Summer Holidays In Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are famed for their beauty. Spring & summer arrive a little later in the mountains but generally by mid June, the meltwater will be flowing into the alpine streams and the delicate alpine flowers will start to appear. Although clouds can descend while you're on the mountain, they can also burn off quickly, leaving stunning blue skies contrasting against the the lush green alpine meadow. Spend time in the mountains and you'll be sure to come across grazing Swiss cows with their atmospheric tinkling bells. The network of cable cars and mountain trains allows you to fully explore at your leisure and there's often a main mountain restaurant at the summit station where you can relax with a cool drink or perhaps a meal on a panoramic terrace. There are smaller restaurants or 'hütte' along the walking trails. 

Where to stay:

Wengen, Grindelwald, Mürren, Kandersteg, Adelboden, Gstaad, Lenk, Engelberg, Braunwald, Arosa, Lenzerheide, Davos, Klosters, Pontresina, St. Moritz, Sils, Scuol, Villars, Saas-Fee, Zermatt

Find out more about the Swiss Alps holidays here

Summer by the lake ... a fabulous experience. When the sun shines, the water sparkles and makes for a wonderful setting in which to relax and count your blessings to find yourself in such a scenic spot. The lake resorts tend to enjoy hotter weather than the mountains during the summer months, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities - stroll along the promenade, take a longer walk on a lakeside trail or swim in the waters at one of the lidos. We highly recommend you take a cruise on the lake. The restored paddle steamers and modern tourist boats make their way slowly up and down the lakes, allowing you to hop off and explore a number of charming villages. If you choose to stay on board, you can enjoy a fine lunch in the dining room or have a snack while you sit back on the viewing benches and watch the glorious scenery glide by. 

Where to stay:

Interlaken, Bönigen, Spiez, Lucerne, Weggis, Brunnen, Vitznau, Montreux, Vevey, Morges, Ascona, Locarno, Lugano

Find out more about Swiss lakes holidays here

Switzerland is perfect for a summer holiday adventure with your children, from tots to teenagers. Little ones will enjoy the excitement of travelling by boat, steam train, steep funicular - and how about a ride in a cable car high up in the air! From paddling in a mountain stream to running in a meadow, they'll love the outdoor adventure. Older children can experience a whole variety of bigger thrills such as lake swimming, rope parks, mountain scooters, rafting and summer toboggan runs. The whole family will enjoy a taking a pedalo on the lake and a day trip to a zoo or the interactive Transport Museum (in Lucerne). You can even visit a traditional alpine cheese dairy and or go for chocolate tasting! Each of the Swiss regions has plenty of attractions for families. Ask us about family friendly hotels and we can help to create a fabulous holiday for you and your children.

Find out more about Swiss family holidays here

Walking in Switzerland during the summer is a joy: pure mountain air, lakes & mountains landscapes and delicate alpine flowers strewn over meadows and beside paths. The sun glinting on the snow of the very highest peaks or shimmering on the water of the streams and lakes is a wonderful sight. Did you know that the Swiss hiking trail network covers 65,000km, equivalent to 1½ times the world's circumference! There are paths suitable for all abilities, from families with pushchairs to routes which take a couple of hours with a mountain restaurant en route, to steeper, all day hikes. Most will offer stunning scenery as you wander and are well served by the transport network so that you may reach your starting point with ease.

Find out more about walking in Switzerland here

The lakes & mountains backdrop makes Switzerland a very romantic destination for couples. Enjoy a special break in Lucerne: strolling beside the lake, drinking wine by the river, visiting the museums, maybe a candlelit dinner. Or how about some much needed alone time in the mountains - with wide open spaces, fresh air and the chance to reconnect in a setting of perfect tranquility. The Harder Kulm mountain, near Interlaken, offers the experience of enjoying sunset drinks with spectacular views. You may like to relax with a loved one and share the joy of a scenic rail journey across the landscape of the dramatic Alps (and why not ask us about arranging an upgrade to 1st class). Switzerland has so many locations in which to celebrate a honeymoon, a special anniversary or milestone birthday. We are happy to recommend resorts and excursions or to help recreate memories of a previous special visit.

Find out more about Swiss celebration holidays here

Summer in Switzerland sees an explosion of colour as flowers bloom in the warmer weather. You can visit subtropical gardens from Locarno and see mile upon mile of lush vineyards beside Lake Geneva. There are formal gardens in several locations: try the Rose Garten in Bern or head to Thun's Schadau Castle. Alpine flowers, shrubs and herbs adorn meadows. At Schatzalp near Davos and Schynige Platte near Interlaken, there are carefully curated botanical alpine gardens to enjoy. You can even visit one of the 6 Ricola herb show gardens, with their distinctive fragrance and the chance to learn about the blend of 13 herbs that go into the famous sweets. In resort, most towns and villages tend to feature colourful and eyecatching displays in their centres during the summer, making for inviting places to spend your holiday.