Things to do in Switzerland in Summer

The first thing you might think of doing in Switzerland is skiing, but a summer holiday there can be just as much fun - after all it is high among the most beautiful countries in the world voted by our readers. Here are ten things to do in Switzerland during the summer months in the land of peaks, lakes and chocolate - and the best things to do in Switzerland aren't only hiking and outdoor activities. For more on what — and what not— to do in Switzerland read up on Switzerland etiquette. You might also want to read more widely around the best time to visit Switzerland and read up on festivals in Switzerland.

1. Explore the Aletsch Glacier

At 23km, the longest glacier in the Alps is an amazing sight, estimated to hold enough water to give everyone on earth a litre a day for more than four years. The Aletsch Glacier is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch since 2016. Discover the area for yourself on one of the many walks on offer in the region, lasting from a few hours to a few days. Alternatively, take the easy option and hop on a cable car ride up to the Aletsch Arena, a vast mountain bowl at around 2,000 metres where the three car-free resorts of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiesch-Eggishorn are located – all great bases for hiking, biking and climbing.

• When to go: June - October
• Where to stay: Find your accommodation in the Aletsch area

2. Hike the Eiger Trail

Starting from Eigergletscher railway station, this hiking trail leads you past views of the 2,472m-high Lauberhorn and the Kleine Scheidegg pass connecting it to the 3,967m-high Eiger mountain. You can also see the beautiful Grindelwald valley before hiking below the Eiger’s north face to the end point at Alpiglen station. Open from late June to October, the Eiger Trail is 6km long, although there's also a shorter 2.5km Eiger Walk.

• When to go: June-October
• Where to stay: Find your accommodation in the Jungfrau area

Rough Guides tip: To increase your chances of a great holiday, read how many days you need to spend in Switzerland.

3. Celebrate the Fête de la Musique, Geneva

This annual three-day festival fills the streets of Geneva with some 50 stages over the summer solstice. From pop and opera to techno and jazz, most musical genres are covered, along with dance performances and other arts events. All events are free and festival goers take over the lakeside and parks as well as the city centre, making this one of the most inclusive things to do in Switzerland in summer. For more destination inspiration in the wider area, read our Lake Geneva travel guide.

• When to go: usually in June, check the official website of the Fête de la Musique Geneve
• Where to stay: Find places to stay in Geneva

4. Rock out at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux

Every year Lake Geneva echoes to the sound of music with the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival, now in its 53rd year. As well as jazz, expect to hear blues, rock and pop. Past headliners have included Nina Simone and Charlie Mingus and this year sees Elton John, ZZ Top, Joan Baez, Janet Jackson, Chick Corea and Thom Yorke among the many other stars on stage. Discover more about nearby attractions in our guide to Lausanne.

• Where to stay: Find places to stay in Montreux

Want more information? Check out our detailed guide on how to plan an unforgettable trip to Switzerland.

5. Plug into the Gurten Music Festival, Bern

During the four-day event some 60 live acts and 60 DJ's playing everything from electro and punk to hip-hop and rock. As well as top international acts, the festival showcases the very best in Swiss talent. Cashless, green and boasting great views from its mountain setting, no wonder it’s now one of Switzerland’s biggest music events. Discover more about the city in our guide to Bern.

• Where to stay: Find places to stay in Bern

6. Go traditional at the International Alphorn Festival, Nendaz

If you want a complete immersion in Swiss traditional culture, from yodellers and whipcrackers to folk-dancers and Swiss wrestling, this is the event for you. Of course, the highlight is the Alphorn competition (a several-metre long horn traditionally used in the mountains), where the best players come to compete. Once used to herd livestock, these ancient horns can be heard over a distance of up to 10km.

• When to go: The festival is usually in July, check the festival website
• Where to stay: Find places to stay in Nendaz

7. Get happy at the Interlaken International Street Artists Festival

Gauklerfest (“Jugglerfest”) Interlaken brings comedians and clowns, acrobats and jugglers, magicians and musicians from all over the world to show off their talents in the streets. Entrance is free at the three-day event, with many family-friendly activities on offer and plenty of food while you enjoy all the performances.

• Where to stay: Find places to stay in Interlaken

8. Ride the Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St. Moritz

Despite its name, this scenic railway has a leisurely pace at odds with the name; it’s often called “the slowest express train in the world”. Running between Zermatt in Valais and St. Moritz in Engadin through the heart of the Swiss Alps, past villages, waterfalls, peaks and dramatic valleys, the Glacier Express – complete with panoramic windows – is one of the greatest train journeys in the world.

• When to go: All year round
• Where to stay: Find places to stay in Zermatt and St.Moritz

9. Test your nerve on the First Cliff Walk

This 400-metre-long footbridge clings to a rock face on 2,166m-high Mount First, before twisting out 45 metres over the scenic valley below. It’s a thrilling panorama for anyone who can control their vertigo. Reached by a 25-minute cable-car ride from the resort of Grindelwald in the Jungfrau Region, you can also try some ziplines here or hike around Lake Bachalp.