

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Lugano in summer

Vacation feelings like in Italy, a lake and lots of sun? That's Lugano in summer too. Lake Lugano offers ideal conditions for water sports such as swimming, sailing and boating, while you relax on the lakeside promenade in one of the lidos.

Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore offer wonderful hikes and panoramic views of the city and the lake. And numerous summer festivals and open-air events take place in the old town. Lugano combines Mediterranean charm, culture and nature to create an unforgettable summer experience.

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Davos in summer

Davos is also an ideal destination for nature lovers and active fans in summer. The region offers numerous hiking and mountain bike trails that lead through the impressive mountain landscape. Lake Davos invites you to relax and take a boat trip, while the surrounding mountains offer excellent opportunities for climbers and sports enthusiasts.

In the town itself, there are numerous festivals, concerts and cultural events to enrich the summer. Davos combines alpine recreation with outdoor activities and is a varied destination for every interest.

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St. Moritz in summer

St. Moritz delights visitors in summer with its crystal-clear lakes, wide valleys and impressive mountain scenery. Whether hiking in the Engadin, cycling on panoramic trails or sailing on Lake Silvaplana - the region offers a wide range of opportunities to be active and enjoy nature.

Lake St. Moritz is perfect for a walk or a break right by the water. Top-class cultural events, open airs and art exhibitions complete the offer.

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Ascona in summer

Ascona is picturesquely situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore and is one of Switzerland's most charming summer destinations. The Mediterranean flair, the lakeside promenade with its many cafés and restaurants and the winding old town with its narrow streets give the town a very special charm.

At the lake, you can go swimming, try out stand-up paddling or take a leisurely boat trip. The surrounding mountains offer ideal opportunities for hiking or cycling - including magnificent views. Art and culture are not neglected either: you can experience the cultural side of Ascona at the renowned JazzAscona Festival, galleries, museums and events.

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Lauterbrunnen in summer

Lauterbrunnen is nestled in a spectacular valley, surrounded by steep rock faces and numerous waterfalls - including the famous Staubbach Falls. In summer, well-maintained hiking trails invite you to make excursions through the impressive landscape, for example up to Grütschalp or on towards Mürren and Wengen.

The Trümmelbach Falls are also an impressive natural experience. Those who prefer a quieter pace can enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks on a walk through the valley.

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Montreux in summer

Montreux is picturesquely situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and offers you a unique mix of lake, mountains and culture in summer. The long lakeside promenade with its flowers, palm trees and Freddie Mercury statue invites you to stroll and linger.

You can swim, sail or take a leisurely boat trip on the lake, while the surrounding vineyards and Alpine slopes await you with magnificent views and varied hiking and biking routes. A real summer highlight is the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival. The historic Chillon Castle is also very close by and is definitely worth a visit.

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Source: FSO, accommodation statistics, 2024