Skip Europe This Summer: This Town in Utah Is Just as Scenic as the Swiss Alps

A European tour is on my bucket list, but sadly, it isn’t in the cards this summer. But that’s okay because we have the next best thing right here in the Beehive State. Midway, Utah, which is tucked away on the western edge of Heber Valley, is our very own “Little Switzerland,” dubbed as such in the 1850s by Swiss settlers who were reminded of the Alps upon laying eyes on the rolling hills and snowcapped mountains. The quaint town fully embraces its Swiss heritage, and since it has the scenery to match, you’ll actually feel like you’re on the European vacation of your dreams.

Nestled in the majestic Wasatch Mountains, Midway is a charming town south of Park City. It’s home to roughly 6,000 people and is known for its old-world European architecture that will transport you straight to the Alps. Upon your arrival, the crisp mountain air invigorates your senses, and the scenery makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. 

While Heber Valley is renowned for its winter activities, it’s also a world-class summer destination. With cool temperatures and a plethora of family-friendly activities, it’s an idyllic choice for a warm-weather getaway. 

The Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa is an obvious choice for a stay in Midway. It looks like a Swiss chalet and has a traditional European bakery with delicious pastries like eclairs. If you’re looking for something less touristy, the Blue Boar Inn is a cozy chateau with Alps-inspired decor and furnishings. The rooms have charming touches like stone fireplaces and snowshoes hanging on the walls, and the on-site restaurant offers Swiss pastries and other dishes, such as rosti and sausage. 

Many businesses in town have modeled their buildings after the theme, with sloped roofs, overhanging eaves, and murals of children wearing traditional Swiss clothing. Even the town hall has an hourly Glockenspiel that pops out to tell the time.

As far as activities, Midway is best known for the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, a former Olympic venue offering Nordic skiing and snow tubing. It’s still open in the summer, however, when the ski slopes transform into mountain biking trails. You can’t miss a trip to the Heber Valley Artisan Cheese dairy farm. This working farm is run by the Kohler family, who brought their dairy farming traditions with them upon their arrival in 1929. You can tour the farm and even take cheese-making (and tasting!) classes, which are offered monthly. 

Although not Swiss-themed, the Homestead Crater is a bucket list-worthy destination where you can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in a 10,000-year-old geothermal hot spring. Afterwards, refuel with a meal at Cafe Galleria. The menu at this quaint eatery is influenced by a variety of European cuisines, featuring everything from wood-fired pizza to crepes. Plus, it’s across the street from the town hall, so you can see that adorable Glockenspiel. Midway also hosts the annual Swiss Days Festival every Labor Day Weekend, complete with food vendors, a parade, live entertainment, and more.

Have you ever visited the Little Switzerland of Utah? If so, what was your experience like? If you are looking for even more travel inspiration, check out these small towns in Utah that are worthy of every bucket list. And, if you want to explore the Heber Valley, take a ride on the Heber Valley Railroad or even tackle one of our favorite hikes in Utah.