A Travel Addict’s Handbook to the Swiss Alps in Summer
Who said mountains were only for winter?
Contrary to popular opinion, the Alps make the perfect family-friendly summer holiday destination. Once keen skiers and snowboarders have finished tearing through the pistes for the year, the Alps transform, giving way to an exciting range of summer outdoor pursuits.
Boasting many undiscovered hidden gems, there’s a lot on offer in the mountains all year round.Still unconvinced? Here’s a travel addict’s handbook to the Swiss Alps in summer.
Lake Geneva
Shared by France and Switzerland, the world-famous Lake Geneva (also known as Lac Léman) is Western Europe’s largest lake.
Home to many popular water sports, including swimming and kayaking, it’s unsurprising so many tourists head there each summer. Located near the famous Geneva Airport, it’s an easy journey for those who can’t wait to get on the water.
But, it’s not just water sports on offer! The lake boasts many attractions, including museums, castles and cathedrals, dotted around it. Here’s a closer look at some you don’t want to miss:
Peak Walk by Tissot
If you’re looking for stunning Alpine views, make sure you experience the world’s first peak-to-peak footbridge. Peak Walk by Tissot is open all year round, so those looking to admire the summer landscapes can do so.
It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience! The 107m-long cliff walk against the rock faces of the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald and Bernese Oberland, gives you unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps, perfect for those with a good head for heights. Complete with viewfinders, you’ll see the mountains as you’ve never seen them before.
While not directly on Lake Geneva, the walk is located in the same region. This is one hidden gem you may not have heard of, but you don’t want to miss!
Musée Olympique
Calling all sports lovers! Lake Geneva is also home to an exciting Olympic museum near its shores.
Featuring scenic gardens, interactive displays and Olympic memorabilia, the museum is a fun day trip for those looking to explore somewhere they may not have been before.
It may seem strange that a museum is located near a lake, but it fits perfectly with the Alps’ passion for sports.
Cathédrale de Notre Dame
Want the chance to explore a Swiss Gothic cathedral?
Lausanne is home to the Cathédrale de Notre Dame, which is a stunning piece of Swiss architecture overlooking the waters of Lake Geneva.
Free guided tours are available for those who can’t wait to explore this little slice of Swiss history!
Château de Chillon
Montreux is a traditional Swiss town located on the banks of Lake Geneva.
Exploring this charming Swiss town will uncover many hidden gems, such as a spectacular church, Château de Chillon, which is nestled on the Montreux waterfront. Overlooking the water, the church is in the perfect position for those who want to see the lake in its full glory.
The church itself is a wonderful historical attraction. Filled with period artwork and made up of a maze of courtyards, Château de Chillon is an exciting place to explore.
For those interested, there are some Gothic dungeons just waiting to be discovered!
Getting There:
For a seamless journey, consider booking a Geneva transfer to Montreux to reach the Lake Geneva region comfortably.
Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park is so stunning, it will surprise you that it’s the only one of its kind in Switzerland. Boasting beautiful Alpine scenery, breathtaking views, rare wildlife and endless hiking trails, exploring the Swiss National Park is an unforgettable experience.
It’s closed in winter, meaning summer is the only chance to explore it. There are some rules for visitors, including no camping or cycling, as it’s a strictly protected conservation area.
Some of the animals you’ll spot include red deer and marmots.
If you’re a fan of hiking, there are plenty of trails to explore, as the park is home to many forest areas just waiting to be discovered.
The park was created to protect the area from further destruction and deforestation, and once exploring it, you’ll see why its founders wanted to protect the area.
Getting There:
Opt for Zurich to St. Moritz transfers to access the Swiss National Park conveniently.
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The Village of Randa
The quiet, Alpine village of Randa is located near the well-known Swiss resort Zermatt. While the village has a lot to offer, it’s often overshadowed by its famous neighbour.
It might not be well-known, but this Swiss village comes to life in the summer months. It oozes Alpine charm without even trying!
Randa is home to many hiking trails of varying difficulty, offering a unique mountain experience. From the village, there’s easy access to the Täschhorn and the Dom, some of the highest peaks in the Alps.
If hiking isn’t for you, there are plenty of other attractions to entertain yourself with! From gourmet restaurants to suspension bridges, this little Swiss village deserves more attention!
