With rising summer and maximum temperatures due to changing weather patterns, the availability of cool retreats is becoming increasingly important for the tourism and recreation sector. Switzerland's topography, geology, and water infrastructure provide the necessary conditions for temperature regulation in outdoor and recreational areas.
The spectrum ranges from underground cavities and historical mine shafts to urban river and lake bathing areas, and even deeply incised gorge systems. These spaces are collectively referred to as climate-related alternative destinations and are gaining importance in summer tourism in Central European regions.
Geological formations and underground structures as temperature buffers
Underground spaces offer a largely constant microclimate due to their geological covering. In many Swiss cave systems and former mines, the internal temperature remains at around 8 degrees Celsius year-round, regardless of external weather conditions. This characteristic makes them attractive destinations for visitors seeking respite from the heat outside of air-conditioned indoor spaces.
A historical example of the technical use of underground structures can be found in the cave mills at Col-des-Roches near Le Locle in the canton of Neuchâtel. Around 400 years ago, the inhabitants of the valley began to harness the underground watercourses in the natural limestone caves to power mills, sawmills, and threshing machines. The multi-level complex is now open to the public as a museum, showcasing the connection between geology and early industrial history.
In the Val-de-Travers, near La Presta, lies another large-scale underground mining operation. Between 1873 and 1986, asphalt was extracted at this site on an industrial scale. The underground mining created a network of rock tunnels on several levels, with a total length of approximately 100 kilometers. About one kilometer of this network has been developed and opened to the public for guided tours.
In the Bernese Oberland, on the shores of Lake Thun, the St. Beatus Caves form one of the country's most famous cave systems. An approximately one-kilometer-long, electrically illuminated circular walkway leads through the Niederhorn massif. The paths wind past stalactite formations, chambers, and underground streams.
A different approach is demonstrated by the cheese grotto in the Bern-Gstaad region. In this underground facility, more than 3.000 wheels of cheese from the Gstaad dairy are stored for maturation at consistently low temperatures. The structure combines the logistical requirements of food processing with offerings for guided tours.
Urban water infrastructure and the use of flowing waters
Switzerland is frequently referred to in hydrological literature as the water tower of Europe, as significant quantities of European freshwater are stored in the Alps and channeled through river networks. This water availability also shapes the appearance and usability of urban centers. In cities such as Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Ascona, St. Gallen, and Thun, publicly accessible river and lake bathing areas, known locally as "Badis," are key elements of local recreation.
The city of Zurich boasts a network of historic and modern bathing facilities. The Utoquai public bath on Lake Zurich and the Enge lido are among the established structures of this type. These are complemented by the Art Nouveau-style women's bath on the Stadthausquai. For swimming in flowing water, experienced swimmers use the Unterer Letten river bath on the Limmat, where the current can be used for propulsion.
Swimming in the Rhine has become a firmly established tradition in Basel during the summer months. The use of waterproof bags, colloquially known as "Wickelfisch" (literally "wrap fish"), allows swimmers to keep their clothes dry while drifting with the current through the city. In addition, various historical and modern fountains throughout the city serve as local cooling-off points.
The federal city of Bern is known for its accessible outdoor swimming facilities. The Marzili pool, located below the Federal Parliament Building, is one of the most frequented of its kind. From there, swimmers access the Aare River by walking upstream – for example, to the Schönausteg pedestrian bridge – and then floating back towards the pool.
In Geneva, bathing areas stretch along the shores of Lake Geneva. Besides the pebbly beach Plage des Eaux-Vives, large wooden platforms provide access to the water at Quai de Cologny. A unique hydrological phenomenon can be found at the Jonction in the west of the city: at this point, the clear waters of the Rhône and the sediment-laden glacial meltwater of the Arve converge, resulting in a visible discoloration and differing water temperatures at the confluence.
In Thun, the Schwäbis river bathing area on the Aare River and the Strämu lido offer access to Lake Thun. These facilities provide alternatives to the more crowded urban centers of the region.
Gorge landscapes as natural cold reservoirs
Topographical indentations and gorges form another element of natural microclimate regulation. The steep rock faces shade the gorge floors from direct sunlight. Together with the evaporative cooling effect of flowing water and the spray from waterfalls, zones with reduced air temperatures are created.
Among the most striking gorge formations is the Rhine Gorge in the canton of Graubünden between Reichenau and Ilanz, also known as the Ruinaulta. It was formed after the Flims landslide around 10.000 years ago. Also in the canton of Graubünden is the Viamala Gorge near Thusis, which historically posed an obstacle to Alpine traffic and is now accessible via staircases.
In the Bernese Oberland, the Aare Gorge between Meiringen and Innertkirchen offers a glimpse into the formations of erosion. The 1,4-kilometer path runs along wooden walkways and through tunnels directly above the water. In some places, the rock walls rise steeply to a height of up to 180 meters, while at its narrowest point, the gorge measures only about one meter across.
The Verena Gorge near Solothurn showcases a connection between natural environment and cultural history. Besides the stream and the forest, the gorge contains a hermitage and religious buildings dating back to the 17th century.
For more challenging hikes, the approximately 19-kilometer-long route through the Poëta-Raisse Gorge in the canton of Neuchâtel is recommended. The path leads along wooden walkways over cascades and rocky steps through the high valley of the Val-de-Travers.
Another example is the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge in the Bernese Oberland. A well-maintained circular path leads 573 meters along approximately 200 steps through the narrow gorge, where meltwater from the Rosenlaui Glacier flows. The gorge is open seasonally from May to October and attracts visitors specifically seeking cool conditions in nature.