7-Day Switzerland Summer Itinerary – Best Places to Visit, Things To Do & Tours

Are you looking for a perfect Switzerland summer itinerary? A summer trip to Switzerland is not just a vacation—it’s a love affair with alpine landscapes, crystalline lakes, medieval towns, and scenic train rides that feel straight out of a fairytale. Whether you’re chasing the panoramic views from the Matterhorn, hiking among wildflower-filled meadows in the Jungfrau region, or taking strolls along turquoise lakes, Switzerland in summer is the perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and postcard-perfect moments.

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Switzerland Summer Itinerary – Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in Summer – Things to do in Switzerland in Summer

I have written a detailed 7-day Switzerland Summer Itinerary, covering must-visit destinations, why each is worth exploring, how to travel between them, overnight stays, essential tours, and smart travel tips. Get ready to experience the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer.

Overview of Switzerland Summer Itinerary (7 Days)

 

Day 1: Zurich – Lucerne

Day 2: Lucerne – Mt. Pilatus – Lake Lucerne Cruise

Day 3: Interlaken – Lauterbrunnen Valley – Trümmelbach Falls

Day 4: Jungfraujoch Day Trip or Harder Kulm

Day 5: Zermatt – Matterhorn Views & Gornergrat

Day 6: Montreux – Chillon Castle – Lake Geneva

Day 7: Return to Zurich via Bern

How to Reach & Distance between places – Switzerland Summer Travel

Begin your journey in Zurich, the largest international gateway to Switzerland. Major international airlines operate direct flights to Zurich Airport. From Zurich, Switzerland’s efficient train network will get you to your next destination in style.

• Zurich to Lucerne: 1 hour by train
• Lucerne to Interlaken: 2 hours by panoramic Luzern–Interlaken Express
• Interlaken to Zermatt: 2.5–3 hours by train with transfer in Visp
• Zermatt to Montreux: 2.5 hours via train
• Montreux to Zurich (via Bern): 3–3.5 hours by train

Day 1: Zurich – Your start of Switzerland in Summer Trip

Often seen as a financial hub, Zurich is surprisingly vibrant and scenic—especially in summer. The city blends medieval charm with modern elegance, nestled along the shores of Lake Zurich and backed by the Alps. Visiting Zurich in the summer gives you the chance to explore leafy lakeside promenades, swim in crystal-clear river pools, and enjoy a café culture that spills into historic alleyways.

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Things to Do in Zurich in Summer

• Wander the Altstadt (Old Town) – Begin your exploration in the medieval heart of Zurich. Stroll down Niederdorfstrasse, filled with boutiques, wine bars, and cobblestone charm. Visit the Grossmünster—the iconic twin-towered church—and climb the tower for panoramic city views.

• Stroll Along Lake Zurich – The lakeside promenade is buzzing with summer activity. Join locals for a walk, rent a paddle boat, or just relax at Bürkliplatz and watch the swans.

• Swim in the Limmat River – A truly Swiss experience—Flussbad Oberer Letten is a free riverside swimming area just minutes from the city center. It’s clean, cool, and framed by graffiti-clad footbridges and pop-up bars. 

• Visit Kunsthaus Zurich or the Swiss National Museum
  If you love art, Kunsthaus has a stunning collection, including works by Chagall, Giacometti, and Van Gogh. The Swiss National Museum offers a beautifully designed journey through Swiss history.

• Take a Short Hike or Ride to Uetliberg Mountain – For panoramic views over the city and the Alps, take a 20-minute S-Bahn train to Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain. It’s especially beautiful in summer with wildflowers and clear skies.

• Grab Summer Treats at a Local Café – Try a summer special at Confiserie Sprüngli, known for its legendary Luxemburgerli macarons and iced coffees. Or sip local wines at a terrace café on Lindenhof Hill, overlooking the Old Town and Limmat River.

Overnight Stay – Hotel Adler Zürich – Located in the heart of Old Town (Altstadt), this cozy boutique hotel offers charming frescoed walls, air-conditioned rooms (a must in summer), and is walking distance to all major sights. It also houses one of Zurich’s best fondue restaurants, perfect if you’re easing into Swiss cuisine.

Day 2: Lucerne – The Quintessential Swiss Town

Lucerne is a perfect place to ease into your Switzerland summer travel. It’s a compact lakeside town filled with medieval charm and alpine views.

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Things to Do

• Start by walking across the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and exploring the colorful Old Town.
• Visit the poignant Lion Monument and relax by Lake Lucerne, which looks spectacular in summer.
• On Day 2, take a day trip to Mt. Pilatus. Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train from Alpnachstad or the scenic gondola from Kriens. The panoramic views from the top are unforgettable.

Later, unwind on a Lake Lucerne cruise and watch the mountains reflect off the turquoise waters under the summer sun.

