Best Things to Do in Zurich in Summer (2025 Guide)
Are you looking for the best things to do in Zurich in summer?
When I first visited in July, I loved swimming, hiking, and relaxing with a glass of wine by the lake. The city really comes alive in the summer with locals and tourists soaking up the sun, paddleboarding on the lake, hitting the trails, checking out museums, or canyoning. There’s so much to do in and nearby Zurich.
This quick guide covers the best summer activities in Zurich, what to wear, where to stay, and when to go. Let’s get into it!
Plan Your Trip With My Favorite Resources:
– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
– Book day tours here: Viator
– Best rental car service: Rentalcars.com
When is Summer in Zurich, Switzerland?
Great question! You might be wondering when to book flights to Switzerland in the summer. In short, I’d say it depends on what kind of activities you’re planning.
Summer in Zurich usually kicks off in June and runs through late August. This is when the weather is warmest and rain is less likely to mess with your plans.
If you’re heading to Zurich in summer and want to explore the Swiss Alps, aim for July through September. For lake days or just wandering the city, any of those months are solid, and the vibe is great.
Epic Things to Do in Zurich in Summer:
Since I’m big on the outdoors, a lot of these ideas are geared toward people who want to experience Zurich the same way I did: outside, active, and enjoying all that Zurich has to offer.
This guide is broken down into the following sections based on types of activites:
- Water sports
- Adrenaline activities
- Hiking
- Culture
- Day trips
- Summer Chill Spots
Lakeside Fun
If you love to swim, visiting Zurich in the summer is the perfect place for you. There are plenty of places to relax by the lake and river, making it an ideal destination. I spent a lot of time in the water on my trip, and highly recommend.
The water does get pretty busy, especially in the afternoons when everyone heads out after work/school and on the weekends. I liked to go in the morning or in the evening when it was more peaceful.
On the plus side, the lake is huge, so even when it is busy, it still gives you enough space to spread out and not feel like you’re swimming on top of other people.
✔️ Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) & Kayak Tours
If you’re into paddleboarding or kayaking, rentals are easy to find along the lake. The water is usually calm (especially in the mornings) and you’ll be surrounded by Switzerland’s beautiful views.
You don’t have to be super experienced, just hop on and go. If you feel more comfortable with a guide, there are plenty of tours. Some even offer paddleboard yoga!
✔️ Wakeboarding & “Urban Surfing”
If you want something a little more upbeat than paddleboarding, try wakeboarding on Lake Zurich.
Thankfully you don’t need to have a lot experience wakeboarding, and they have beginner lessons if it’s your first time. This experience has a bit of a learning curve; you’ll probably wipe out, but hey, that’s half of the fun!
Now, what the heck is urban surfing? Pretty much what it sounds like. There’s an endless wave platform right in the middle of the city that gives you the feel of real surfing, but without a lake or ocean.
✔️ Float the River & Natural Swimming Pools
Zurich has tons of public spots to swim, and most feel like laid-back parks. You’ll find grassy areas for lounging, diving boards, and lakeside bars for a drink or snack.
A favorite summer activity for both locals and visitors is floating down the Limmat River. For the best experience, start at Wipkinger Park and drift leisurely toward Letten, taking in the scenic city views along the way.
If you’re looking for a natural pool experience, head to Seebad Enge or Mythenquai. Both are lakeside swimming spots with big grassy lawns, super clear water, and chill cafés right on the water. Seebad Enge even turns into a bar in the evening with fresh drinks and light bites.
Adrenaline Activities
For those craving a bit more adrenaline, here are 6 exciting activities to explore. Some are perfect for a quick day trip, while others are just a 30-minute ferry ride from Zurich.
✔️ Paragliding from Uetliberg
Paragliding off Uetliberg is one of the top-rated activities in Zurich in summer. You’ll launch from the top and glide down toward the lake with mountain views in every direction. It’s best to book ahead and check the weather forecast a day or two before.
I personally love to go paragliding in new countries because it gives you a completely new outlook of the city and the ride is pretty dang fun.
✔️ Canyoning & Rafting Day Trips
Escape the city for a day of adrenaline in the Swiss outdoors. Canyoning and rafting spots like Linth Gorge and Churwalden offer guided experiences with all equipment provided.
Most trips are easily accessible from Zurich by train and shuttle. Just follow the link below to get everything sorted for an unforgettable day out.
✔️ Mountain Biking & E-Scooter Tours
There are mountain bike trails just outside the city that are easy to reach and perfect for a half-day adventure. For something more casual, e-scooters are everywhere and fun for exploring new neighborhoods or getting around on a sunny day.
