Switzerland is not only a winter sports paradise but also a fascinating summer destination with so many places which seem to be detached from the posters. The idyllic countryside with alpine chalets, one of the most beautiful and turquoise lakes in Europe, the impressive mountains, the little towns like from tales are just a few reasons why visititing Switzerland during summer it is a great option. And if you do not want to quit the beach during the summer, like me, the lakes here are a great option for sun and lake bathing.
We made a road trip in Switzerland after spending some days at Como Lake, but another great option to explore more than a place in Switzerland is by the Grand Train Tour, which covers the most scenic and impressive rail routes.
Our first stop was Lugano, a charming city which keeps some Mediterranean influences, surrounded by mountains and dominated by the Lake Lugano.
Things to do and see:
Museo Cantonale d’Arte hosts paintings by Klee, Jawlensky, Renoir and Degas, among others;
Boat trips to the fishing village of Gandria;
Ciani Park it’s a quiet place for a nice and romantic walks;
Promenade alongside Lake Lugano enjoying the view and the “dolce far niente” feel;
Brè Mountain offers a panoramic view over the town and the lake and can be reached by funicular railway from Cassarate on the outskirts of Lugano.
Aletch Glacier, Switzerland
Part of the Unesco World Heritage, Aletch Glacier is the largest glacier in Alps. The most thrilling view points over the glacier are from Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn.
How to get there:
- by train/ car to Betten;
- cable car from Betten to Bettmeralp;
- return cable car Eggishorn to valley station Fiesch.
Duration: 3 hours starting from Bettmeralp to the Eggishorn cable car.
Goms Bridge
Goms Bridge is a 280 m long and 92 m height suspension bridge allows direct access from Fürgangen to Mühlebach village. It was an extraordinary feel walking on this bridge and looking down over an emerald lake and the woods.
Zermatt
Zermatt is a popular ski resort, offering endless options for things to do and see during the summer as well. Dominated by the Switzerland landmark – Matterhorn peak, the “Jewel of the Swiss Alps”, how it is called, this idyllic mountain village fascinates by its alpine chalets and a traditional vibe.
Zermatt is a car-free zone, we arrived there by train from The Matterhorn Terminal Täsch. The train leaves every 20 minutes and the duration of a ride is about 12 minute. The cost of 1 ticket is 14 Euro and the price for the car parking is approximately 14 Euro for one day. Once arrived in Zermatt, there are so many options for excursions and hiking around Matterhorn peak. Here is the official website with all the information you need to organize your itinerary in Zermatt.
We made The 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Walk) reaching 5 amazing lakes along the trail (Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee).
Direction: Blauherd – Stellisee – Grindjisee – Grünsee – Moosjiesee – Leisee – Sunnegga
Interlaken
Interlaken was my favorite region during our Swiss trip. It is another traditional Swiss resort built between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. There are so many things to do and to see in this area so the entire holiday worth to be spent there. We stayed only 2 days in the area, exploring the cozy and traditional Thun, making memories while strolling the narrow streets of the old town in the afternoon, visiting the Castle or walking alongside the Lake Thun.
Lutry, Lake Geneva
Although it wasn’t on the list of places to visit in Switzerland, we spent some time in Lutry. It is a little town alongside Lake Geneva which we discovered by mistake, but was so pleasant to stay there so we took one more night. The medieval charm and cozy feel, the narrow streets and pastel houses, the beaches along Lake Geneva were some of my favorite things to do and to see in Lurty.
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