Overnight Stay – Stay at Hotel des Balances, a charming mid-budget hotel right by the Reuss River in Old Town Lucerne. It offers stunning views and easy access to everything.

Day 3-4: Interlaken – Gateway to the Alps

Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is the adventure capital of Switzerland and a hub for exploring the Jungfrau region.

Things to Do

• Start your day with a scenic train to Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for its 72 waterfalls. 
• Visit Staubbach Falls and the unique Trümmelbach Falls, located inside a mountain.
• On Day 4, ascend to the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station. The journey is as stunning as the destination, with sweeping glacier views.

If you’re short on time or budget, consider Harder Kulm, just 10 minutes by funicular from Interlaken. It offers breathtaking views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Overnight Stay – Check into Hotel Interlaken, a lovely mid-range property with a peaceful garden setting just a short walk from the Interlaken OST station.

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Day 5: Zermatt – Majestic Matterhorn

No Switzerland summer itinerary is complete without a visit to Zermatt, the car-free alpine village at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn.

Things to Do

• Take the Gornergrat Railway for unmatched views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. The ride itself is a highlight with 360° panoramas.
• Summer in Zermatt also offers thrilling hikes, such as the Five Lakes Walk, where each lake reflects a different angle of the Matterhorn.
• Wander through the charming town center, filled with wooden chalets, cozy cafes, and alpine charm.

Overnight Stay – Stay at Hotel Alpenblick, a mid-budget gem with wooden interiors, mountain views, and walking distance to the Gornergrat Railway station.

Day 6: Montreux – Riviera Vibes on Lake Geneva

Swap mountains for lakeside charm as you head to Montreux, Switzerland’s answer to the French Riviera.

Things to Do

• Walk along the flower-lined Lake Geneva promenade, rent a paddleboard, or enjoy a gelato by the lake.
• Don’t miss visiting the Château de Chillon, a fairytale castle on the lake’s edge.

If you’re here in early July, the Montreux Jazz Festival is one of Europe’s best open-air music festivals.

Overnight Stay – Book Hotel Eden Palace au Lac, a mid-budget Belle Époque hotel overlooking the lake and close to Chillon Castle.

Day 7: Bern & Return to Zurich

On your way back to Zurich, stop in Bern, Switzerland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, fountains, and clock towers.

Things to Do

• Visit the Zytglogge (Astronomical Clock),
• Explore the Rosengarten for panoramic views,
• and cool off in the Aare River if you’re up for a local experience.
• Continue to Zurich for your flight or spend an evening exploring the city’s modern art scene, lakeside bars, and historic Altstadt.

Tours to Book – Switzerland in Summer

Booking guided tours helps make your summer vacation in Switzerland smoother:

• Mount Pilatus Day Trip from Lucerne with Lake Cruise
• Jungfraujoch Day Excursion from Interlaken (includes train and entry)
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Pass in Zermatt
• Château de Chillon Entry Ticket & Audio Tour
• Bern Guided Walking Tour en route to Zurich

Useful Tips – Switzerland Summer Travel

• Swiss Travel Pass: Consider this for unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and entry to over 500 museums. It’s worth the cost for a week-long summer trip to Switzerland.
• Book trains early: While regional trains don’t require reservations, panoramic trains like Glacier Express or Bernina Express do.
• Pack layers: Even in summer, mountain tops can be chilly. A light jacket, sunscreen, and a water bottle are essentials.
• Languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh are spoken. English is widely understood.
• Food tip: Don’t skip Rösti, Raclette, and Swiss chocolate. Supermarkets like Coop and Migros are great for affordable meals.
• Local SIM or eSIM: Get Swiss internet connectivity via eSIM apps for easy navigation.

Why Visit Switzerland in Summer

Switzerland transforms into a magical wonderland in the summer months (June to September). The snow retreats to the mountaintops, revealing lush green valleys, wildflowers, and charming towns buzzing with open-air cafes and summer festivals. Hiking trails open up, lakes become perfect for kayaking and swimming, and scenic rail routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express provide jaw-dropping views.

The country is extremely clean, safe, and efficient, ideal for solo travelers and families. Plus, with the Swiss Travel Pass, you can seamlessly access nearly all public transportation, including boats, buses, and mountain railways.

This Switzerland Summer Itinerary is designed to offer a perfect mix of scenic beauty, thrilling adventures, cultural charm, and relaxing lakeside bliss. Each day brings new magic, from the first peek of Lucerne’s lakefront to the final alpine glow on the Matterhorn. Switzerland in summer is refreshingly vibrant, where the sun sets late and every hour is a moment worth savoring.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer will leave you longing to return. Plan smart, travel light, and embrace the open-air magic of the Alps.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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