✔️ Rhine Falls Adventure + Kayak Options
Rhine Falls is one of the top waterfalls to visit in Switzerland, and for good reason. It’s the largest waterfall in Europe and you’ll be able to feel the spray of the roaring water when you visit.
While you can’t kayak right at the base of the falls, you can paddle the gentler sections of the river just downstream. Kayaking near Rhine Falls is a fun and different way to explore the area from a different perspective.
✔️ Hot Air Ballooning over the Alps
Launch from Zürcher Oberland and get a unique view of the Alps from above. Mornings are quiet and clear, while evening flights offer great light and wide views; both are worth it.
Scenic Hiking & Viewpoints
✔️ Hike or Train to Uetliberg
If you want to explore nature and get out of the city, Uetilberg is a great spot to breathe in some fresh air. It’s about a 1.5-2 hour hike to the top of Uetilberg, or you can take the S10 train and be at the top in ~ 25 minutes.
From there, loop over to the Felsenegg viewpoint for lake and mountain views. It’s a chill half-day outing with a café at the top (yes, snacks with a view).
✔️ Other Trails Near Zurich
- Pfannenstiel Ridge: This 6.5-mile hike is full of lush vegetation and views that overlook the lake.
- Felsenegg to Adliswil Panoramic Trail: This is a 2.2-mile trail that can be hiked or accessed via a small cable car to the top.
Open-Air & Cultural Summer
✔️ Festivals & Cinema
Street Parade: Massive lakefront party in August with DJs, floats, and crowds.
Zurich Pride: City-wide celebration with music, parades, and performances.
Theater Spektakel: Outdoor shows and food stalls along the lake.
Allianz Cinema: Giant screen by the lake, skyline in the background, films at sunset.
(Events run June–August. Check official sites for dates and tickets.)
✔️ Lakeside Bars, Rooftops & Chill Spots
- Seebad Enge turns into a rooftop hangout in the evenings. Swimmers by day, music and mellow crowds at night.
- Utoquai is more low-key with quieter decks, lake views, and is good for relaxing post-dip.
- Frau Gerolds Garten has casual food and drinks near Hardbrücke.
- Barfussbar is a barefoot-only river bar that fills up fast around sunset.
✔️ Outdoor Concerts & Live Summer Music
Rummels FM: Pop-up DJ sets at lakefront spots during festivals.
Landesmuseum Concerts: Small July shows in the museum’s castle-like courtyard.
Winterthur Musikfestwochen: Free multi-day open-air fest about 30 minutes from Zurich, with indie bands, bigger acts, and a local crowd.
Smaller Lake Concerts: Keep an eye out for local concerts at venues like Mythenquai, Kosmos, and the occasional city park.
Summer Chill Spots
✔️ Botanical & Succulent Gardens
The Succulent House at Mythenquai has hundreds of desert plants and stays cool on warm days.
Zurich’s Botanical Garden is great for a shady walk, checking out the greenhouses, or just taking a quiet break.
✔️ Rapperswil Rose Gardens & Historic Old Town
Take a boat or train to Rapperswil, then walk through the rose gardens, explore the old town, and head up to the castle.
✔️ Museums
- Kunsthaus Zurich – Swiss and international art, plus rotating exhibits.
- Museum Rietberg – Non-European art, surrounded by parkland.
- FIFA Museum – For football fans, or just cool interactive exhibits.
- Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum) – Culture, history, architecture, and summer concerts in the courtyard.
Zurich in Summer: What to Wear
- Daypack – Recommended Osprey Pack
- Power Adaptor – US to Switzerland Converter
- Portable Charger – The One Item That Is Always In My Purse
- Reusable Water Bottle – Insulated Travel Water Bottle
- Swimsuit – Aerie
- Waterproof Hiking Boots – Danner Boots That I Can’t Live Without
- Sunscreen – SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Perfect HOKA Walking Shoe
- Sunglasses – Best Selling Affordable Sunglasses
Zurich in Summer: Where to Stay
✅ Best Affordable Option: Hotel Adler Zürich
✅ Best Luxury Option: The Dolder Grand
👉 Interested in more accommodation options?
Check out the Ultimate 2025 Accommodations Guide
Conclusion: Zurich in Summer
Zurich in summer is built for exploring, sunshine, late-night concerts, swimming, and whatever else fits your pace. The city becomes alive in the summer when the temperatures rise, and the vibes of the city are full of energy.
This list is here to help you plan an epic summer getaway in Zurich, Switzerland. Find the activities that fuel your vibe and get you stoked for the trip.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
