Switzerland
Switzerland in August: swimming, hiking and mountains
August is the perfect time to visit Switzerland. The sun shines, the lakes are warm enough to swim in, and the mountains look stunning. You don't need to spend much if you book smart.
28 August 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 3 sources
Swimming and boating on Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is the heart of this region. The lake is big enough for boating, fishing and swimming. You can also just walk along the shore and take in the view.
Interlaken sits between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. You'll find restaurants, cafes and shops here. From Interlaken, it's easy to travel on to the Jungfrau Ski Region.
- Take the train to Interlaken Ost station, then a bus to Lake Brienz.
- Rent a car if you want more freedom.
In Lake Brienz, you swim between mountains that reach right down into the water.Switzerland
Discover quiet mountain villages
Meiringen is a small village in the mountains, home to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. The museum stands on the spot where Holmes meets his death in the story. It's a fun outing if you enjoy mysteries.
Kandersteg is even quieter. Many hikers and nature lovers come here. In August it gets warm, but rarely above 25 degrees. The weather can change quickly, though.
- Always pack a jacket, even in summer.
- Eat at Nico's à la carte for dishes made with local herbs and vegetables.
Book smarter, pay less
You don't need to spend much. Search for flights with Skyscanner, which scans hundreds of websites. Book hostels through Hostelworld for the best prices. For hotels and guesthouses, Booking.com is the cheapest option.
Fly into Zurich International Airport rather than Bern-Belp. Zurich is further away (120 kilometres), but it has far more international flights.
- Consider Couchsurfing for even cheaper accommodation.
- Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights worldwide.
