This guide, Switzerland in the Summertime will help you plan an experience that you will never forget.

The European mountainous country full of charming villages, rolling hills of green, blue lakes and delicious chocolate…the beautiful Switzerland!

A destination that is right out of a dream, hard to believe it’s even real. The countryside is stunning, the mountains so grand and vast, and the villages picturesque, clean and lovely. The world class skiing, great hiking, delectable chocolates and cheeses.

I was lucky enough to spend some time in Northern Switzerland in early June with some friends on vacation. Zurich, The Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne were all areas we explored. I cannot say enough good things about this beautiful country…add this one to your bucket list if it’s not already on it! Switzerland is definitely one of the best destinations to visit in the summer.

Ok, let’s get into all things Swiss!

Switzerland in the Summertime: Plan Your Trip!

Getting there & getting around

A great central location to fly into and stay in is the Northern city of Zürich. Zürich is a clean, safe and very nice city overall. Fly into Kloten Airport in Zürich.

Switzerland is a destination where renting a car is something you might want to do. The driving here isn’t aggressive or stressful, even in the cities and villages. There’s lots to see so think about if you want to drive yourself or see everything via tour bus.

Where to stay

The Zürich Youth Hostel is an affordable and clean place to stay in a good location. This is the nicest hostel I’ve ever stayed in and would stay here again. It had more of a hotel feel than others I’ve been to. Very clean and offers a lot of room options so you can most likely find your own space if there are two of you or more.

Book ahead of time and get a room that suits however many people you are traveling with. I also really liked how this hostel offered breakfast, lunch and dinner at a cost. I liked how we didn’t have to leave where we were staying to eat if we didn’t want to after a long day- they have good food here.

Things to do

Explore the city of Zürich

Zürich is known as the financial capital of Switzerland for it’s world class banking and finance. This city also has great shopping, restaurants, Lake Zürich, fun nightlife, and the Old Town along the Limmat River. The people here are friendly. A fun city to walk all around and explore that is very safe. This is essentially a free activity (which is nice in Switzerland) because you can walk all around and see the city without spending any money.

Book a Day Trip Tour

Mt. Titlis & Lake Lucerne Day Trip From Zürich! While in Switzerland you have got to check out the countryside, one Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes, and the Swiss Alps of course! You are within driving distance so why not?

If you have a rental car; great! You can plan this out and do it at your own speed. No rental car? Don’t worry, there are lots of day trip tours to see all of these areas that do a really good job!

A company I recommend going through is Best of Switzerland Tours. Do the full day tour option, this one will depart from Zürich at 9:30am. Most of the tour consists of you exploring on your own which is nice, they will tell you what time to be back on the bus at each stop. The staff are so friendly and the coach bus is comfortable and clean.

Scenic Coach Bus Journey

Starting off in Zürich, you will board the coach bus. When you arrive, show a staff member your ticket and they will point you in the right direction as to which bus to board.

Get there a little earlier to assure you will get a seat you are happy with. The coach bus is very clean and so comfortable, almost too comfortable…it’s easy to fall asleep so be sure to have an espresso before you go. You will see some amazing sights on the ride!

Lake Lucerne

Arrive in the charming town of Lucerne. Here, on the tour they will show you some of the main attractions in town and then you will have plenty of time to walk around, get something to eat and take lots of pictures!!

The beauty of the way the exquisite buildings sit alongside the the lake is so lovely to see. The color of the Lake is a shade of blue/green that is just incredible. Check out Chapel Bridge. Browse around through some stores. Walk down different alleyways exploring the wonderful Old Town. Interact with locals selling fresh flowers, cheeses and local goods. Make the most of your time in Lake Lucerne, this place is a true gem!

Engelberg

The next stop on your journey is the Mountain town of Engelberg. This town is at the base of Mt. Titlis. Engelberg is full of Swiss-style chalets, blue lakes and tall rolling mountains in all directions.

The vibe is cool here, even in the summer. Lots of outdoorsy people out and about with bright green grass everywhere and sunny skies. The bus will stop in Engelberg where you can get on the Titlis Xpress Gondola (cable car).

Titlis Xpress Gondola

Enjoy beautiful sights on the gondola ride up to the Stand Station. This gondola ride is relaxing and peaceful with beautiful views. You and whomever you are with will most likely get your own gondola to ride up in which is nice. Once you arrive at the top at Stand Station you will notice another, much bigger gondola (cable car) that brings you up even higher! TITLIS mountain station is the highest point, make sure to go all the way!

