Switzerland’s summer lakes and mountains
Uncover Switzerland’s
summer lakes and mountain resorts
Switzerland is famous for its chocolates, cheeses, and watches, but most importantly, its remarkably beautiful natural landscapes. The towering snow-capped Swiss Alps make up 60 percent of the country, providing visitors with limitless outdoor activities, while the numerous star-studded, glitzy resort towns allow them to experience the high life too.
A refreshing counterpoint to this winter wonderland is a slew of incredible lakeside towns and cities including Lucerne, with its quaint medieval old town, as well as the Mediterranean climes of Lake Lugano, located close to the Italian border. And the beautiful mountain resorts of St Moritz and Zermatt make for natural havens with views stretching for days. Whatever your preference, Switzerland is the ultimate destination for both outdoor adventure and relaxed self-indulgence.
00
04
Where you’ll be going
Get to know where you’ll be exploring in Switzerland, from sunny lakeside spots to high alpine peaks.
-
![]()
DAY 1 - 2
Lucerne
Located in central Switzerland in the German-speaking part of the country, Lucerne is undeniably one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. The city is thought by many to be the epitome of ‘true’ Switzerland as well as the gateway to Central Switzerland. The landscape is a wonderland of snow-capped mountains, glistening lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of wild flowers.
-
![]()
DAY 4 - 6
Lugano
The vivacious city of Lugano is set in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino in southern Switzerland, sheltered by a lovely bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano. It offers visitors a remarkable selection of chic boutiques, trendy bars and bustling pavement cafes lining the city’s steep, cobblestone streets. This maze of narrow alleyways winds its way through the historic town centre, with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, to the lakeshore and along the gorgeous flower-fringed promenade.
-
![]()
DAY 7 - 9
St Moritz
Located in the southern Alps of Switzerland alongside an aquamarine lake, and surrounded by magnificent emerald forests and towering snow-capped peaks, St. Moritz is the star-studded epitome of exclusive, luxurious resort towns. revellers flock here in summer to indulge in swimming, sailing, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, polo, tennis, and luxury shopping followed by a relaxing soak in the famously fizzy mineral springs.
-
![]()
DAY 10 - 12
Zermatt
Set in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, at the foot of the mighty and jagged Matterhorn, one of the most recognizable mountains in the world, lies the quaint town of Zermatt. This popular tourist resort plays host to a combination of extreme sports enthusiasts, tour groups, backpackers and fur-clad socialites who use it’s ramshackle mazots and gorgeous wooden chalets as a base for exploring.
00
04
A taste of what’s to come An enchanting summer in Switzerland journal
Day 1
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 7
Day 9
Day 10
Day 12
Day 1
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 7
Day 9
Day 10
Day 12
-
![]()
We’ve arrived in sunny Switzerland, touching down at Zurich Airport. We can’t wait to spend summer days exploring the country’s lakes and mountains. But first; our journey continues by train to Lucerne, where we’ll be picked up and transferred to our hotel.
Explore -
![]()
This morning, we stepped onboard a historic paddle steamer boat and cruised Lake Lucerne. There were glorious views to be seen in such picturesque surroundings. We even stopped in at the pretty village of Vitznau, at the foot of Mount Rigi. And the top of this iconic mountain was our next destination. We swapped the waters for Europe’s first mountain railway, climbing all the way to the summit of the ‘Queen of the Mountains’ (all included as part of our Swiss Travel Pass). Lake Lucerne and all that surrounds it look even more beautiful from above!
Explore -
![]()
Today, we hopped on a boat which carried us across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen. Once on land again, we made the journey to Lugano on the Gotthard Panoramic Train, accompanied by our guide, taking in stunning views of the Swiss landscape.
Explore -
![]()
Our stay in Lugano didn’t just mean we got to experience more of Switzerland. Being so close to the Italian border, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to explore another of Europe’s beautiful lakes. We hopped in the car, and in less than an hour we arrived at Lake Como, spending the afternoon discovering the beautiful villages of the Golden Triangle.
Explore -
![]()
This morning, we travelled onboard the Bernina Express Bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano. Our journey then took us onwards to St. Moritz as we admired the Brusio spiral viaduct, Poschiavo, and Lake Bianco, as well as crossing over the famous Bernina Pass.
Explore -
![]()
While we spent yesterday exploring the area and spending some time paddleboarding on nearby Lake Silvaplana, today we wanted to discover a more relaxing side to St Moritz. We headed to one of the nearby forest lakes for a lake bathing experience. A truly serene way to spend an afternoon, we made our way back to the hotel for the evening feeling truly refreshed and ready for the evening ahead.
Explore -
![]()
Today, we made our way to Zermatt, travelling in a panoramic carriage onboard the Glacier Express on an eight-hour journey. We crossed over various bridges and high altitudes, all the while marvelling at the unique landscapes and spectacular artistry of the railway.
Explore -
![]()
On our final day in Zermatt, we made the climb up the Gornergrat onboard the historic Gornergratbahn, reaching 3,135 metres above sea level. Once at the top, we took in the unique alpine panoramas, with views of 29 mountains spanning 4,000 metres, including the incredible Matterhorn. We even caught glimpses of the beautiful Findel Glacier, Gorner Glacier and the Grenzgletscher. What a spectacular way to round off our trip!
Explore
0:00
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Explore all the
places you can stay
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
FROM THE READING ROOM
RELATED ARTICLES-
![]()
Switzerland’s lakes and mountains: the smart alternative for summer holidays
Switzerland, renowned for its winter wonders, unfolds a different kind of magic as the sun warms its landscapes. While the coldest season often steals the limelight, the Swiss summer holiday quietly beckons with its own array of delights.
-
![]()
These Swiss mountain resorts are just as incredible in the summer
Bid farewell to the stereotypes of Switzerland as a winter retreat. Instead, join us as we uncover the hidden gems and scenic vistas that await those who venture into the embrace of Swiss summer. Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable Swiss getaway that celebrates the beauty of nature in its most enchanting form.
00
02
![Umbraco.Cms.Core.Models.MediaWithCrops`1[Umbraco.Cms.Web.Common.PublishedModels.Image]](/media/j2lbf3jg/gettyimages-1300486343.jpg?width=480&rnd=133419290750300000&format=webp&quality=90)