Finishing touches on a July trip

I would suggest getting RS book on Switzerland and looking into more out of the way places for a better experience. July is a high rain month in the alps so bring gear for wet weather. J

Where/when is your return flight?

Return flight is open ended for the next couple of days. We're thinking from Zurich 3 weeks after our trip starts but have flexibility at the moment.

You don't really say what specifically you're excited about in terms of mountains, lakes, cities, villages, historic sites, wine, etc. etc? That could make a difference in recommendations, but in general, I really enjoy Saas Fee and Bettmeralp. Both car free villages in the Valais, but much quieter than Zermatt with beautiful hiking. Bettmeralp has amazing hiking along the Aletsch Glacier, while Saas Fee is tucked away in a valley that feels like it's separated from the rest of the world and the lake and hiking around Kreuzbodensee + peak trail around Hohsaas + feeding the wild marmots around Langfluh + watching people ski in the summer, etc. was all so amazing.

Last year, we went the opposite way but maybe the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur then the train to Appenzel and back to Zurich. Appenzel is not the BO but it’s still a beautiful area. And the GE train ride is stunning so the time passes quickly.

Thanks for the recommendations, wanderweg and margie!

Wanderweg, My husband and I simply want to enjoy the beautiful, scenic outdoors of Switzerland. We especially enjoy hiking and being out in nature. We like to drive mountain passes and stop when we see beautiful places, including small towns and villages. This July, we'll probably stick with the train system, but you get the idea of what we like. Last fall, we visited the Engadin Valley and the Dolomites and could hardly get enough of those tall peaks, lush valleys, and scenic mountain passes in each location. While in Sils-Maria last fall, a hiker told us that we needed to put Saas-Fee on our radar so I appreciate you confirming that. Margie, Appenzell was on my initial list so I'll revisit that route back to Zurich. I see what you're saying.

Sounds like you would really love Saas Fee then! We rented a chalet apartment for 2 weeks there last summer and really enjoyed it. If you stay in the Saas Valley you get a guest card which gives you unlimited free rides on all the cable cars in the region + the buses. It's a true outdoor mecca for biking, hiking and being active in general and free of all influencer selfie seekers :) It's not the greatest base for day trips out of the valley because you can only reach the area via bus (no train service), but if you're okay with going into the valley and enjoying everything in that region, it's a great spot!

It would also be best to put Saas Fee towards the end, as the high elevation means that most of the good hiking doesn't open until July. We were there last year around mid July and everything was just opening up, the weather was perfect and crowds were non-existent.

A few faves
https://swissfamilyfun.com/hohsaas/
https://www.saas-fee.ch/en/world-of-adventures/kreuzboden-in-summer
https://swissfamilyfun.com/langfluh-glacier-viewpoint/
https://swissfamilyfun.com/almagelleralp-hike/
https://swissfamilyfun.com/hannig-ridge-hike-saas-fee/
https://swissfamilyfun.com/saas-fee-summer/