2 Weeks in Switzerland: Hiking and Summer Skiing

Destination: Switzerland, the Alps
Trip Theme: Alpine hiking, summer glacier skiing, mountain scenery, lakes
Recommended Duration: 2 weeks
Budget per Person: $1,500-$3,000 USD

Overview

Switzerland in summer offers the perfect combination of green Alpine meadows, turquoise glacial lakes, and even summer skiing on high glaciers. Two weeks lets you experience the best of both the Swiss Alps – challenging day hikes, refreshing swims in mountain lakes, and the unique experience of skiing on snow when the rest of Europe is in summer heat. This itinerary covers the classic route from Zermatt to Interlaken.

14-Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: Arrive in Zurich → Train to Zermatt → Acclimatize, explore the car-free village, views of the Matterhorn
Day 3-4: Zermatt area hiking → Matterhorn Glacier Paradise summer skiing
Day 5: Train to Andermatt → Hike the Gotthard Pass
Day 6-7: Andermatt → Uri Alps hiking → optional summer skiing on Diavolezza
Day 8: Train to Interlaken → Explore the resort town
Day 9-10: Day hikes around Interlaken → Schynige Platte, Harder Kulm
Day 11: Excursion to Jungfrau → Top of Europe, Aletsch Glacier
Day 12: Boat trip on Lake Brienz & Lake Thun → swim in the clear alpine water
Day 13: Train back to Zurich via Lucerne → explore Lucerne old town
Day 14: Final morning in Zurich → departure

Must-Do Highlights

Matterhorn (Zermatt)

The iconic pyramidal peak is one of the most recognizable mountains in the world. The completely car-free village of Zermatta is charming and atmospheric. Don't miss:

• Hike to Gornergrat for incredible Matterhorn views
• Take the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for summer skiing on the glacier
• Sunrise photo from Riffelberg – absolutely unforgettable

Summer Glacier Skiing

Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe you can ski year-round. Several high glaciers open for summer skiing:

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Zermatt) – the highest summer skiing in Europe
• Zermatt has the biggest terrain with lifts all the way to 3,800m
• Diavolezza (Engelberg) – stunning views of the Piz Bernina

Aletsch Glacier

The largest glacier in the Alps is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The panoramic hike along the ridge above the glacier offers breathtaking views of the massive river of ice. It's incredible to see how climate change is affecting the glacier up close.

Alpine Lakes

Switzerland has some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the world:

• Lake Brienz: Turquoise blue water surrounded by forested mountains
• Lake Thun: clearer water with stunning mountain backdrops
• Blausee: tiny, intensely blue lake that's famous for photos

Practical Travel Tips

Transportation

• Swiss Travel Pass: Highly recommended for multi-week trips – unlimited trains, buses, and most cable cars
• Trains are punctual, frequent, and scenic – the train journey through the Alps is part of the experience
• Most mountain villages are car-free – you park below and take trains/cable cars up
• Download the SBB app for train timetables and connections

Weather & Packing

• Summer temperatures (June-August): 15-25°C in the valleys, 5-15°C at high altitude
• Even at lower elevations: Nights can be cool, pack a warm jacket
• For high altitude hiking: layers are essential – sun hot, wind cold
• For summer skiing: You need ski gear, but many places rent it on site if you don't want to bring your own
• Sunscreen: Strong UV at altitude – reapply frequently!

Hiking

• There are hiking trails for every level – from easy valley walks to challenging alpine ascents
• Always check weather conditions before heading into high mountains
• Carry enough water – the sun is strong at altitude
• The marked trails are excellent and well-maintained – navigation is usually straightforward
• Get the local hiking map – it's worth it

Accommodation

• Book in advance – summer is peak season for hiking in the Alps
• Options for every budget: from mountain huts (refuges) to luxury resorts
• Mountain huts offer incredible views and authentic experience – book ahead
• Many hikers do "hut-to-hut" hiking – carrying all your gear from hut to hut

Source: Original travel itinerary
Photo: https://source.unsplash.com/random/?swiss alps,matterhorn,hiking