Sunscreen! If there’s one thing you MUST put on your packing list for Switzerland, it has to be sunscreen! Summertime in Switzerland means you’ll spend a lot of time soaking in the sun. From late June through September, the sun bathes the outdoor cafes in warm, golden light, carpets the countryside with green grass and adds a million sparkles to the pristine Alpine lakes.
And while winters may see people cosy up around fireplaces (after a good run down the ski slope, of course), summer brings out the exuberance of the Swiss, turning their ever-present smiles into garrulous laughter.
It is when the Swiss come together for their festivals, it’s when operas take place under blue skies and orchestras play in the parks. A summer holiday in Switzerland gives you an insight into the community and the people. Just be sure to book early as hotels and flights can fill up quickly (and become pretty expensive!) during the summer months.
And while we’re sure you already have a bucket list of the things to do in Switzerland, here are some you just can’t afford to miss…
Tune in at La Chaux-de-Fonds
Switzerland is notorious for its punctuality. Here, the 3:17 pm train departs at 3:17 pm. Get onto Swiss time by visiting La Chaux-de-Fonds, a pretty city nestled in the Jura Mountains with the reputation of being Switzerland’s timekeeper. The carillon (a free-standing musical instrument) outside the International Watchmaking Museum chimes the time every 15 minutes through an impressive medley of metallic tunes that change according to the season. Set your watch on it, and you’ll never miss a train in Switzerland. This experience ranks among the most lesser-known things to do in Switzerland for travellers who enjoy cultural quirks and local way of life.
Get cultured in Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and the hub of global finance. But if banking is not your thing, don’t fret, Zurich also offers an insight into European living through its restaurants, museums and cultural events. On any given day, there are over 70 cultural events to choose from. Head over to one of Switzerland's best attractions, the Opera house for some soul-stirring classics or visit one of its nine museums… or all nine, if museums do it for you. Perhaps a symphony is more your thing?
After you’ve had your fix of culture, head over to Lake Zurich for a dip in its pristine waters; easily one of the most rewarding things to do in Zurich, and undeniably one of the best things to do in Switzerland overall!
Escape to Chateau de Chillon, Lake Geneva
Hands down, the most beautiful prison in the world. Yes, you read that right. “Beautiful” preceded the word “prison”. Chateau de Chillon, originally built as a castle, functioned as a dungeon for almost 260 years. Set aside an entire day to explore it. There are underground naves, great halls, watchtowers, moats, turrets, residences and more.
And while you are exploring, you can ponder over the one question everyone who has visited here asks: Surely, no prisoner would have wanted to escape this, right? Exploring this part of Lake Geneva is often cited among the most memorable things to do in Geneva, especially for history lovers ticking off iconic things to do in Switzerland.
Tumble down at the Reichenbach Falls
Perhaps the second-most famous address in the Sherlock Holmes series after 221B, Baker Street. Make this pilgrimage and see for yourself the waterfall (a plaque marks the spot) where Holmes and Moriarty tussled and tumbled, fictionally of course. If you are not a Holmes fan, you can still visit the region for its natural beauty. There are plenty of trails that make for breath-taking hikes.
One of the most peaceful things to do in Switzerland is to pack a picnic and a book, preferably Sherlock Holmes, and spend a slow afternoon here. If this is your first time discovering Europe, there’s no better way to do it than through a France and Switzerland journey designed for first-time travellers.
Get spooked at Kindlifresserbrunnen, Bern
It’s probably a coincidence that the name of this 16th century fountain, in the center of old town, Bern, is a mouthful. Or maybe, it’s not. This spine-chilling fountain shows an ogre devouring a child, while a few children squirm uneasily in his other hand. If you feel queasy, or have kids in tow, we suggest you move on.
Bern has ten other 16th century fountains depicting mythological and historic figures. You can spend the day fountain-hopping; a surprisingly unique addition to the list of your things to do in Switzerland, and by evening, we’re sure you’ll have forgotten all about the child-devouring ogre.
If Switzerland has sparked your curiosity, you might also enjoy reading about this article about the best places to visit in Europe.
Find Middle Earth at Lauterbrunnen Valley
In 1919, an Englishman visited this valley. He was so taken in by the deep gorges and waterfalls, that he immortalized it as Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. Take a look for yourself and see the similarities. Walk along the grassy paths that lead from one waterfall to another. Shout out your name and see if the mountains say it back to you.
Even if you are not Tolkien, you’ll find yourself spouting prose and poetry. Experiences like this consistently top lists of things to do in Switzerland, especially for those who love nature…
Get bizarre at the festivals
The Swiss are a pretty fun lot, with festivals all through the year. But they save the best for summertime. There’s the International Alpine Beard Festival in August. Name a style, goatee, curtain, zappa, soul patch, balbo; and you’ll see it here.
Then there’s the Cow Pat Festival in Valais, which is basically a day devoted to cow dung-pulverizing contests. And then in September, comes the Alpine Olympics. Disciplines include yodeling, stone throwing and Alphorn-playing. All you need to decide is: participant or cheerleader?
Festival-hopping like these often surprises explorers looking for unique things to do in Switzerland beyond witnessing its absolutely stunning landscapes.
Get surreal at Giger Bar, Chur & Chateau St Germain
If you thought all of Switzerland was pretty, idyllic, picturesque, then…oh well, you aren’t entirely wrong. But in two tiny corners of this pastoral idyll, lie the Giger Bars. Brainchild of the gifted artist H.R. Giger, the Giger Bar in Chur and the Museum HR Giger Bar in Château St. Germain, Gruyères, are sci-fi themed bars designed by the artist reflecting his biomechanical style made famous in the movie Alien. Sip a beer in the queen alien’s womb and mark this down as one of the most interesting things to do in Switzerland; a complete contrast to classic things to do in Geneva or Zurich.
Take a closer into why Switzerland deserves a place on your bucket list!
Wind your way down hills and vales by Postbus
Take your seat amongst sacks of letters and postcards and buckle up for the ride. The Postbus, operated by the Swiss mail system, is a pretty unique mode of transport. These lovely yellow buses weave their way through narrow passes and sharp turns to reach isolated villages, where they deliver you and the mail. Exploring Switzerland this way rounds out the list of things to do in Switzerland with something slow, local, and deeply memorable.
And when you’re ready to turn inspiration into a journey, see how you can explore the world with Cox & Kings, through thoughtfully designed holidays that connect destinations across Europe and beyond.
