Swiss Summer: Plan Your Next Vacation In the Alps

by Sofia Brontvein

Swiss Summer: Plan Your Next Vacation In the Alps

22 Feb 2024

We all know how to have an amazing time in Switzerland in winter. But you should not underestimate the Alps during summer — enjoy cycling, hiking, lakes, and architecture.

In winter, there is no doubt that Switzerland is the perfect destination for travel. Sunlit snowy peaks, perfect slopes, wild parties in St. Moritz, and cozy dinners by the fireplace create a winter paradise where skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski enthusiasts from around the world gather.

But Switzerland doesn't disappoint in the summer either. Every resident of the UAE dreams of escaping the exhausting heat and stuffy air to enjoy nature and spend entire days outdoors from May to September. Switzerland perfectly meets this demand, offering a breathtaking vacation with endless blooming meadows, mountain lakes, and outdoor activities.

Cycling

Cycling is incredibly popular in the UAE, particularly among office clerks seeking to release stress. Many opt to pedal along the sea or dunes a few times a week. However, in the summer, enjoying cycling in the UAE is limited to indoor setups. In contrast, Switzerland allows cycling throughout the whole day, enhancing your sports skills.

If you do not feel ready for challenging rides in Switzerland after gentle cycling routes in the UAE, I recommend exploring the Gstaad area. The ascents and descents here are moderate, ensuring you will not struggle with the route. If, on the contrary, conquering Jebel Jais' peak is a breeze for you, head to the Furka Pass to truly test your endurance.

Photo: Patrick Robert Doyle

For those uninterested in mountains but ready for really long routes, dare to embark on The Tour du Lac Léman. In other words, you will circle Lake Léman, covering 175 km and crossing the borders of Switzerland and France twice.

Hiking

Switzerland is undoubtedly a hiking citadel. Hundreds of trails of varying difficulty allow you to enjoy meadows, mountain peaks, alpine cows, and azure lakes. For example, you can hike in Zermatt, almost reaching the top of the Matterhorn. A more leisurely route lets you see five mountain lakes at once — Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee.

Photo: Chris Holgersson

Grindelwald is another beautiful mountain town suitable for moderate walks and sports routes. Make sure to reach Bachalpsee Lake and try to count how many alpine cows you encounter.

For fans of "The Lord of the Rings," I highly recommend hiking in Lauterbrunnen. Inspired by this region of Switzerland in 1911, Tolkien created the fictional city of Rivendell, home to the Elves.

Photo: Chris Holgersson

Architecture

While tourists often ignore the beautiful Swiss cities like Zurich, Montreux, Lausanne, and Geneva in winter, summer is the perfect time to explore the classical architecture of this country while inhaling the aroma of fresh flowers, crisp pastries, and tempting cheese fondue.

Photo: Marc Wieland

Switzerland has excellent roads, so if you are drawn to museums, architecture, sculpture, and other cultural attractions, I suggest renting a car and exploring cities one by one. On the way from one destination to another, you will see ancient castles, vineyards, traditional chalets, and charming chapels that almost always deserve your attention. Each canton of Switzerland boasts its unique history and heritage, which, once explored, will make you want to return to this country.

by Sofia Brontvein