Switzerland (summer)
Switzerland: the ultimate sweet spot between adventure and serenity
Switzerland is more than just a pretty picture. Rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and clearly marked hiking and cycling routes make outdoor activity easy and accessible. You can tackle alpine trails, swim in turquoise waters and wander through picturesque villages and cities between peaks — all in a single day. Here’s how to make the most of a longer stay.
Best time of year to visit
Best summer months for hiking – June to September
- Switzerland: the ultimate sweet spot between adventure and serenity
- Bern & Thun: join the summer crowd drifting the river
- Caslano Ticino: camping under the chestnut trees
- Lausanne: a city that almost doesn't feel real
- Zurich: Switzerland's capital city with a lot to offer
- Alps: Hike from Hut to Hut (Yes, You Can Book Online)
- Discover your next Destination
City
Bern & Thun: join the summer crowd drifting the river
Every summer, locals and visitors alike embrace the Swiss tradition of floating down the Aare River—from Thun to Bern. Known as Aarebötlä, this leisurely journey involves hopping on a train to Thun and then drifting downstream on boats, SUP boards, or even just in your bathing suit. The route offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm, making it a quintessential Swiss summer experience. Of course, just visiting the city of Bern is also an absolute recommendation, housing beautiful views and old buildings.
Where to eat
Einstein Café – located in the building where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905, this café offers a cozy atmosphere with a selection of Swiss and European dishes. It’s a great spot for a coffee or light meal while soaking in a piece of history.
Mimo Falafel – a small, family-run spot in the Old Town, Mimo serves up flavorful falafel wraps and plates. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch on the go.
Ristorante Luce – known for its classic dishes and attentive service, this restaurant is ideal for a leisurely dinner.
What to do
Float the river – do as the locals do and take the train to Thun and float on the Aare. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
Nature
Caslano Ticino: camping under the chestnut trees
In the sun-drenched southern region of Ticino, also known as the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, the country seemingly turns Mediterranean. Chestnut forests, lemon trees, and soft lake breezes replace alpine cool and don’t be surprised to find a very good pizza on the menu.
Stay at Camping Al Parco d’Oro
Just outside Caslano, is one of those rare finds: a quiet, shady campground with excellent facilities, genuinely kind hosts, and the kind of bar that serves bruschetta good enough to write home about. A short walk leads to the nearby town for pizza, while a dozen trailheads start practically at the tent’s doorstep. It’s the kind of place that makes a strong case for the camping life — especially with a campervan and no fixed plan.
Where to eat
Cortile Bar & Pizzerria – make a reservation here if you can; this Ascona pizzeria’s reputation for good reason keeps it busy
Osteria La Palma – a delicious restaurant in Caslano with seasonal dishes, a lovely garden setting, and a warm, welcoming feel, it’s perfect for a cozy evening out
American Bakery – great for a quick bite for lunch if you are in Locarno and looking for some fun vegan food
What to do
Caslano – Hike from the campgrounds to the town of Caslano and treat yourself after to a refreshing dip in Lake Lugano
Locarno – Take a day trip to the other side of the lake and visit Locarno, a town known for its Mediterranean climate and the annual Locarno Film Festival
Lugano – Just around the corner from the campgrounds lies the city of Lugano, renowned for its lakeside promenade, palm-lined streets, and vibrant cultural scene
Onsernone – The town where the road (literally) ends. The beautiful winding road takes you through the green mountains of Ticino in about 2 hours to Onsernone, a municipality formed in 1995 by the merger of several villages. Multiple hiking trails can take you up into the surrounding mountains
Verzasca – About a 1.5-hour drive from the campgrounds in Astano lies the town of Verzasca, famous for the Verzasca River that runs alongside it. The river is known for its clear turquoise water and vibrant colored rocks
City
Lausanne: a city that almost doesn’t feel real
Lausanne, sitting right on Lake Geneva, is a lively Swiss city where lakeside fun meets cultural flair. Famous for its Olympic history, steep hills, and buzzing café scene, it feels cosmopolitan without taking itself too seriously—especially in summer, when the lake is the go-to spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Stay in Lutry at Hotel Rivage
Just outside Lausanne, the lakeside village of Lutry is a beautiful place just outside of the city. Hotel Rivage Lutry offers a peaceful stay right on the waterfront, with charming rooms and stunning lake views. In summer, take a dip in the lake just steps from your room, then head to La Buvette de la Plage—a relaxed spot by the water for a drink or casual meal, perfect at sunset.
Where to eat
Café des Avenues – A local favorite for drinks or a classic meal. Stop by for a drink or enjoy their entrecôte if you’re hungry, soaking in the lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Doki Doki – Craving something warm and comforting? This spot serves up rich, flavorful ramen that hits the spot, perfect after a day exploring the city.
La Esquina – For Mexican food and live music, this colorful, cozy spot brings both together, making it a fun and lively choice for dinner or evening drinks.
Le Levant – Fresh Lebanese plates with plenty of vegetarian options. A great stop for a flavorful meal that feels light but satisfying.
Mami Pizza – Small but exceptional, this place makes some of the best Neapolitan-style pies in town. Reservations are recommended, as it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
Meraki – Offers mezzes and cocktails with views over Riponne Square, ideal for a scenic and relaxed evening out.
The Greek Project – Perfect for a quick bite. Their wraps are fresh, flavorful, and easy to grab between sightseeing or a lakeside stroll.
