Switzerland in August
August marks the peak of Swiss summer, offering long, sunny days and fully operational infrastructure. Cable cars and mountain railways run at full capacity, while lakes provide excellent swimming opportunities. Cities and villages host numerous festivals, with Swiss National Day on 1 August celebrated through fireworks, bonfires, and local festivities. Families can enjoy a perfect blend of nature, city exploration, and active outdoor experiences.
What is the Weather Like in Switzerland in August?
- Lowlands and cities: Average temperatures range from 24–30°C, mostly sunny with occasional short showers.
- Alpine areas: Cooler at 18–22°C, ideal for escaping the summer heat.
- Conditions to expect: Hot days, occasional thunderstorms, sudden rain showers, and flash floods in valleys.
- Water temperature: Lakes and rivers average 19–23°C, ideal for swimming.
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Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Plan mountain excursions during the hottest days, and save valley activities for full sun. Always have indoor alternatives ready for sudden rain.
Top Destinations to Visit in August
Cities and Lakes
- Geneva & Lake Geneva: City tours, parks, historic boat trips (CHF 15–20), and swimming areas.
- Zurich & Lake Zurich: Swimming zones, promenades, historic old town, restaurants, and light shopping.
- Lucerne & Lake Lucerne: Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), old town exploration, lake cruises, and nearby mountain cable cars.
This is what an Alpine celebration looks like – decorated cows and real village charm
Alpine Regions
- Bernese Oberland: Panoramic trails, cable cars, mountain trains, and moderate family hikes.
- Valais: High-altitude resorts, glaciers, and easy walking trails.
- Graubünden: Alpine valleys, scenic railways, and mountain passes.
Southern Switzerland
- Ticino: Lakes, rivers, swimming spots, shopping centers, natural caves, and warm weather.
Recommended Attractions in August
- Bachalpsee (Grindelwald): Easy 2.5 km walk each way, picnic-friendly, perfect for families.
- Lavaux Vineyard Terraces: Walking tours among vines with panoramic views over Lake Geneva; Lavaux Express CHF 15–20.
- Lungolago di Ascona: Lakeside promenade with beaches, restaurants, and Mediterranean atmosphere.
- Val Bregaglia: Scenic valley, free trails, public transport CHF 5–15.
- Säntis Summit: Cable car CHF 58, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Engadin Valley: Alpine valley accessible by RhB trains CHF 10–30, with easy walking trails.
- Aletsch Glacier Viewpoints (Eggishorn/Bettmerhorn): Cable CHF 50–60, panoramic glacier views.
- Verzasca Valley: Turquoise river, natural swimming, short trails; public transport CHF 5–10.
- Rigi Rotstock: Easy hiking, cogwheel train CHF 78, with stunning lake and mountain views.
- Cité médiévale de Gruyères: Explore the old town and Gruyères Castle CHF 12 for a medieval atmosphere.
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Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Arrive early at popular attractions to avoid crowds and enjoy morning light for photography.
Festivals and Events in August
- 1 August – Swiss National Day: Fireworks, bonfires, and village celebrations.
- City music festivals: Especially near Lake Geneva.
- Film and cultural festivals: Around the Geneva Riviera.
- Local harvest and rural festivals: Opportunities to experience authentic Swiss culture.
Opening the window to this view in the morning – that’s pure happiness
Sample Family Experiences
- Bachalpsee: An easy walk from First railway; children enjoy picnics and open fields with views of the Eiger.
- Brienz Rothorn Bahn: Historic steam train, full fare CHF 96; optional advance seat booking CHF 8.
- Giessbach Waterfalls: Funicular CHF 7; short, refreshing walk back along a nature trail.
- Verzasca Valley: Swimming and nature experiences provide a perfect combination of water and mountains for families.
Switzerland in August: 4-Day Family Itinerary
Trip Duration: 4 days
Day 1 – Brienz & Giessbach Falls
How to get there: Drive from Interlaken ≈30 minutes (≈25 km), follow signs to Giessbach.
Morning (10:00–13:00): Explore Giessbach Falls (Giessbachfälle), featuring 14 cascading waterfalls and a circular trail (~20 minutes). Optionally, take the funicular to the viewpoint.