The village of Randa is home to a small yet welcoming community that greets tourists year after year. Whether it’s camping, golfing or meeting the friendly locals, you’re sure to find something to suit you!
Getting There:
To reach Randa, your best bet is to fly into Geneva or Zurich Airport. From there, take a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps—Swiss Rail offers direct connections to Visp, where you can switch to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn line towards Zermatt.
If you’re booking a transfer, door-to-door services from Geneva make things super simple—ideal for avoiding the faff of public transport with luggage in tow.
Rhaetian Railway
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Albula-Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway are considered to be among the most breathtaking routes in the world. This railway journey takes you through two stunning passes in the Alps, from Thusis to Tirano (which is just across the Italian border).
Along the way, you’ll witness incredible mountain views and impressive feats of engineering, including 55 tunnels and 196 viaducts and bridges.
The scenery is truly unparalleled, with highlights like the Morteratsch Glacier, charming villages, and of course, the majestic Alps.
Don’t forget to stop by the Albula Railway Museum in Bergün for a fascinating look at the history of this amazing railway.
Getting There:
To hop aboard this iconic railway, make your way to Thusis or St. Moritz, the main starting points of the Albula-Bernina route. The closest major airport is Zurich, and from there it’s easy to take a connecting train to Chur, and then onto Thusis. If you’re travelling from Italy, Tirano (at the southern end of the route) is just a short trip from Milan.
Zweisimmen High-Rope Park
Got a taste for adventure?
At heights that vary from 13 to 65ft, this high-ropes park is a haven for those looking to explore the Obersimmental trees.
Whether it’s zip-wiring, tight-rope walking or rope ladders, groups of all ages and abilities will be entertained at the Zweisimmen high-rope park. There’s even a dedicated area for children!
Located in Gstaad, an upscale resort town in the Swiss Alps, the park is in a familiar location for anyone who’s visited the region before.
There are many thrills to be had, as the park makes for an exciting and adrenaline-fuelled day out. If you’re looking for excitement, you won’t be disappointed here!
Summertime in the Swiss Alps makes for the perfect climate for the park, and a guide will be on hand to quite literally ‘show you the ropes’!
Getting There:
Zweisimmen is easily accessible via Bern or Geneva Airport. From either city, you can catch a train to Zweisimmen via Spiez. If you’re already staying in Gstaad, you’re in luck—Zweisimmen is a short and scenic drive away.
Summer Snowpark Zermatt
Come experience the ultimate summer skiing adventure in Switzerland, in Zermatt – the highest and largest summer ski resort in Europe.
With wintry conditions all year round on the high-altitude Theodul Glacier, you can hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and freestyling until midday.
The resort offers up to 21km of slopes for skiing enthusiasts, while snowboarders and free-skiers can enjoy their own paradise at the summer Snowpark Zermatt – one of the highest freestyle arenas in the Alps and one of the best snow parks in the region.
Get ready to unleash your creativity with slopestyle, rail garden, mini shred, and much more!
And whilst in Zermatt, don’t forget to jump on a cable car ride to enjoy the panoramic views over the largest glaciers of the Alps and over no fewer than 38 breathtaking giants of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps is truly unparalleled. The Mont Blanc, the highest mountain of the Alps, appears almost near enough to touch.
Getting There:
Make your trip simple with Geneva to Zermatt transfers. This airport to resort transfer will take you as far as Täsch, just outside the car-free village, where a quick local train gets you into the heart of Zermatt.
Summer 2025 Events & Festivals in the Swiss Alps
There’s something magical about the Switzerland Alps summer season. From music festivals nestled between peaks to local food markets in hidden alpine towns, there’s always something happening. Here’s a selection of notable events happening in 2025:
Montreux Jazz Festival (July 4–19, 2025)
Held on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the most renowned music festivals globally, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. The festival offers a diverse lineup, from jazz to rock and pop, set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
Getting There:
Book Geneva to Montreux transfers for easy access to the festival venue.
Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon (July 4–5, 2025)
For the adventurous, the Gornergrat Zermatt Marathon is a challenging race that takes runners from St. Niklaus up to the Riffelberg at Gornergrat. Covering 42 kilometers and over 1,800 meters of altitude, it’s a test of endurance with rewarding alpine scenery.
