Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland's summer wonderland! You may think Switzerland is a winter destination, but the warmer months have so much to offer too! From the stunning Saas-Fee to the majestic Aletsch Arena, this article will be your ultimate guide to the most exciting outdoor activities this summer. Soak up the sunshine as you hike through picturesque trails, encounter the adorable marmots of Saas-Fee, and marvel at the mirror-like reflection of the Matterhorn at Lake Riffelsee. Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling scooter bike rides and toboggan runs, or challenge yourself with glacier tours (yes, even in summer!). Get ready to experience Switzerland like never before, filled with joy, laughter, and happy memories!
9 must do outdoor activities in Switzerland
1. Saas-Fee: The summer hotspot in Switzerland
Credit: ©SaastalTourismusAG-PatitucciPhoto
Prepare to be amazed as you step into a world of outdoor thrills that will make your heart race with delight in Switzerland's breathtaking Saas-Fee. Picture yourself surrounded by an awe-inspiring alpine paradise, where 18 majestic peaks reach for the sky, standing tall above 4,000 meters.
Now, let's talk about the weather — prepare to be spoiled with sunshine! With over 300 sunny days per year, you'll need those stylish sunglasses and plenty of sunscreens to keep up with the Swiss rays. Oh, and guess what? You'll also receive a SaastalCard right from the start of your adventure, granting you free access to cable cars (except for Metro Alpin) and PostBuses in the Saas Valley. Plus, get ready for discounts of up to 30% on 36 different offers — score!
2. Discover the new Murmeli Trail on Spielboden with Eddie the marmot
Credit: ©SaastalTourismusAG-PuzzleMedia
Introducing the Murmeli Trail on Spielboden, where you'll meet Eddie, the rockstar marmot! Marmot is a type of large ground squirrel. This circular trail will take you on an exciting adventure from the Spielboden mountain station to Saas-Fee, where you'll dive deep into the marmot kingdom. Along the way, you'll discover fascinating facts about Eddie and his marmot family.
As the delightful month of April rolls around, our furry friends emerge from their slumber, ready to greet visitors with their gentle and lively nature. Throughout the summer, you can witness these friendly critters in the Spielboden or the Stafelwald area, marvelling at their tameness and robustness. And if luck is on your side, you might even have the incredible opportunity to hand-feed them carrots or nuts (you’ll have to bring your own). It's a heartwarming experience you won't want to miss!
3. Hike the Allalin
Credit: ©SaastalTourismusAG-PuzzleMedia
Now let's talk hiking. Whether you're a leisurely stroller or a mountain conqueror, Saas-Fee/Saastal has something for everyone. With 350km of trails, you'll be treated to ever-changing views of those impressive 4,000-meter peaks. And guess what? Professional mountain guides are at your service, ready to take you on an unforgettable journey to conquer those magnificent summits. Go on a hike like never before and climb the Allalin, the highest subway mountain at a whopping 4,027 meters above sea level. All aboard for some mountain magic!
4. Zip down the mountains on scooter bikes
Credit: @amarcster on Instagram
Get ready to zip down the mountainside on scooter bikes. Feel the wind in your hair as you race along the 3.5km route from Furggstalden to Saas-Almagell. And if that's not enough adrenaline for you, brace yourself for the ultimate downhill kick on the 11km monster scooter route from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund. It's a thrill ride like no other!
5. Toboggan is not just for winter
Credit: Saastal Tourismus AG
Fancy a toboggan adventure? Say hello to Feeblitz in Saas-Fee, the steepest toboggan lift in the Alps! Take a ride to the top and then zoom down the mountain at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. Who said tobogganing was just for winter? Fun for the whole family, all year round!
6. Try ice climbing
This extraordinary excursion across the Fee Glacier is sure to leave you in awe. Equipped with crampons, ski poles, and a climbing harness, you'll begin your adventure at the Spielboden mountain station. With the guidance and support of a skilled mountain guide, you'll ascend the majestic Feegletscher, safely secured by ropes. Traverse through monumental seracs and navigate intricate crevasses as you make your way up to the magnificent Längfluh. This unforgettable journey typically spans 3-4 hours, immersing you in the wonders of the glacier and its stunning surroundings. This is one trip you definitely don't want to attempt without the expert guides — safety first, folks!
7. Meet the famous black-nose sheep
Credit: Gornergrat Bahn on Facebook
Now, let's jump to Zermatt, where you can get up close and personal with the famous black-nose sheep from Valais. These fluffy fellas with their spiralled horns, black faces, and white woolly coats are a sight to behold. From late June to mid-September, around 125 Wallis black nose sheep will be grazing on the Gornergrat. When you use the QR codes on the trail, you’ll find videos, facts and figures all about these typical, local sheep. Use the QR code to enable GPS localisation, where you can find the woolly sheep no matter where they are on the mountain.
#HHWTtip: The most flexible way to see them on the Gornergrat is to buy a return ticket from Zermatt to the Gornergrat. Leave the train and hike to the sheep. Afterwards, you can continue the trip by train.
8. Have a picnic at Lake Riffelsee
Have you ever seen a natural spectacle like no other? Prepare to be mesmerised by Lake Riffelsee, where the majestic Matterhorn reflects on the surface, creating a picture-perfect moment. Take the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway to Rotenboden station and continue on foot to Lake Riffelsee, just a 10-minute walk away. The moment you arrive, you'll understand why it's so special—the still water creates a mirror-like reflection of the iconic Matterhorn. Find a cosy spot on the shore, unpack your picnic, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural wonder. It's a view that will take your breath away!
9. Explore the Aletsch Arena
Now, let's head to the Aletsch Arena, the ultimate outdoor paradise. With 300km of hiking and walking trails, 100km of bike routes, and a panorama that will leave you in awe, you're in for a treat. From mystical stone pine forests to breathtaking viewpoints, every step you take will be filled with the peace of mind and jaw-dropping scenery. So lace up your sports shoes, take a deep breath of that fresh Valais mountain air, and get ready to explore this magical wonderland!
So, get ready to embrace the excitement, laughter, and joy of summer in Switzerland's stunning outdoor playgrounds. From epic glacier tours to adorable marmot encounters and awe-inspiring natural spectacles, there's something for everyone. Pack your sense of adventure, a dash of humour, and an open heart, and let Switzerland's summer adventures leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Happy exploring!
This article is brought to you by Switzerland Tourism.