Soon it is time again for the best time of the year, the big summer holidays are just around the corner. And so the questions of all questions arise: where are we going on holiday this summer? It doesn’t have to be Turkey, Spain or the Caribbean every year. Why don’t you spend this year’s summer holiday in Switzerland? That’s what many Swiss do, by the way, who prefer to spend the wonderfully long days in their own country.
Switzerland also has great things to offer, especially in summer. There are wonderful landscapes that invite you to go hiking, crystal-clear mountain lakes where you can refresh yourself and trendy cities where you can celebrate. We have put together the best holiday destinations for you.
Ascona – as sunny as it gets
The Canton of Ticino, Switzerland’s sunny spot, is THE holiday destination for the summer. With its two lakes, Lago Maggiore and Lago di Lugano, its magnificent valleys and the warmest climate in the country, you can spend a wonderful holiday here.
The ideal place for summer holidays is Ascona. Ascona has something for everyone. This charming village on the shores of Lake Maggiore offers a wide variety of activities. As an official “family destination”, Ascona offers a wide range of activities for families and children. But also young people, couples and singles come to their taste. In Ascona you can do nothing in one of the beach baths. And enjoy the sunset with a delicious aperitif in the evening.
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Top-Events
- JazzAscona – The annual Jazz Festival takes place in Ascona from 20 to 29 June. World-famous artists perform on the beautiful lakeshore of Ascona and have a direct connection to the city of New Orleans.
- Moon & Stars – The concerts in Piazza Grande in Locarno are magical. From 11 to 21 July, international superstars will be enthralling you in front of a dreamlike backdrop. Book your tickets early!
Silvaplana – the kitesurfing paradise
How about an action holiday this summer? Go to Silvaplana in the canton Graubünden and learn kitesurfing. Because Silvaplana is the kitesurfhotspot of Switzerland. Thanks to the Maloja and Julier winds, perfect wind conditions of up to 40 knots prevail every day. However, one has to get used to the rather cool temperatures of the lake first, as even in summer, the lake has no more than 16 degrees. In one of the kite schools you can book a course, rent the equipment and end the day in the evening in the kitesurf bar.
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Lausanne – the pearl of Lake Geneva
Lausanne has a lot to offer and is an ideal destination for a relaxing summer holiday. Beautifully situated on Lake Geneva, the city centre offers a magnificent view of the lake and all the way to France. But the actual holiday atmosphere comes up at the lakeside promenade of Ouchy. Only a short descent from the station with the vertical metro – and one is already in the middle of this splendour.
Life feels wonderfully light-footed in Ouchy. The vastness of the lake, the generosity of the boulevards, the calming green of the parking areas and the majestic charisma of the stately buildings make you forget all the hustle and bustle.
If you want to exercise, you can rent a pedalo or a bicycle or book a water-ski lesson. Those who prefer a bit of culture can visit the historic Chateau d’Ouchy, the Olympic Museum or the Fotomuseum Musée de l’Elysée.
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Mountain idyll at Blausee
The Balusee in the Bernese Oberland is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland. Blausee is situated in a 20 hectare nature park with walking paths, picnic areas and fireplaces. Because the lake is fed from underground springs, the water is crystal clear.
The lake lies at 887 metres above sea level in the Kandertal valley. It can best be reached via the train stations of Frutigen or Kandersteg, from where a bus takes you to Blausee. Large parking spaces are available for car drivers. There is also a hotel directly at the lake, which is ideal for a few romantic days for two.
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Hike til you drop in Appenzell
The two half-cantons of Appenzell in eastern Switzerland offer excellent outdoor activities. The mountain ranges of the Alpstein offer a variety of possibilities for both professional climbers and inexperienced hikers. If you want a little more Adrelanin, you can go down the 300-metre-long bobsleigh run or paraglide. For those who prefer a cosy atmosphere, one of the course and wellness hotels is the perfect place to pamper yourself. These have a long tradition in Appenzell. In any case, the Appenzellerland offers a lot of activities and is therefore an ideal summer holiday destination.
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Zermatt – at the foot of the Matterhorn
Most people go to Zermatt in winter to go skiing. But especially in summer, Zermatt is a great place to go on holiday. Because in Zermatt you can do wonderful hiking, mountain biking or summer skiing. Especially climbers get their money’s worth. From Zermatt, 38 four-thousand-metre peaks can be reached and there are so many different tours that one would have to spend almost every summer of one’s life in Zermatt in order to complete them all.
Those whose element is more the water than the mountains can relax at one of the Zermatt mountain lakes and cool down in the crystal clear water. The activities around the water are manifold: wellness, fly fishing, water skiing or simply swimming.
In Täsch/Randa, golfers can play on the 9-hole course at the Golf Club Matterhorn. Unique in Switzerland is the fact that you can play from different tees per hole. This means you can play on the 9+ hole golf course just like on an 18 hole course. Whoever has played the course twice has made 18 holes in the end.
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Speak Swiss German until the summer holidays
So you’re spending your holidays in Switzerland this year? Then you should at least be able to speak some Swiss German. There is still enough time to learn it. So sign up today for our online course so that you can speak the local dialect until summer. We wish you a nice summer holiday!