The Lacustre – Start with a lakeside pizza and aperitif here, where the view of Lake Geneva is just as satisfying as the food.
Terrasse des Grandes Roches – A casual open-air bar under the bridge with a cool, urban vibe, especially fun in summer when you can grab a drink outside.
Les Jardins – A lovely terrace that’s perfect for unwinding with a drink, offering a calm spot to relax after exploring the city.
The Great Escape – For a nightcap, this lively bar’s big terrace and buzzing atmosphere make it a favorite among locals.
The Bulldog Bar – Sports fans should head here to catch a Premier League match or other live games with a cold beer in hand.
What to do
Cycling and Hiking in Lavaux – Explore the terraced vineyards that stretch along Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux. Whether on foot or by bike, the trails offer unforgettable views and a chance to wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day Trip to Évian – Hop on a boat from Lausanne or Montreux to visit the picturesque French town of Évian, famous for its water. The journey across the lake is scenic and makes for an easy, relaxing day trip.
Hiking in the Alps or Jura Mountains – Lausanne is a great base for exploring nearby mountains. Trails range from gentle day hikes to more challenging routes, all offering stunning panoramic views.
Olympic Museum – A must-visit for sports enthusiasts. Modern and interactive, the museum sits right by the lake and showcases the history of the Olympic Games in a fun, engaging way.
Swimming in Lake Geneva – The lake is perfect for a dip, with several great spots around Lausanne. Popular locations include Pully Plage, Plage de Vidy, and Plage d’Ouchy, all offering easy access, facilities, and beautiful views of the water.
Wine Tasting in Lavaux – Spend a day sampling local wines at small wine houses accessible by train and on foot, easily accesible from Lutry. Favorites include Caveau des Vignerons in Villette, Domaine Croix Duplex, and Gaillard & Fils, where you can taste crisp Chasselas while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
City
Zurich: Switzerland’s capital city with a lot to offer
Zürich is often seen as Switzerland’s polished business capital—but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a city buzzing with art, music, lake views, and casual spots that feel anything but corporate. Whether you’re here for a short city break or a longer stay, Zürich’s mix of old-world beauty and modern edge makes it a satisfying place to explore.
Stay at Zum Guten Glück
Tucked into a residential area, Zum Guten Glück is part guesthouse, part neighborhood favorite. The rooms upstairs are simple and comfortable, and downstairs you’ll find a cozy restaurant serving some of the city’s best pancakes, among other comfort dishes.
Where to eat
Friends Corner – A small Sri Lankan restaurant serving aromatic curries and roti in a no-fuss setting. Affordable, authentic, and full of flavor, it’s a favorite for a flavorful evening meal.
Kleine Freiheit – A casual outdoor café with a relaxed, creative atmosphere. Perfect for a midday break, offering fresh food, good coffee, and a chance to soak up the local crowd.
Ziegel oh Lac – A laid-back bar and cultural space right by the lake. Grab a drink, find a spot on the terrace, and watch the light shift over the water—one of the city’s most atmospheric hangouts.
What to do
Go to a concert – If you’re in the mood for music, X-TRA House of Music often hosts concerts ranging from indie and rock to electronic sets and themed dance nights. Check the schedule—you might just find a great live show while you’re in town.
Hike the Uetliberg – One of the best ways to see the city is from above. Uetliberg, Zürich’s local mountain, offers a short but scenic hike just a quick train ride from the center. The trail winds through forests and opens up to panoramic views over the city, lake, and—on clear days—the Alps in the distance. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning or around sunset.
Nature
Alps: Hike from Hut to Hut (Yes, You Can Book Online)
Few things feel more timeless than hiking from one mountain hut to the next, waking up to alpine air and falling asleep to the sound of cowbells. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) has a vast network of huts offering simple, shared accommodations — a hot meal, a warm bed, and enough charm to last a lifetime.
One standout route: the circuit around the Dents du Midi, where quiet forest trails give way to jagged ridgelines and ice-blue alpine lakes. Along the way, you’ll find welcoming mountain huts like Cabane de Susanfe and Auberge de Salanfe—simple, scenic, and just remote enough to make the soup taste better and the stars shine brighter. The Pas d’Encel crossing often gets labeled “difficult” online — but in reality, the route is securely bolted and surprisingly accessible. The real challenge lies in the length of the hikes, not the technical difficulty. If the full circuit feels like too much, both huts also make excellent goals for a single overnight hike.
Plenty of water and food is essential, along with a sense of patience for the terrain. Most huts offer dinner and breakfast and can be booked in advance online (link available on request).
Apps: Mountain Conditions & What to know
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world for hiking — but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Weather can shift suddenly in the mountains, and conditions in May or October can include snow, ice, or sudden storms. Preparation makes all the difference.
The following tools are essential:
Swisstopo – detailed maps with elevation and snow coverage. In June, some trails — especially above 1,800 meters — may still be covered in snow, even if the valley below is basking in summer sun. Use the Swisstopo app to confirm trail conditions before setting out.
MeteoSwiss – weather updates specific to mountain regions
WhiteRisk – avalanche awareness, especially useful in shoulder seasons
For hikes outside peak summer (May–June, October–November), microspikes can be helpful for icy sections. They’re light, easy to use, and extend the safe hiking season.
And yes: always bring a raincoat — regardless of the forecast or valley weather. The mountains are majestic, but they play by their own rules.
