15 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland this Summer
When you think of Switzerland, it’s hard not to picture the Alps, turquoise lakes, and charming mountain towns. Lauterbrunnen leaves visitors in awe with its waterfalls, Lucerne blends history with lakeside beauty, and Oeschinensee stuns with its alpine scenery. These are just a few of the highlights—here are 15 of the best places to visit in Switzerland that will make your summer trip unforgettable.
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1. Lauterbrunnen
Tucked into a deep valley surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most stunning villages. With 72 waterfalls pouring into the valley, peaceful meadows, and wooden chalets scattered across the landscape, it’s one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland.
From Lauterbrunnen you can ride the gondola to the little hamlet of Mürren or to the top of Schilthorn—both offer incredible mountain views. Consider renting a bike or e-bike at one of the two rental shops in town for a scenic 20-minute ride to the little town of Stechelberg at the far end of the valley. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, reserve a tandem paraglide flight through the valley!
Looking for more things to do around Lauterbrunen? Here’s a deeper overview of the best activities and sights in Lauterbrunnen!
Looking for the best travel pass? Compare Swiss Travel Passes to see which one fits your trip with our in-depth guide.
2. Oeschinensee
Few mountain lakes match the beauty of Switzerland’s Oeschinensee. Located near the village of Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland, The lake’s turquoise waters – surrounded by dramatic cliffs and snowy peaks – are jaw-dropping in any season, but especially magical in summer.
You have two options to get to the lake: Ride the gondola from Kandersteg and take an easy walk to the lake, or hike in on a 1.9 mile (3km) trail to the lake. Upon arriving at Oeschinensee you can hike the 5.4 mile (7.25 km) panorama trail, dip your feet in the chilly water, and rent a rowboat and float across the glassy blue surface.
Read our Oeschinensee Panorama Hiking Guide to learn more about this amazing hike!
3. Bachalpsee
A 3.6 mile (5.8 km) round trip hike from the gondola station at Grindelwald First will lead you to Bachalpsee, a peaceful high alpine lake known for its reflections of the surrounding mountains. It’s a must-see in the Jungfrau region—and one of the most photogenic places in all of Switzerland.
The hike is easy for most fitness levels and even manageable for kids, thanks to the wide, gentle trail. Don’t forget snacks and water—this is one of the best places in Switzerland for a picnic! Bring your swimsuit for a dip in the chilly water, too!
Read our Bachalpsee Hiking Guide to learn more! For more amazing things to do nearby in Grindelwald, be sure to read our Grindelwald guide.
Want to see more? Bachalpsee is part of our 3 Day Interlaken Itinerary that you can read here!
4. Lucerne
Lucerne sits along the shore of Lake Lucerne in the shadow of some of Switzerland’s most well known peaks – Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. Stroll the Old Town, indulge on Swiss chocolates at confectionaries, snap a photo at the famous Chapel Bridge, or take a boat cruise around the lake.
Lucerne is also a great place to stay if you plan to see Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. Here are some lodging ideas to consider.
From Lucerne, you’re also just a short ferry or car ride from the picturesque towns of Weggis and Vitznau, which are our next recommended places to visit!
5. Weggis & Vitznau
If you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, Weggis and Vitznau are two great options. Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, these quiet towns offer stunning waterfront views, scenic lakeside walks, and easy access to Mount Rigi. They’re easily accessible by car or ferry, making them perfect for a day trip from Lucerne.
Both towns are also great places to stay if you prefer a more quiet stay. See an overview of hotels in Weggis or Vitznau!
6. Zermatt and the Matterhorn
No trip to Switzerland is complete without seeing the Matterhorn. This iconic peak rises above the famous ski village of Zermatt and is just as impressive in summer as it is in winter. Zermatt itself is car-free, meaning if you drive, you’ll need to park in the village of Täsch and take a 12-minute train ride to Zermatt.
Besides the incredible hiking around Zermatt, other amazing experiences include riding the Gornergrat railway for stunning views of the Matterhorn, or taking the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – the world’s highest cable car – for breathtaking high-altitude scenery.
Looking for a place to stay in Zermatt? Here’s an overview of all the hotels.
