Our top pick: the Montreux Jazz Festival
You’ll hear the trumpets, trombones, drums and pianos even while you’re still on the train on the final approach from Geneva. You’ll be enjoying a jazz session in Montreux in no time at all! The biggest names in music today and tomorrow are just waiting for you to join them for a wild time with some unique sounds.
From early July, the town of Montreux, which is just an hour from Geneva, plays host to the Montreux Jazz Festival – the go-to music event in Switzerland where you can get a sneak peek of emerging artists and some jazz greats. Devised in 1967 by Claude Nobs, over the years the Montreux Jazz Festival has become a breeding ground for legendary performances and stories (including yours!).
With the fabulous sounds of your favourite artists mingling with the gentle lapping of Lake Geneva, make the most of this original and vibrant setting all night long (or for a whole week!).
The most electro: Zurich Openair
Electronic music lovers need to head to Zurich! If you’ve never heard of this festival, it’s high time you put that right.
During August, Switzerland’s financial hub is brought to life with a mixture of rock, electro music, entertainment and a selection of local snacks to enjoy. You’ll be dancing, singing, eating and enjoying city life during this musical interlude packed with international artists for you to (re)discover!
The most panoramic views: Gurtenfestival
Take to the heights – both literally and figuratively. In mid-July, the well-known Gurten mountain in Bern plays host to a high-altitude musical extravaganza. An original programme with unique views and a party atmosphere, the Gurtenfestival has everything to get you up on your feet and dancing.
You can get there on foot from Bern if you fancy getting in some exercise, then enjoy your well-deserved musical reward at the top. If you’ve already got the party started down in Bern, you can always take the funicular to the summit and make the most of the party atmosphere on the way up.
© Gurtenfestival Bern - © Andrin Fretz
The most rock’n’roll: Greenfield Festival
What would you say to three days of rock music? From 8 to 10 June, Interlaken Air Base plays host to the Greenfield Festival. What a surprising location, right? This festival has been welcoming 70,000 Swiss and European festival-goers since 2005 for a rock and metal dance fest.
It’s an amazing event in an incredible setting. The artists are carefully hand-picked every year to ensure that your ears are treated to some killer tunes.