Finally, the Böög (the traditional Zurich snowman that predicts summer weather) has burned down, and nothing stands in the way of the next hot summer. To escape the upcoming tropical nights, we recommend planning a few overnight stays in higher and cooler regions of the country now. Our hotels in mountain destinations still have many available rooms and are offering significant discounts. However, this could change soon.

To help you make the most of your summer, here are our top 5 mountain escapes:

1) Lai da Palpuogna in the Albula Valley

A photographer’s paradise: with its larch-lined shores, stunning blue and green hues, and crystal-clear water, Lai da Palpuogna is a true gem. It’s no surprise that SRF voted it the «Most Beautiful Place in Switzerland».

© Switzerland Tourism

From St. Moritz, you can reach Preda in 30 minutes via the RhB train. From there, a pleasant 45-minute hike leads to the lake. While swimming is not allowed, a visit to the sparkling Albula springs above the Alp Weissenstein research station is a great alternative.

Hotel suggestions nearby

Europa St. Moritz ***
Located next to St. Moritz in Champfér, this traditional 4-star hotel offers a fantastic view of the Engadine mountains, three restaurants, and a wellness and spa center.

✅ Breakfast included
🚌 Cable cars and public transport included

Nolda ***
Hotel Nolda is centrally located in St. Moritz-Bad, just 100 m from the cable car and 5 min from the center. Guests can enjoy free use of the wellness area in the neighboring hotel.

☕ Breakfast optional
🚌 Cable cars and public transport included

2) Alp Gamplüt in Toggenburg

The Churfirsten range, a landmark of Toggenburg, is no longer a hidden gem. Yet, its peaks remain as impressive as ever. The best viewpoint to admire the seven distinctive peaks is from the sunny opposite side of the valley, Alp Gamplüt. Open year-round, Alp Gamplüt is worth visiting in both summer and winter for its breathtaking views.

© Toggenburg Tourism

You can reach Alp Gamplüt on foot, by cable car, or by e-bike from Wildhaus. For the return trip, scooters can be rented. The mountain restaurant Gamplüt offers refreshments and, depending on the day, folk music.

Hotel suggestions nearby

NEW: Hotel Hirschen ****
Located in the heart of Wildhaus, this partner hotel is known for its Swiss specialties, gourmet cuisine, and cozy attic spa.

✅ Breakfast included
🚌 Toggenburg guest card included

Stump's Alpenrose
A family-run hotel with modern rooms, a good restaurant, and a small wellness area. Enjoy stunning views of the Churfirsten and Säntis.

✅ Breakfast included
🚌 Toggenburg guest card included

3) Tektonikarena Sardona at Flims Laax

Ever wondered how our beloved Alps were formed?Between 10 and 20 million years ago, the African and European continental plates collided, creating the Alps – a phenomenon particularly visible in the Tektonikarena Sardona above Flims. This unique geological area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

© Flims Laax Falera

A great way to explore this region is via the «Trutg dil Flem» trail. This scenic water trail follows the Flem stream from Segnesboden, passing stunning rock formations and gorges before ending in Flims. The hike can be done in sections.

Hotel suggestions nearby

Hotel Des Alpes, Flims Waldhaus ***
A simple, partially renovated three-star hotel in Flims. All rooms have a private balcony, many with mountain views. The hotel also features a pool, sauna, and pizzeria where you can enjoy delicious pizzas and homemade pasta.

✅ Breakfast included
🚌 Guest card included

4) Gryden Circular Trail in Simmental

Welcome to the moon! Betelberg in Simmental is home to an extraordinary landscape known as the Gryden. This fascinating crater landscape is best explored on the Gryden circular trail.

The loop hike starts at the Betelberg Leiterli mountain station, above Lenk in Simmental, and takes you through a primeval rocky landscape with marsh areas and breathtaking views. With the SimmentalCard, you can use public transport for free and enjoy discounts on cable cars.

Hotel suggestions nearby

NEW: Hotel Simmenhof ****
A family-run hotel built in a cozy chalet style, located about 1.5 km from the village center of Lenk. The hotel features an à la carte restaurant and a wellness area.

✅ Breakfast included
🚌 SimmentalCard included

Hotel Kreuz Lenk ***
Located in the heart of Lenk village, Hotel Kreuz Lenk is just a few minutes' walk from the train station and the Betelbergbahn valley station.

✅ Breakfast included
🚌 SimmentalCard included

5) Lac de Derborence in Valais

Is this the Oeschinen Lake of Valais? Lac de Derborence was formed in the 18th century when two massive landslides detached from the current Diablerets massif. The landslides were considered the work of the devil, and the mountains were then named Diablerets, or devil's mountains. As a result, the lake was long considered cursed. Since almost no one dared to venture there, nature was able to thrive undisturbed for decades. Fortunately, the wild cirque of Derborence is no longer considered haunted and is now protected.

The journey to Lac de Derborence is a dream fo thos who love romantic, narrow mountain roads. You can get there by car or by postal bus from Sion. Once you arrive, you can walk around the mystical lake in about 40 minutes. A mountain restaurant with a beautiful sunny terrace invites you to relax. So, pack your hiking shoes and explore this untouched natural wonder!

Hotel suggestions nearby

Hotel Chalet Royal ***
Hotel Chalet Royal welcomes you just 20 minutes from Sion with views of the Rhône Valley and vineyards.

✅ Breakfast included

Boutique Hotel La Cambuse ***
This charming boutique hotel offers fantastic views from its sunny terrace and great restaurant.

✅ Breakfast included

Take advantage of our hotel deals now and enjoy a refreshing mountain getaway this summer!