7. Furka Pass
One of the most scenic mountain drives in Switzerland, Furka Pass is all about the journey. Winding through dramatic alpine landscapes, the road offers breathtaking views and plenty of pull-offs to snap photos or stretch your legs. Along the way, you’ll pass glacier viewpoints, small mountain inns, and maybe even a few friendly goats. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to stop for great photo opportunities!
Of course, a trip along the Furka Pass would not be complete without a car! We recommend Discovercars.com, who we have used to find affordable car rentals in multiple countries.
8. Lake Brienz & Lake Thun
Lake Brienz and Lake Thun sit on opposite sides of the town Interlaken, whose very name means “between two lakes.” Visit the lakeside town of Iseltwald on Lake Brienz, rent kayaks in Interlaken for a day on the water, hike up Augstmatthorn at sunrise for amazing views of both lakes, or explore the city of Thun and its most famous landmark—Thun Castle.
Not only is Interlaken situated between these two lakes, but with its easy access to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Kandersteg, it is one of the best places for hikers to base from.
9. Bern
Bern, Switzerland’s capital, is a great place to soak up culture and history. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, relax in Rosengarten Park, and enjoy a peaceful walk along Aare River like the locals do. Summer also brings outdoor events, open-air dining, and lively streets. With easy train access to many nearby regions, Bern makes a great starting point—or ending point—for any Swiss trip.
Looking to reserve a hotel in Bern? Here are some options.
10. Locarno
Locarno is located in southern Switzerland on Lake Maggiore. The lakeside town is full of charm with lots of Italian influences given the close proximity to Italy. Being 1.5 to 2 hours away from Lake Como, it’s common for travelers to see both destinations.
Walk the shops along the Piazza Grande, soak in the thermal baths of the ultra modern Termali Salini Spa, or visit the nearby town of Lavertezzo to relax and swim in the Verzasca River.
»These are just a few of the activities in and around Locarno. Read our Locarno guide for more ideas!
»Locarno also makes a great place to stop for a day if driving to or from Italy. Here are some lodging options to consider.
11. Blausee
Near Kandersteg, Blausee’s crystal-clear blue waters look almost unreal. Surrounded by forest in the Kander Valley, it’s a peaceful, easy-to-reach destination perfect for a quiet afternoon.
There’s a short walking trail around the lake, a small boat you can take across the water, and even a trout farm onsite. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for a chill picnic spot, or just want to take a break after hiking nearby Oeschinensee, Blausee is a lovely place to take it easy.
12. Mount Niesen
Nicknamed the “Swiss Pyramid” for the distinctive pyramid shape and shadow it casts over Lake Thun in the late afternoon, Mount Niesen offers some of the best panoramic views in the Bernese Oberland. Take the historic funicular from Mülenen—the steepest in Europe—and ride it all the way to the 2,362-meter summit. Just make sure to bring a jacket as the summit can be windy and cold even in the summer.
At the top, you’ll find a viewing platform, a restaurant, and hiking trails with dramatic views of Lake Thun, the Eiger and the surrounding Bernese Alps. Sunset dinners are also offered at the summit if you want to cap off the day with great food and panoramic views.
13. Mount Pilatus
Mount Pilatus sits just outside of Lucerne. Here you take the world’s steepest cogwheel train, or ride a scenic gondola to the top—each option comes with its own set of unforgettable views.
Once you’re at the summit, walk the ridge trails, grab a meal at the panoramic restaurant, or just find a quiet spot to relax and take in Lake Lucerne and the Alps stretching into the distance. If you’re based in Lucerne, Pilatus is an easy and rewarding day trip without much hassle.
14. Wengen
There are just some sights in the world that simply take your breath away. Looking down the Lauterbrunnen Valley from the quiet town of Wengen is one of those. The town can only be accessed by train or the Mannlichen gondola, meaning there are no cars in the town. Wengen is easily one of the most peaceful towns in Switzerland!
15. Zurich
Zurich may be Switzerland’s largest city, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still small by most European standards and is full of historic charm and outdoor fun. In summer, locals flock to Lake Zurich for swimming, paddleboarding, or just lounging along the water’s edge.
The Old Town is full of cobbled lanes, boutique shops, and lively cafés. You can also visit world-class museums such as the Kunsthaus Zurich Art Museum and the FIFA Museum, or hike up Uetliberg for panoramic views of the city. Zurich makes a great first or last stop if your flight is arriving or departing from here.
Interested in a hotel in Zurich? Here are some top local options.