Lunch (13:00–14:30): Grandhotel Giessbach Restaurant – Swiss menu, CHF 25–40 per person.
Afternoon (15:00–17:30): Walk along Lake Brienz promenade (~3 km), with swimming spots, picnic areas, and Bino’s Pizzeria. Children can run safely along the lakeside paths.
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Day 2 – Grindelwald First & Bachalpsee
How to get there: Drive ≈1 hour from Brienz to Grindelwald.
Morning (10:00–13:00): Ride the First cable car and walk 45 minutes to Bachalpsee (Bachalpsee Lake). Scenic alpine lake with views of the Eiger and surrounding peaks.
Lunch (13:00–14:30): Bergrestaurant First Cliff Walk – outdoor terrace with mountain views.
Afternoon (15:00–17:30): Explore First Cliff Walk and children’s play area. Suspended walkway offers family photo opportunities and short trails for kids.
A vast lake, tiny villages, snowy peaks – a view with no filter needed
Day 3 – Lake Thun & Surroundings
How to get there: Drive ≈40 minutes from Grindelwald.
Morning (10:00–12:30): Swim and picnic at Lake Thun. Natural swimming spots with clean water (~20–22°C).
Lunch (12:30–14:00): Picnic on the lakeshore or Restaurant Seepark Thun (≈CHF 20–35 per person).
Afternoon (14:30–17:30): Walk along Thun Lakeside Promenade and enjoy light shopping. Short distances, open spaces for children, ice cream carts, and scenic sunset views.
Day 4 – Lucerne & Lake Lucerne
How to get there: Drive ≈1 hour from Thun.
Morning (10:00–13:00): Explore Lucerne Old Town and Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke). Watch for narrow alleys with strollers and take photos along the Reuss River.
Lunch (13:00–14:30): Lakeside café with local dishes, CHF 20–35 per person.
Afternoon (15:00–17:30): Take a 1–1.5 hour Lake Lucerne cruise. Optional cable car ride to nearby mountains. Children enjoy open decks and fresh air.
Switzerland in its dreamiest form – emerald hills and turquoise water
Traveler Reviews
Daniel Cohen
August 2019
Hiking to Bachalpsee (Bachalpsee Lake) with our children was unforgettable. The trail from First is easy, and the alpine views are breathtaking. We enjoyed a picnic by the lake while the kids ran freely through the fields. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: go early to enjoy the lake in peace before crowds arrive.
Ruti Levi
August 2021
Walking along the Lungolago di Ascona promenade was delightful. Children enjoyed ice cream and open spaces to run. The midday sun was strong, so hats and plenty of water were essential. The Mediterranean atmosphere felt like a mini holiday within Switzerland.
Yoav Peretz
August 2022
Exploring the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces was magical. Walking among the vines with views over Lake Geneva was inspiring. Kids were curious about the grapes and enjoyed a small tasting at Vinorama. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: bring snacks for the little ones and allow extra time for photos.
Ali Cohen
August 2018
Swimming in the turquoise waters of Verzasca Valley was a highlight. Children loved jumping from the smaller rocks. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: arrive in the morning to avoid heat and crowds, especially on sunny days.
Fatma Hussein
August 2023
Visiting Säntis Summit was breathtaking. The cable car ride followed by a short, family-friendly hike offered panoramic views. The fresh air and open space were perfect for kids to explore safely. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: wear sturdy shoes and bring water; even short walks require preparation at altitude.
Emma Johnson
August 2019
Our morning at Lake Thun was relaxing. Children swam in clean waters while we enjoyed a quiet picnic. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: arrive early to secure lakeside spots for photos. Only minor drawback – it became a bit windy in the afternoon.
James Miller
August 2021
Hiking to Bachalpsee from Grindelwald First was amazing. The moderate trail is perfect for families. We stopped for photos twice, and the kids ran freely across the meadows. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: bring snacks, as there is no food service along the lake.