The xpress gondola at Mt. Titlis, Switzerland

Heading up the mountain on the xpress gondola

Stand Station

Stand Station! A giant gondola (cable car) that is standing only. The revolving Rotair cable car is huge. You and most likely a lot of other people will board this cable car. This ride up is the coolest.

The giant gondola rotates as it climbs the mountain so everyone can get a 360 view…it’s breathtaking. You are nearing the peak of Mt. Titlis! At this point, even if it’s summer you can see lots of snow, steep terrain and maybe even a few brave skiers still out.

The revolving Rotair cable car at Stand Station on Mt. Titlis

TITLIS Mountain Station

The top of Mt Titlis, 3,028m above sea level! This is where you will find the best views!! Even if it’s a summer day down at the base of the mountain, way up here in the high alpine zone there will be snow and ice, looking like winter.

The size of the mountains in Switzerland are so big it’s crazy! When you are up there you feel pretty small. Be sure to take lots of pictures. Walk all around and see the different viewpoints from the top. Head over to the panoramic terrace for something to eat and more amazing views.

Glacier Cave

While up on Mt. Titlis, checkout the glacier cave that has 5,000 year old ice! Walk through the cave in chilly temps and you’ll see smooth, dim, blue-lit ice. The cave is pretty cool to see! You can access the glacier cave from Stand Station.

Lake Trübsee

After exploring the mountain checkout Lake Trübsee! You can walk here. An incredible Alpine lake with mountains surrounding it.

Walk around, take some pictures and soak up all the beauty Trübsee has to offer. A lot of people are busy exploring Mt. Titlis so this area usually isn’t crowded or busy which is nice.

Coach Bus Ride Home

At this point in the afternoon, your day tour is coming to an end. Board the bus by the time they tell you. The ride home is relaxing and goes by fast. They will bring you back to the same place you started in Zürich that morning.

Nightlife in Zürich

The nightlife in Zürich is a really good time! Pretty much any night of the week here you can find a fun, lively club. If you stay at a hostel or hotel ask one of the staff members where they recommend going out.

Some fun places to checkout are: Jade Club, Mascotte, and Hive. In Zürich most people don’t go to the club until at least 11pm and will be out until early hours of the morning.

Food in Switzerland

Cheese fondue and chocolate are “must haves” while in this country! Definitely try those any chance you can…so delicious. Going out to eat anywhere in Switzerland is expensive, so just be aware of that. Their food is great and service is awesome everything is just expensive. Check out the grocery store in town and pick up some food to save $$$.

Know Before You Go

In Switzerland, the most common language is German, most people can speak English but you will also hear people speaking French and Italian. The currency is the Swiss Franc.

Switzerland is a VERY safe and clean country, a great place to visit as a young woman or if you have a family. The summers have the most beautiful weather. June through August are the best times to visit if you are looking to be here in warm weather.

Tips to Save $$$ in Switzerland

In general, the cost of most things are expensive here, to live and travel in Switzerland is not cheap. There are some ways you can save money though! Here are some tips to try when you visit if you are on a budget:

Go to the grocery store when you first arrive. Get some things like PB&J, fruit, and snacks. Make sandwiches and bring easy snacks that don’t have to be in a cooler with you for the day. Going out to eat in Switzerland is not cheap anywhere. Doing this instead will save you money.
Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up in the morning then again when you are in town or somewhere with a water fountain.
Pick up some alcohol at the store as well if you are planning on going out. Drink before you go out so you don’t have to pay for so many expensive drinks.
Plan to stay at one club when you go out- the covers are pretty high.
Walk everywhere possible if you don’t rent a car and only take taxis when you need to go to the airport or somewhere far.
Book excursions ahead of time.

Overall, Switzerland is such a good time! An awesome destination to go on holiday/vacation. A place I hope so many can see and experience one day. I would re-visit Switzerland time and time again.

Have you visited Switzerland? If so what do you think of the beautiful country?

Here is my Summer Packing List for a Backpacking Trip in Europe if you need help packing for Switzerland!

Comment below and share your experiences with me and feel free to share this post!

Switzerland in the Summertime: Plan Your Trip!