1. Interlaken:
Interlaken is a popular resort town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by peaks like Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It is known as an adventure hub, but it also offers relaxed promenades, cafés and beautiful lake views, making it a base for some of the best cities to visit in Switzerland in summer when combined with nearby excursions.
What to do: Enjoy boat cruises on both lakes, ride the Harder Kulm funicular for sunset views, try paragliding or kayaking, and use Interlaken as a gateway to nearby villages like Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.
2. Lucerne:
Lucerne is a charming lakeside city with a medieval old town, the Chapel Bridge, and mountain backdrops that create postcard‑perfect views. Its combination of history, culture and easy access to nearby mountains makes it one of the best places to go in Switzerland in summer for first‑time visitors.
What to do: Stroll across Chapel Bridge and along the lake promenade, visit the Lion Monument, and take a boat plus cogwheel train or cable car up nearby peaks like Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi for panoramic walks.
3. Zurich:
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, blending a historic old town, a beautiful lakefront and a lively modern lifestyle with museums, shopping and nightlife. In summer, the lakeside lidos, riverside baths and open‑air events turn Zurich into one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland in summer for travellers who enjoy both culture and water activities.
What to do: Explore the Old Town (Altstadt), relax at Lake Zurich swimming areas, join a lake cruise, visit art museums, and, if your dates match, experience the Zurich Street Parade or other summer events.
4. Zermatt:
Zermatt is a car‑free mountain village at the foot of the Matterhorn, famous for stunning Alpine scenery and outdoor activities year‑round. Summer brings hiking, biking and clear Matterhorn views, making it one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer for mountain lovers and photographers.
What to do: Ride the Gornergrat Railway or cable cars like Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for views and easy walks, explore village streets lined with chalets, and enjoy well‑marked hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels.
5. Grindelwald:
Nestled in a sunny bowl beneath the Eiger's north face, Grindelwald exudes rugged charm with its wooden chalets and bubbling brooks. Cable cars whisk you to First for cliff walks and zip-lines over pastures dotted with cows. Summer paints valleys emerald green, with trails leading to mountain huts serving rösti. The village hums with adventure seekers grabbing coffee before treks. Its authentic feel, paired with easy Jungfrau access, makes it a hiker's paradise wrapped in picture-perfect scenery.
What to do: Take cable cars to First or Männlichen for viewpoints, hiking and activities like zip‑lines or cliff walks, wander through the village, and enjoy terraces with views of the Eiger North Face.
6.Jungfraujoch:
Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe”, is a high‑altitude saddle between the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks, reached by a famous cogwheel train. Even in summer you can walk on snow, visit ice caves and admire sweeping glacier views, making it one of the best places to go in Switzerland in summer for a taste of the high Alps.
What to do: Ride the train from Interlaken via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, visit the Sphinx observation deck, walk through the Ice Palace, and step onto the glacier plateau for photos and short snow walks.
7. St. Moritz:
St. Moritz gleams in the Engadin Valley, where glittering lakes reflect glaciated peaks under endless blue skies. This posh resort swaps winter glamour for summer hiking, sailing and polo on frozen lakes turned liquid. Chic boutiques line the Via Serlas, while horse carriages trot past Belle Époque hotels. Clear mountain air and 322 sunny days a year draw jet-setters for refined adventures. Ride the Bernina Express for UNESCO engineering marvels. It's luxury laced with wild, unspoiled nature.
What to do: Walk or cycle around the lakes, ride mountain railways and cable cars for hikes with views, enjoy lakeside cafés and consider taking the Bernina Express or Glacier Express scenic trains from the region.
8. Lake Geneva:
The Lake Geneva region (around Montreux, Vevey and Lausanne) combines vineyards, lakeside promenades and views of the Alps across the water. With its mild climate and cultural events, it stands out among the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer for relaxed, wine‑and‑view style holidays.
What to do: Stroll along the lakeside in Montreux or Vevey, visit Chillon Castle, tour nearby vineyards in Lavaux, and join lake cruises that show off the shoreline villages and mountain scenery.
9. Bern:
Bern's UNESCO old town arcs along the turquoise Aare River, where medieval towers pierce the sky. Arcaded streets shelter endless shops from summer sun, leading to the Zytglogge's hourly bear parade chime. Einstein's apartment whispers history, while fountains splash playfully. Locals tube the river on hot days, inviting you to join. As the laid-back capital, it pairs urban ease with nearby Emmental cheese trails and mountain escapes, feeling like a giant outdoor living room.
What to do: Wander through the UNESCO Old Town, see the Zytglogge clock tower, visit museums, and watch or join locals floating down the Aare River on hot days.
10.Lauterbrunnen:
Lauterbrunnen’s sheer cliffs cradle 72 waterfalls, including thundering Staubbach plunging 300m. This "Valley of Waterfalls" feels like a Tolkien set, with chalets hugging emerald meadows. Trümmelbach Falls roar inside the mountain, accessible by lifts. Summer hikers cross swing bridges to Mürren's car-free heights. Peaceful yet dramatic, it gateways to Schilthorn's revolving restaurant. Stay for starry nights unbroken by light pollution, waking to cow bells and mist-shrouded peaks—a serene slice of raw Alpine beauty.
What to do: Walk to Staubbach Falls, visit Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain, take cable cars up to Mürren or Wengen for hikes and viewpoints, and enjoy calm evenings in the valley after day trips.