Switzerland’s Top 3 Travel Destinations in Summer 2020
In 2020, the pandemic ruined our long-haul travel plans, and we recommended three Swiss destinations right on our doorstep. We’ve checked in on Aletsch, Blausee, and the Verzasca Valley – and whether they’re still worth visiting today.
In the summer of 2020, the world came to a standstill: the Maldives, Thailand, and Mallorca were off the table, and we sought cooling in our own Alpine region. Our three Swiss summer favorites from back then – the Great Aletsch Glacier with the Jungfraujoch, the turquoise Blausee, and the picturesque Lavertezzo in the Verzasca Valley – have stood the test of time. Five years later, they’re even more popular. What you need to know before booking.
- Jungfraujoch: from Interlaken Ost about 2 hours by train, final station at 3,454 meters, view of the longest glacier in the Alps.
- Blausee: turquoise spring water in the Bernese Oberland, about 45 minutes from Bern by car, private nature reserve with admission.
- Lavertezzo: picture-book village in Ticino, famous arched bridge Ponte dei Salti, swimming in the crystal-clear Verzasca River.
- Best Time: peak summer for water and high-altitude hikes, arrive early in the morning – these three places are no longer a secret tip.
Back then, Switzerland was the obvious answer to closed borders. Today, it’s a conscious choice: short travel time, no jet lag, water as blue as in the Caribbean, and all of this on a continent that’s as well-connected by train as any other. We’ll take you back to our three favorite places and tell you what’s changed since 2020.
Aletsch Glacier and Jungfraujoch: On Top of Europe
The Great Aletsch Glacier is the longest and most powerful glacier in the Alps, stretching around 22 kilometers. Since 2001, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungfrau-Aletsch. What you see there is geology in slow motion: the ice has shaped the landscape over ten thousand years, and it continues to visibly recede. This makes visiting today more urgent than in 2020 – this ice stream is no longer a taken-for-granted sight.
You get the most spectacular view of the Aletsch from the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station at 3,454 meters. Even in midsummer, temperatures up here often drop to just a few degrees above zero, so a warm jacket is a must. You’ll be rewarded with the Ice Palace, the Sphinx observation platform, and a panorama that challenges any camera.
A glacier that has been flowing for ten thousand years and visibly recedes during your lifetime: the Aletsch is not a day-trip destination, but a warning with a view.
How to get there? The easiest way is by train from Interlaken Ost. The route goes via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, where you transfer to the historic rack railway of the Jungfrau Railway, which has been climbing almost 1,400 meters in altitude since 1912. Plan for around two hours in one direction. Since 2020, the Eiger Express cable car from Grindelwald has also significantly shortened the journey. Book your ticket in advance, as time slots are often fully booked in midsummer.
Blausee: Water like the Caribbean, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland
The Blausee near Kandergrund is small, but it has a color that you must see. Since it’s fed by underground springs, the water is so clear that you can see to the bottom even in the middle. An old legend explains the blue color with the eyes of a young girl who went into the lake out of grief for her deceased loved one.
What many underestimate: the Blausee is a private nature reserve, not a public bathing lake. There is an entrance fee, but in return, you’ll find well-maintained paths, a trout farm, a restaurant, and quiet boat rides across the glassy water. This exact mix makes it a luxury spot for a leisurely summer day – if you catch the right moment.
How to get there? The Blausee is located at Kandergrund near Kandersteg and not far from Thun. From Bern, you can get there in just under 45 minutes via the A6. With the Bernese Oberland Pass, you travel at a discounted rate and get in cheaper. Our tip from 2020 still applies: come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as midday on summer days sees half of Bern crowding the small parking lots.
Lavertezzo in the Verzasca Valley: As Charming as Switzerland Gets
Good food, a crystal-clear river, and one of the most beautiful mountain valleys around – that’s Ticino, the Swiss canton with an Italian flair. Right in the heart of it lies Lavertezzo in the Verzasca Valley, a picture-book town with a delicate church tower and old stone houses nestled among vines and pastures.
The iconic landmark is the Ponte dei Salti, a double-arched stone bridge from the 17th century. Below it, the Verzasca River pools into turquoise basins, and that’s where things get serious: the river is famous for its clear water, but also notorious for its strong currents and icy cold temperatures, even in midsummer. Cliff divers gather at the bridge, but serious accidents occur regularly. If you want to swim, choose the shallow shore areas and take the current seriously.
The valley has made movie history: a few kilometers upstream at the Verzasca Dam, James Bond filmed the famous bungee jump in GoldenEye. Today, you can jump yourself, with 220 meters being one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world.
How do you get there? The easiest way is via Locarno and Lake Maggiore, then follow the Via Valle Verzasca north for about 30 minutes. Again, get there early. The valley is no longer a secret to the people of Ticino; on summer weekends, there are traffic restrictions, and a shuttle bus replaces private transportation.
Three places, one promise: Switzerland doesn’t need a long-haul flight to impress. What emerged from necessity in 2020 has remained a permanent summer favorite for us. Plan your arrival and time slot in advance, and you’ll have glaciers, spring water, and mountain valleys almost to yourself.
Find more inspiration for your next trip in our 7 hidden gems for your next European road trip and in our city short trip 2 days in Ljubljana.
Good to Know
▸Is a trip to the Jungfraujoch worth it in the summer?
Yes. There’s snow and ice year-round, and the view of the Aletsch Glacier is most impressive in the summer with clear visibility. Plan a whole day, pack warm clothing, and book your train ticket in advance due to limited time slots.
▸Can you swim in the Blausee?
The Blausee is a private nature reserve with an entrance fee, not a typical swimming lake. Swimming is restricted, and the focus is on walks, boat rides, and the restaurant. If you want to swim, you’ll find numerous freely accessible mountain lakes in the Bernese Oberland.
▸Is swimming in the Verzasca at Lavertezzo dangerous?
The water is crystal-clear, but even in midsummer, it’s icy cold and has strong currents in some areas. Serious accidents occur regularly at Ponte dei Salti due to cliff diving. Stay in the shallow shore areas, don’t jump off the bridge, and don’t underestimate the current.
▸What’s the best time to visit these three destinations?
June to September. That’s when the trains are fully operational, the rivers are warm enough for shore swimming, and the mountains are snow-free and accessible. Travel during the week or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
