SwissMissMeg

Summer is a magical time Switzerland. The days are long and sunny, and – if you’re lucky – the nights are cool. We get some pretty epic thunderstorms over Lake Lugano, too. But by far the best part of summer in Switzerland is the swimming. From the commune pool to the running river in Basel, you can jump in almost anywhere. And there’s nothing so refreshing as a Swiss mountain river. It will take your breath away.

Aside from the beautiful mountain streams, summer is also the chance to do all the fun things you’ve been waiting to do all year. From grotto lunches on Lake Lugano to hikes on Montagnola, Ticino is a summer playground.

My exciting acquisition of Summer 2025 is an ebike which has completely opened up my reach on the mountain. I ride it daily – to the commune pool, to school, and beyond. I recently took Moloko for her first ride and she actually enjoyed herself. I’d say she’s in basket training at the moment.

Summer is also a wonderful time to host friends without the distractions of a school schedule. In June, my friend Tori came over from the States. We spent time in Lugano before journeying to Interlaken and Lausanne, both exciting Swiss towns in their own right.

Jungfraujoch was our first destination. Located in the Bernese Alps, Jungfrau is a glacial saddle, connecting two mountains which soar over 13,000 feet tall. The train journey up is nearly as epic as the stunning views waiting at the top.

Boarding the first of two cog railways in Grindelwald, we began our steady climb, weaving through charming alpine villages. Through the open windows of our car, we could hear cow bells ringing from a nearby slope.

After nearly two hours of travel, we reached Sphinx Observatory. Located at 11,300 feet, the platform provides 360 degree views of the glacier. The temperature was in the 40s, a welcome reprieve from the heatwave engulfing Europe below. We explored the tunnels and were treated to free chocolate at the highest Lindt store on Earth.

From Interlaken, we next made our way to the Swiss-French region. Arriving in Lausanne, we were charmed by the architecture of Old Town. The shopping was fun and the whole city was walkable (albeit surprisingly hilly).

In another attempt to beat the heat, we spent an afternoon swimming in the pristine Lake Geneva (or Léman, as it is called locally).

Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee. The Olympic Museum came highly recommended and proved a fabulous experience. I’m getting really excited for the Games in northern Italy this coming February!

We caught Jose Gonzalez in concert at Les Docks and soaked in the international vibes of Lausanne – by far the most culturally diverse city I’ve found in Switzerland yet.

Lucerne was the final stop on our way back to Lugano. Lunch at a beer hall included pretzels and pork sausage, checking off the Swiss-German epicurean portion of our tour.

After Tori headed back to the States, I enjoyed a few weeks of downtime in Ticino. The Ascona/Locarno Jazz Festival was a highlight, as well as a trail hike through Agra to a couple of gorgeous lookouts over the Italian side of Lake Lugano.

Daily swims and apertivo capped off a most excellent Swiss summer. Before I knew it, it was time to head to the States to catch up with family and friends. Now accepting bookings for Swiss Summer 2026!