Most people think of Switzerland in winter — ski runs, fondue, and firelit chalets. But summer in the Alps is equally as spectacular. The meadows are in full bloom, the hiking trails are open, and the mountain railways carry you up to panoramas that feel genuinely impossible.

The Bernese Oberland is a region of dramatic scenery, anchored by the trio of mounts Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Base yourself in Grindelwald or Wengen — both are car-free and beautifully preserved — and spend your days hiking between alpine huts, swimming in glacial lakes, and riding the cogwheel railways that have been threading through these mountains since the 1890s.

Grindelwald is spectacular, and the setting perfect for exploring. You can take the gondola up to Grindelwald First and explore the many activities to do up high. Or take the Jungfrau train to the “top of Europe” and go snow tubing and sledding in the dead of summer. The town of Grindelwald itself is both darling and bustling – the weekly Wednesday street fair with food vendors and live music is not to be missed.

For quintessential “storybook” Switzerland, spend some time in the Laterbrunnen Valley. We took the train there from Jungfrau – a long day, but entirely worth it to walk through the valley filled with alpine meadows, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls.

For some, the Matterhorn in Zermatt is an absolute must, where you can take the Gornergrat Railway to get some of the best views in all of Switzerland.

Then there are the lake destinations. Lake Lucerne deserves at least two nights. The incredibly picturesque old town is among the most beautiful in Europe, and an evening cruise on the lake as the light fades over the surrounding mountains is one of those simple pleasures that cannot be missed.

Lake Geneva is a much larger lake, and a bit more cosmopolitan. If you don’t want to stay in the city of Geneva, head to Lausanne and ramble around the shores and go for a dip there. A boat cruise around the lake is a must – the pretty Laveaux wine vineyards, Montreux, and Chillon castle are all places you can stop at along the way.

Fifi + Hop has preferred relationships with Switzerland’s finest mountain properties and can arrange private guiding and seamless rail journeys across the country. Summer in Switzerland is very special.