How to enjoy summer in Switzerland

June 30, 2019, 1 Comment

Forget about the snow and skiing, Switzerland is actually much better in summer. Yes the winter wonderland scenery is beautiful but it’s even prettier with its summer coat on. Lush green valley dotted with brown cows, spectacular hiking paths beneath snow-dusted mountains and watery fun in crystal-clear lakes and rivers.

Here are a few of my favourite things about summer in Switzerland:

Swimming: landlocked it might be, but Switzerland has some great places to swim in rivers and lakes. Clear water, no salt and plenty of fun. Do remember to take care as these aren’t swimming pools: the water can be cold, deep and unpredictable. But I love it!

Ice creams: with Italy only a few miles away, it’s perhaps no surprise that the ice creams here are divine. And I’m not talking about Mövenpick (though it’s not bad). Proper gelato can be enjoyed almost everywhere, but especially in Gelateria di Berna. The best in the land by far!

Hiking: you haven’t had a proper summer in Switzerland until you’ve been on a hike. That’s one of the rules of living here. With over 65,000km of hiking paths on offer, there’s always one you haven’t done yet so simply follow the yellow path signs.

Paddle-steamers: these graceful old ladies of the lakes come out of hibernation to ferry happy passengers around all day long. Nothing quite beats sitting on the polished wooden deck watching the shore glide by without a care in the world.

1 August: enjoy Swiss National Day like the Swiss do, with a hike, cervelat on the barbecue and the fireworks at night. It might not have much to do with the birth of Switzerland (the date was only fixed in 1891), but it’s the ultimate Swiss summer day.

Have a great summer everyone! May it be long, hot and full of joy.