Archetype: Crossroads Student-Approved Summer Guide to Fun CH Style
- Gigi Diane Guarnieri Rosso
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Summer in Switzerland: Adventure, Culture & Prep for College Life šØš
By: Archetype Crossroads ā Weekend Edition | June 2025
Whether you're wrapping up high school or diving into university life, summer in Switzerland is your ultimate playground for fun, growth, and scenic train selfies. Here's your student-approvedĀ guide to making this summer unforgettable ā filled with prep ideas, festivals, and epic Swiss adventures.
āļø JUNE: Wind Down & Gear Up
š Graduation? Congrats! Now what?
June is perfect for winding down, celebrating milestones, and getting a soft start on college prep:
Declutter & Reset:Ā Clean up your digital life and room. Future-you will thank you.
Buy Secondhand Books & Tech:Ā Try Ricardo, Anibis, or local Uni Facebook groups.
Campus Pre-Reading:Ā Ask your future university for recommended readings or preparatory tasksāno pressure ā just light reading at the lake.
Start Your Grand Swiss Summer Tour
Have you heard of the "Tƶffli-Tour"Ā or "1000 Kilometer Schweiz"?
Ā Every summer, adventurous student groups (often part of the Tƶffli Club Schweiz) hop on mopeds or trains to visit all 26 cantons. Some even collect "proof" with photos or passport stamps.
Ā Want in? You don't need a moped ā grab a Swiss Half-Fare CardĀ or the GA Travel card for YouthĀ and design your route!
JULY: Travel, Chill, and Explore Like a Local
Top Scenic Train Routes (All Youth-Friendly)
Switzerland = Train Paradise. Here are a few "bucket list" rides:
Glacier ExpressĀ (Zermatt to St. Moritz): 8 hours of panoramic windows, glaciers, and mountain magic.
Bernina ExpressĀ (Chur to Tirano): UNESCO World Heritage views through the Alps to Italy!
GoldenPass LineĀ (Lucerne to Montreux): Lakes, vineyards, and that Belle Ćpoque flair.
Tip:Ā Make a playlist and bring a journal. These rides are meditative.
Best Summer Hikes & Insta Spots
Creux du Van (NeuchĆ¢tel):Ā Switzerland's "mini Grand Canyon"
Lauterbrunnen to MĆ¼rren:Ā Waterfalls, goats, and epic views
Oeschinensee (Kandersteg):Ā A glacial lake where you can swim, row, or nap
AUGUST: Celebrate Big, Reflect Softly
Major Concerts & Festivals
Time to vibe with your friends at some of the biggest Swiss summer music scenes:
Zurich Open AirĀ (Weekend 1: 22-23 August & Weekend 2: 29-30 August): Electro-pop, indie, and dance under the stars. Line-up usually drops in June ā stay tuned!
PalĆ©o Festival NyonĀ (July 22ā27 2025): One of Europe's bestāthink Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, and Swiss indie acts.
Locarno Film FestivalĀ (6-16 August 2025): More chill than rowdy and great for film buffs or aspiring creatives.
Weggis, Luzern (16 May-12 September): Lakeside, free concerts.
šļø Student Hack:Ā Many of these offer volunteer gigs = free entrance, cool merch, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Spotlight on Ticino: LongLake Festival in Lugano
Lugano LongLake Festival (10-27 July 2025)
Experience the Mediterranean flair of Switzerland at the LongLake FestivalĀ in Lugano. Celebrating its 15th edition, this 18-day extravaganza transforms the city into a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment. With over 300 mostly free events, the festival offers:
Live Music:Ā From jazz and blues to indie and classical performances.
Theater & Street Performances:Ā Engaging shows throughout the city.
Art Installations & Exhibitions:Ā Discover contemporary art in public spaces.
Family Activities:Ā Workshops and events suitable for all ages.
Themed Markets & Street Food:Ā Savor diverse cuisines and shop local crafts.
The festival's key weekends include Estival Jazz, Blues to Bop, and Lugano Buskers, each offering unique musical experiences in the city's picturesque settings, such as Piazza della Riforma and the lakeside promenade.
For more information, please visit theĀ official Long Lake Festival website.
Back-to-School... Lightly
August Is Also for Light Study & Life Admin
Set up your university emailĀ and explore your student portal.
Organize bank accounts, insurance, and housing.
Consider a summer course: ETH Zurich and UNIL frequently offer short summer programs or public lectures.
Bonus: Cool Things to Try
Paddleboarding on Lake Geneva or Lake Zurich
Night hike to catch the sunriseĀ (think SƤntis or Pilatus)
Farm Volunteering: Try WWOOF Switzerland ā Enjoy a free stay, outdoor work, and language immersion!
Get lost in a Swiss museumĀ on a rainy day (Museum fĆ¼r Gestaltung Zurich is great for creatives)
Final Thought
Whether you're prepping for uni life, exploring every canton, or just looking for a perfect place to nap under the sun, Switzerland has it all. Your summer is a bridge ā between who you were and who you're about to become. So cross it with style, fun, and maybe a train ticket or two.
āļø Have a story or tip to share?Ā DM us @ArchetypeCrossroads or tag your adventures with #SwissStudentSummer25
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