Getting There:
Arrange Geneva to Zermatt transfers to reach the marathon starting point comfortably.
British Classic Car Meeting St. Moritz (July 4–6, 2025)
Car enthusiasts will enjoy the 31st British Classic Car Meeting in St. Moritz, showcasing a collection of classic British automobiles in the picturesque setting of this luxury alpine resort.
Getting There:
Secure Zurich to St. Moritz transfers for a smooth journey to the event.
Locarno Film Festival (August 6–16, 2025)
Located near the Italian border, the Locarno Film Festival is one of Europe’s longest-running film festivals. It features open-air screenings in the Piazza Grande and celebrates both established and emerging filmmakers.
Getting There:
Opt for Milan to Locarno transfers to attend the festival with ease.
CosmoJazz Festival, Chamonix (July 22–27, 2025)
While just across the border in France, the CosmoJazz Festival in Chamonix offers a unique experience with jazz concerts set in various alpine locations, providing a blend of music and mountain vistas.
Getting There:
Consider Geneva to Chamonix transfers for convenient access to the festival venues.
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Top 10 Swiss Summer Resorts and Why They Shine
Switzerland’s alpine resorts transform into vibrant summer destinations, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Here are ten top picks:
1. Zermatt
Famous for the Matterhorn, Zermatt offers year-round skiing on its glacier, extensive hiking trails, and a car-free village atmosphere. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking alpine charm.
Getting There:
Book Geneva to Zermatt transfers for a comfortable journey to this iconic resort.
2. St. Moritz
Known for luxury and elegance, St. Moritz in the Engadin Valley provides a mix of high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and access to pristine lakes and hiking paths. It’s also a gateway to the Swiss National Park.
Getting There:
Arrange Zurich to St. Moritz transfers to experience this luxurious alpine destination.
3. Verbier
Verbier is a paradise for mountain bikers and hikers, with a vast network of trails and lifts. The resort also hosts cultural events like the Verbier Festival, attracting classical music lovers.
Getting There:
Opt for Geneva to Verbier transfers for easy access to this vibrant resort.
4. Saas-Fee
Dubbed the “Pearl of the Alps,” Saas-Fee offers glacier skiing even in summer, along with scenic hiking routes and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Getting There:
Secure Zurich to Saas-Fee transfers for a smooth journey to this charming village.
5. Crans-Montana
This resort combines golf courses, vineyards, and panoramic views of the Bernese Alps. It’s ideal for those seeking a blend of sport and relaxation.
Getting There:
Consider Zurich to Crans-Montana transfers to reach this picturesque destination.
6. Arosa
Arosa is known for its tranquil lakes, alpine meadows, and the Arosa Bear Sanctuary. It’s perfect for families and nature lovers looking for a peaceful retreat.
Getting There:
Arrange Zurich to Arosa transfers for convenient access to this serene resort.
7. Andermatt
Andermatt has undergone significant development, offering luxury accommodations and access to diverse hiking and biking trails. Its central location makes it a strategic base for exploring the Alps.
Getting There:
Book Zurich to Andermatt transfers for a comfortable journey to this central resort.
8. Grindelwald
Situated in the Bernese Oberland, Grindelwald provides stunning views of the Eiger and access to the Jungfraujoch railway. It’s a hub for adventure sports and scenic excursions.
Getting There:
Opt for Zurich to Grindelwald transfers to explore this adventure-filled destination.
9. Lugano
Near the Italian border, Lugano combines Swiss efficiency with Mediterranean flair. Visitors can enjoy lakeside promenades, cultural festivals, and delicious cuisine.
Getting There:
Secure Milan to Lugano transfers for a smooth journey to this culturally rich town.
10. Davos
Davos offers a mix of outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking, along with wellness centers and cultural events. Its high altitude ensures pleasant summer temperatures.
Getting There:
Arrange Zurich to Davos transfers for easy access to this high-altitude resort.
Discover the Swiss Alps in Summer: Your Ultimate Airport to Resort Transfer Awaits!
Many people only consider the Swiss Alps to be a winter holiday destination. But, as you can see, this is not the case! So, if you’re tempted to head to the Alps in the summer season to make the most of the great outdoors, you’ll need a reliable transfer from the airport to get you there.
Find your Swiss Alps transfer here!
