Is Zermatt and St. Moritz worth it in the summer? (July/August)

If you’re going to the Berner Oberland then there’s no need to visit Zermatt or St. Moritz, especially if you won’t be hiking.

We were not wowed by St. Moritz and much preferred nearby Pontresina with it’s lovely painted houses.

The train ride from Brig or Visp to Zermatt is the best part - climbing high with beauty in all directions. However Zermatt has changed since earlier times - it’s pretty touristy. The streets are pedestrian only - except for the electric hotel golf carts. A glimpse of the Matterhorn is lovely but she’s elusive. Stick with the BO and enjoy every moment.

I loved my gondola ride up and hike down the Piz Nair. That is my predominant memory - nothing about the town was particularly memorable for me.

I was distinctly unimpressed by the town of St Moritz. I spent a fair amount of time in the Engadin a few years ago and although I could have returned easily I spent about 90 minutes in St Moritz and that was plenty.

Zermatt isn't where I would want to spend more time either. Maybe a glimpse of the mountain, probably not unless you have plenty of time.

When you are in the highlands of the Berner Oberland you are in beauty all around. Why try to top it? You will likely be unsuccessful.

I found St. Moritz to be a bit of a snooze. I think that it relies on its historic position as a jet-setter resort, but there are many more lovely spots in Switzerland.

Thanks a lot for the replies. I heard Zermatt is really nice though!

Actually also wanted to ask what mountain experience is suggested in the summer to see snow!

Somewhere I can walk on the snow and play in the snow at the bare minimum, if no other activities! Seeing snow is really important:)

The Jungfraujoch is where you’ll most likely see snow that's in the Berner Oberland.

If you must play in Alpine snow at the end of summer I agree that paying the very expensive Jungfraubahn train up to the Jungfraujoch will likely be the only way.

You can tube/sled and zip line at the top of the Jungfraujoch. Keep in mind it's high altitude so it's very tiring. There is a conveyor (?) that takes the tubes/sleds back up for you, but it's hard work just loading the tubes/sleds onto it and you will only want to do a couple of runs.

As for Zermatt, it is an interesting enough place and the Matterhorn is majestical when you can see it. If you want to see the Matterhorn from the side take the Gornergrat Railway. It is pretty impressive. But if you don't have enough time for Zermatt, I would stay in the BO. Lauterbrunnen valley is by far my favorite.

Margaret