Must-see Places of Switzerland in Summer

Summer is a rather humid yet warm season in Switzerland. Naturally, the temperatures vary depending on the regions and altitudes.

Thus, the average temperature in the northern part of Switzerland ranges from +19°C (66°F) to +24°C (75°F) during the daytime while in the southern regions the thermometer can fly up to +28°C (82°F) giving way to the swimming season.

So if you consider the possibility to enjoy yourself on the shores of one of the Swiss lakes, you should be aware that a real tidbit for both locals and travelers is Lake Lugano where the water can warm up to +26°C (79°F) while Lake Geneva and Zurich are more refreshing yet no less scenic spots.

However, in the evenings temperatures can fall tangibly, especially if you hike around some mountain trails as, naturally, the higher you get, the cooler temperatures you’ll experience. So taking a light jacket with you is a wise decision.

Going to Zurich, don’t let its seemingly small size trick you as the city has a lot to excite you with. Attractively set on the shores of Lake Zurich, this Swiss gem is the best place to start your closer acquaintance with the local lifestyle.

Traditionally, the main Zurich sights are nestled in the old town, so to adore the city’s architectural ensemble you should definitely include such highlights as the Grossmunster Church and Peterskirche to your Zurich travel itinerary.

To join art enthusiasts, take a glance at the marvelous paintings of Monet in the Kunsthaus Museum, plunge into the harmony of magical sounds in the Opera House, and admire the stained glass of Marc Chagall in Fraumunster.

Summers in Zurich are especially pleasant as there are almost 30 bathing areas in the city.

Local beaches are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable pastime: wooden walkways, changing rooms, sunbeds, and umbrellas, and vibrant bars and cafes perfect for the evening chill-out. Plus, Lake Zurich also offers nice opportunities for renting a yacht and swing on its peaceful waves marveling at fabulous views.

If you are striving to travel to Switzerland to take in some jaw-dropping panoramas, summer is, indeed, the best season to make your dreams come true with favorable weather conditions. The true pride of Switzerland is its exceptional Alpine vistas along with one of the most scenic places to immerse in Swiss natural marvels, Lucerne.

An important “must-do” once you’ve checked out the main Lucerne attractions is taking a day-trip to the queen of the mountains, Rigi. In summer, this “Royal Highness” offers more than 100 km (63 mi) of hiking trails of different complexity but similar picturesqueness.

In case hiking is not your favorite pastime option, the hospitable Swiss have created top-notch infrastructures like huts, cable cars, restaurants, and other facilities. So be sure, you’ll definitely catch your moment of thrill!

Having got inspired by the beauty of the queen, you may prolong your mountain adventure by discovering the splendor of Mount Pilatus, located only a 15-minute ride from Lucerne and imbued with various legends. One of them is connected with Pontius Pilate, the governor of the Roman province of Judaea who presided over the trial of Jesus and whose grave was allegedly located near the mountain. According to the second saying, the caves of Mount Pilatus are home to a red dragon, and locals believe that you can still hear the flapping of his huge wings once you are up.

Is Zermatt on your travel radar? If the answer is positive, you are lucky to catch one more appetizing opportunity (apart from marveling at the gorgeous Matterhorn) - setting off on a scenic 5 lakes hike.

The trail going around lakes Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grunsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee will definitely be to the taste of all nature enthusiasts as the trip is accompanied by snow-capped mountain peaks and incredible greenery, providing simply stunning photo backgrounds.

Due to the high elevation, the 5 lakes trail is free of snow only by the end of May which makes summer an ideal time for this kind of trip.

This spot is, indeed, worth delaying your journey back home for a couple of days. Yes, we are talking about the queen of all queens, gorgeous Mount Jungfraujoch which is also called the “Top of Europe”.

Just as all nobility, this 3466-meter (11370 ft) beauty is quite moody and does not appear before the eyes of all visitors, often hiding in the blanket of the fog.

The good news is that Jungfraujoch is belted with a cogwheel railway that can easily deliver you up to a different world of icy air and sparkling ice-cream like mountain peaks.

But remember, even if you travel in summer, the temperatures on the top and at the foot of the mountain may differ by a surprising 20-25°C (68-77°F), so a warm jacket is a must-have!

Often confused with the actual capital city of Switzerland (Bern), multifaceted Geneva just can’t be excluded from your Swiss journey. This cosmopolitan city literally brings the world together, being home to the European headquarters of the United Nations as well as to people of different cultures and backgrounds (40% of the city’s population are foreigners). As such, it is not that hard to imagine that Geneva comprises of diverse traditions and national features harmoniously cohabiting together.

Looking calm and reserved at first glance, Geneva has a lot to get you involved. Modern and archaic museums, charming streets and architecture of the old town, sunbathing and walks along the shores of Lake Geneva while enjoying the views of the Jet d'Eau Fountain, tasty restaurant experiences, relaxation in vibrant cafes, and quality shopping… everyone will find something to their liking.