Email At-A-Glance

Here's what's inside:

• 🥵 Swiss summer forecast
• 😎 5 ways to beat the heat in Switzerland
• 🍦 Jana's favorite gelaterias
• 🥤 Switzerland's national drink

Pick your preference: a Swiss vacation with gloriously sunny weather or non-stop rain, clouds, and wind.

We're gonna assume that most of you choose the sunshine.

(I know, Reader, weather is usually a boring topic, but we promise to keep it interesting!)

😎 2024 was the warmest year in Switzerland since the mid-1800s.

The whole world is experiencing rising temps, but Switzerland is seeing "almost double the global average." 🥵

This means less rain in the summer for farms, less hydropower, more receding glaciers, and more extreme storms.

❄️And it means you might need a few tips to keep cool in the summer temps!❄️

How to beat the heat in Switzerland this summer

1 | AC 🆒

Most hotels and all grocery stores in Switzerland offer AC. But beyond that, you're not guaranteed air conditioning.

That means trains, restaurants, and shops might be warmer than you're used to. (Until recently, Switzerland had mild enough weather that air conditioning was not necessary.)

➜ Tip: If you're hot on the train, open the window. Many (but not all) trains have windows that can be opened.

2 | Swimming 🏖️

Nothing says summer like jumping in the pool! Find a hotel with a pool, look up the local public swimming pool, or just head for a dip in the lake.

You might be surprised to find that pretty much all of the Swiss lakes are chilly since they're fed from mountain run-off and glacier water. So when it's ultra hot outside, a lake might be the best place to cool off!

➜ Tip: A lot of Guest Cards give you free or discounted access to the local public pool!

Here are a few of our favorite places to swim in our hometown Jungfrau Region. Some are free (like the lakes), but the others have a paid entry fee with more amenities (bathrooms, playground, rentals, etc.):

• ​Bönigen Beach (pool and lake access)
• ​Neuhaus on Lake Thun
• ​Oeschinensee alpine lake
• ​Grindelwald Sports Center​
• ​Strandbad Bönigen
• ​Strandbad & Camping Iseltwald​
• ​Strandbad Brienz​

3 | Mountains 🏔️

If you're planning on sightseeing or hiking in the warmth of summer, try to get up early to beat the heat (and crowds).

Higher elevation usually means cooler temperatures, especially in the morning and evening.

➜ Tip: The sun is also stronger the higher up you go, so avoid being in the sun in the heat of the day. And wear extra sun protection too! Jana loves Jane Iredale SPF products while Brett wears an SPF shirt and buff.

4 | Water 💦

It goes without saying that you need to stay ultra hydrated as the temps rise. Swiss water is literally the best quality in the world, so bring a reusable water bottle to quench your thirst.

➜ Tip: You can fill up at sinks and water fountains. If you're unsure if a public fountain is clean for drinking, look for the potable/non-potable sign!

5 | Eat Gelato, Drink Rivella 🍦🥤

Sounds silly, but cold ice cream or a refreshing drink (like the popular Swiss soda of Rivella) can cool down your body and lift your spirits.

➜ Tip: Jana's favorite gelateria in Interlaken is Gelateria Azzurra. Or grab a tub of your favorite flavor from the grocery store.

Jana's Favorite Gelaterias in Switzerland

Don't just eat gelato — eat good gelato! Here are the best spots I've found in Switzerland:

• Interlaken: Azzurra​
• Thun: Gelateria La Favolosa (multiple locations)
• Bern: Gelateria di Berna (multiple locations)
• Lucerne: 10' Dieci Gelati​
• Zürich: Gelati TELLHOF​
• Kilchberg (near Lindt Home of Chocolate): LucyGoose Gelato​