7 best reasons to visit Switzerland this summer

We could come up with a 100 reasons to visit Switzerland but if you’re looking for a quick list of motivations for choosing a Swiss holiday this summer then please read on. This magnificent land of contrasts has something for everyone with its sparkling lakes and soaring mountains, lively towns and peaceful villages. There’s so much to see and do, great food and a warm welcome in your hotel. A country like no other.

What to do if you want to take your holiday during the summer, but don't enjoy very hot weather? The answer - of course - lies in Switzerland! A holiday in the mountains is just what you need, with warmth but no oppressive heat. The alpine resorts don't even start their season until June, when the sun becomes warm enough to allow the delicate alpine flowers to bloom. You'll enjoy scenic walks and lunches on restaurant sun terraces taking in the beautiful vistas - what a blissful way to spend a week. Recommended resorts include Wengen, Grindelwald, Zermatt and St. Moritz. Down by the lakes, the temperature is warmer. We highly recommend basking in the sunshine on a lake cruise from resorts such as Lucerne and Weggis on Lake Lucerne or Interlaken, Bönigen and Spiez for Lakes Thun and Brienz. If you do still crave the heat however, then head to the southern resorts of Lugano, Locarno and Ascona for the country's balmiest climes. 

Switzerland is not at all far from the UK. There are flights from airports all around the country and the flying time is less than 2 hours. Just time enough for a coffee, a bit of a read and the odd glance down at the changing landscape, and you’re already starting to make your descent. With an eye on sustainability, you can even travel by rail from the UK to your Swiss resort in a day. Starting from London in the morning, the Eurostar takes you to Paris and then onwards through France to Swiss border cities such as Basel or Geneva. From your entry point to Switzerland – whether you’ve arrived by air or rail – your onward journey is a smooth as chocolate. Transfer to the excellent Swiss rail network, renowned for its efficiency, and make your way to your resort. Your holiday information pack will have all the details you need. 

Breathing in the pure mountain air is an experience to treasure. Make the journey up by mountain railway or cable car, step out and you will be greeted by a glorious view. Find a bench and take your time to really absorb the scene laid before you. Inhale and feel the crisp, clean air fill your lungs. Maybe you would like to embark on an alpine walking trail – there are gentle paths for strolling along as well as the more challenging routes for hikers. The summer breeze carries the scent of pine and mountain herbs and at your feet are the colourful summer blooms of the alpine flowers. Choose a mountain village for your hotel and spend a week living the high life. Finally, if you want to see snow, you can – even in July! Just head for one of the highest mountain sightseeing spots such as Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Mount Titlis or the Allalin. 

Imagine a place where the water is so clean that you can swim in the middle of the city! Fresh water swimming is gaining in popularity – so if you are an advocate then Switzerland is definitely the place for you. Head to Bern or Basel if you can’t simply can’t believe that people swim in cities (why not take your costume and join in!). There are plenty of other opportunities for wild swimming in more scenic spots as well. All the big lakes such as Lucerne and Brienz have a lido, often with a beach, changing facilities and cafés. There are also entry points in quieter locations where you can just get in and swim in splendid isolation. Smaller mountain lakes offer a wonderful summer swim. Arosa's Untersee and Flims' Lake Cauma are two examples of higher altitude mountain lakes which are perfect for wild swimming. And if you want to swim in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oeschinensee near Kandersteg offers a dip with a spellbindingly beautiful backdrop. 

Sometimes, instead of getting from A to B in the most efficient way, you might want to take a slower, meandering journey so that you can truly appreciate the beautiful scenery. Remember that Swiss rail network we mentioned? It also caters for these relaxing scenic journeys. Criss-crossing the country are a series of railway journeys that may well prove to be the highlight of your holiday. Cross the Oberalp Pass and experience the Rhine Gorge on the Glacier Express or travel through the mountains to the Italian border on the Bernina Express. (By the way - don’t be fooled by the name ‘Express’! These are slow, tourist trains designed to show off the amazing landscape through the huge windows). There are plenty of other scenic journeys to choose from. You can even combine them all in a fortnight long Grand Tour of Switzerland, staying in the best lakes and mountains resorts in the country. 

Want to start ticking some off? Let’s start with the iconic Matterhorn. The Toblerone shaped mountain is a glorious sight which you will never forget. How about the Jungfraujoch, one of the most visited mountains in the country which boasts Europe’s highest railway station. Leaving the mountains for the water, Lake Geneva is renowned for its beauty and in the city of Geneva you can see the famous Jet d’Eau fountain. Crossing the river in Lucerne is the Chapel Bridge – another symbol of Switzerland – wander over it then settle yourself in a café for a spot of people watching. Catch the spray at the thundering Rhine Falls – a spectacular sight especially in the early summer.  In Bern you can walk past Albert Einstein’s flat, see the Bern bears in their riverside home and watch the medieval Zytglogge striking the hour. Sports fans can visit interactive museums dedicated to FIFA and the Olympic Games, both of which are headquartered in Switzerland. 

Well, milk chocolate anyway. Vevey on Lake Geneva is where milk chocolate was invented in 1875 and Switzerland has never looked back. During your holiday, you may like to visit Nestlé's Alimentarium in Vevey and discover more about the history. In the summer, a fabulous day out is the scenic ride from Montreux on the Belle Epoque Chocolate Train – after a visit to the village of Gruyères, you’ll visit the Cailler chocolate factory with plenty of opportunity for tastings. Another chocolatey delight can be found not far from Zurich and Lucerne, at the Lindt Home of Chocolate. A visit here offers a glimpse into the world of chocolate manufacturing and the artistry that goes into the final product. You will of course want to shop for souvenirs! In every town you will find boutiques offering exquisite sweet treats in beautiful packaging, and if you run out of time, don’t worry, the airports have chocolateries too.