Olivia Smith
August 2022
Lucerne and Lake Lucerne were stunning. We took a short boat ride and walked through the Old Town. Children enjoyed playgrounds near the lake. Be mindful of narrow streets for strollers. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: start at 10:00 AM for cooler temperatures and better photography light.
Tips from the Itinerary Expert
- When visiting Bachalpsee (Bachalpsee Lake), I always start the hike early in the morning. The trail is calm, children can explore freely, and the morning light is perfect for photos. Bring snacks and water, as there are no facilities along the lake.
- On a day at Lake Thun, I pack lightweight mats and a picnic. This allows for a quiet lakeside lunch, safe play for children, and flexibility to enjoy the surroundings at our own pace. Arriving early helps secure the best spots.
- While exploring Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, I stop at Vinorama near Lac Léman. Kids enjoy seeing the vineyards up close, and the panoramic views are exceptional. Visiting in the late morning avoids the hottest sun and busiest hours.
- At First Cliff Walk in Grindelwald, I start early on the suspended walkway. Fewer people make it safer for kids and allow better space for family photos. Always bring comfortable shoes and enough water.
- Swimming in Verzasca Valley is fantastic, but I plan my visit in the morning to avoid heat and crowds. Short hikes along the canyon add a small adventure suitable for older children.
- For Rigi Rotstock, I pre-book cable car tickets. This minimizes waiting time, ensures the best schedule for children, and allows ample time for photos and enjoying the views.
- In Lucerne, I begin exploring the Old Town around 10:00 AM. Streets are less crowded, the morning light enhances photos, and children can move safely through squares and along the river.
- When visiting Giessbach Waterfalls, I usually walk back from the funicular. The short nature trail is refreshing, not too hot, and offers multiple photo angles while children enjoy the forest paths.
- Along Lake Brienz, I mix walking along the promenade with short breaks at lakeside cafés. This gives children energy boosts, allows tasting local dishes, and provides scenic spots for casual family photos.
- I always check the weather before heading to the mountains. Even in August, sudden rain or temperature changes can occur. Bringing a light jacket, hat, and water ensures children stay comfortable and the day remains enjoyable.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert
In August 2022, I traveled with my family through Grindelwald and the surrounding lakes. What struck me most was how perfectly the summer weather aligns with fully operational infrastructure – cable cars, panoramic trails, and child-friendly attractions were all open.
Our morning at Bachalpsee (Bachalpsee Lake) was magical: a gentle 45-minute hike, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the Eiger. The children ran freely across the meadows while I enjoyed the calm alpine scenery.
Afternoons at First Cliff Walk were ideal. By arriving early, we avoided crowds, allowing kids to explore safely along the suspended trail and giving ample opportunities for family photography. Later, swimming and strolling along Lake Thun combined relaxation, fun, and scenic beauty. I always carry enough water, hats, and comfortable shoes, as even in August, Alpine weather can change quickly.
From this trip, I learned that traveling in Switzerland with children requires balance: active morning excursions, mid-day water breaks, and controlled pacing. Spending one to two days in each mountain region ensures families fully experience the Alps without exhaustion.
Switzerland in August is perfect for families who love nature, stunning views, and child-friendly adventures. I invite you to create a personalized itinerary with us that captures the full charm of these locations and the unique experiences Switzerland has to offer.
Price Table
| Name | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotel (per couple) | 100–150 CHF | Simple accommodation with basic comfort and convenient location. |
| Mid-range hotel (per couple) | 200–250 CHF | Comfortable rooms with good amenities and breakfast included. |
| Luxury hotel (per couple) | 400–500 CHF | Premium accommodation with top services and wellness facilities. |
| Family apartment (5 people) | 250–350 CHF | Spacious apartment with kitchen, ideal for families or groups. |
| Car rental (per day) | 80–120 CHF | Flexible transport for independent travel and scenic routes. |
| Public transport (daily, per adult) | 10–15 CHF | Daily pass for buses, trams, and trains. |
| Restaurant meal | 20–35 CHF | Casual dining with a main course and drink. |
| Parking (per hour) | 2–4 CHF | Paid public or garage parking in urban areas. |
| Basic grocery shopping for 2 people | 30–40 CHF | Essential food items for everyday meals. |
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