Switzerland is known as one of the most picturesque countries in Europe. With breathtaking alpine scenery, heartwarming local food, historic towns, and world-famous cities, there are plenty of places to visit in Switzerland. Because of the abundance of stunning sites, figuring out what to visit can be challenging. Even though it’s small, this list is long, and even then, we could go on forever! Whether exploring quaint Swiss cities or venturing into the untamed Highlands, the country’s traditional Swiss food, cultural diversity, and fairytale landscapes create an unforgettable journey. Read on to find the best places to visit in Switzerland.
First things first …
Let’s break this place down and get informed on what it’s all about. Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is renowned for its postcard-perfect alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and lush valleys. With every twist of the road or mountain trail, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by the grandeur and serenity that Swiss nature offers. Fairytale landscapes pretty much define this place.
Switzerland also impresses with its rich culture. It’s a true cultural melting pot, where different linguistic and historical influences mix harmoniously everywhere. This beautiful cultural diversity is reflected in traditional festivals, museums rich in history and a charming atmosphere in each city you visit.
Furthermore, Swiss urban architecture is a feast for the eyes, with its stunning alpine villages, charming medieval towns, beautiful metropolises, cobblestone streets, wooden cottages and historic buildings create a delightful setting that looks like something straight from a storybook.
And we can’t fail to mention the rich and delicious Swiss cuisine. Switzerland is known worldwide for its delicious chocolates, cheeses, fondues and traditional dishes. Each region offers its own delicacies, and tasting the local cuisine is an experience that pleases both discerning palates and food enthusiasts.
Now let’s dive into some of the most beautiful places in Switzerland!
Interlaken
Words cannot describe this place. It’s an enchanting area situated between two stunning lakes, Thun and Brienz, and further surrounded by the majestic trio of mountains – Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. This is Switzerland’s must-see, the ultimate paradise for adventure enthusiasts, even known as the adventure capital of Switzerland with various outdoor activities such as scenic trails, mountain climbing, mountain biking, and paragliding over the town and Alps. You can also enjoy a boat trip on lakes Thun and Brienz to admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and towns. Water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming are also available for water adventures. Furthermore, the main town has several tourist attractions to enjoy, and the most famous are:
Jungfraujoch: Known as the “Top of Europe”, an absolute must-visit. Take the iconic Jungfrau train to Europe’s highest railway station, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views and unique snow experiences all year round.
Harder Kulm: Reach the top of Harder Kulm on a funicular to enjoy spectacular views of Interlaken and the surrounding Alps. When you get up there, you’ll find ‘Falcon Flight’, a wing-shaped observation platform that gives you the feeling of flying over the city. Unbelievable, isn’t it?
Thun: How about taking a quick trip to the city of Thun? The place is on the shores of Lake Thun, and you can explore the medieval castle, stroll through the old town and enjoy a long walk along the lake shore.
Schynige Platte: Take a vintage train trip to Schynige Platte, where you will find stunning alpine gardens, hiking trails and spectacular views of the Alps and lakes.
Grindelwald: Visit the alpine village of Grindelwald, famous for its panoramic views and numerous outdoor activities.
The local cuisine features the famous and delicious fondue, the perfect opportunity to try Swiss cheese. Many local restaurants serve this traditional delicacy, ideal for sharing with friends or family. You can also take the opportunity to taste local Alpine dishes like rösti (potato pancake), raclette (melted cheese served with potatoes and vegetables) and Bircher muesli (a Swiss mix of oats, fruit and yoghurt).
Geneva
Geneva is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its beauty, rich culture and important role as the headquarters of several international organisations. It is a fantastic place to stay and has many significant tourist attractions; here are some examples:
Jet d’Eau: The Jet d’Eau is Geneva’s most iconic landmark. This impressive water fountain shoots to a height of around 140 meters into Lake Geneva, creating a breathtaking image that can be spotted from various parts of the city.
St. Pierre Cathedral: This cathedral is best known for its historic significance as the church where John Calvin gave his inspiring sermons during the mid-16th century. Its viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the city and the lake, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy the landscape, it’s a must city to visit in Switzerland.
Parc des Bastions: This charming park is home to the famous Reformation Wall, which honours the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. It’s a big area where you can have a wander, picnic or play giant chess.
Palais des Nations: The Palais des Nations is an important diplomatic and historical landmark and receives many tourists with guided tours available to learn more about the work of the United Nations.
In the main busy areas of Geneva, you can enjoy various other activities, such as strolling along the many river banks, enjoying the far-from-modest beauty of the Geneva lake or cycling around the city. You can also take a boat tour or visit the Jardin Anglais and admiring the clock made of flowers.
Geneva has terrific restaurants serving local cuisine and various dishes from around the world, including French, Italian, Asian and more – in other words, food to suit all tastes! And for these reasons, this place should not be left out of your Switzerland itinerary!
Zermatt
Zermatt is among the best places to visit in Switzerland; a true alpine paradise, embraced by the majestic presence of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. The picturesque atmosphere of this car-free alpine village, with charming cobbled streets and wooden chalets, creates a delightful and welcoming atmosphere like something straight out of a fairytale. The Matterhorn’s grandeur and awe-inspiring beauty provide a spectacular view and an exciting challenge for climbing among other outdoor activities. The Matterhorn is one of the world’s most photographed and iconic mountains. Zermatt is a top ski destination in Switzerland, with its extensive ski and snowboarding area connected to Cervinia in Italy. Hiking trails also provide opportunities to appreciate and maintain Switzerland’s natural beauty, including crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
If everything said so far wasn’t enough, we have another beautiful place to add to your bucket list – the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Located in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Bern, this place is one of the most impressive valleys in Switzerland, ranking high in cool places in Switzerland. It’s surrounded by huge mountains, beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes and is easily accessible from cities such as Interlaken and Bern. It experiences a well-defined climate throughout the seasons, offering year-round activities. If you visit this beautiful place, you’ll have a fun-filled day with lots of exploration guaranteed. The valley is known for its waterfalls, with over 70 cascading down the steep cliffs. The Staubbach Waterfall is one of the most famous and can be seen directly from the village of Lauterbrunnen. Furthermore, you can explore underground waterfalls like Trummelbach Falls, a natural wonder with turbulent waters carving caves into the rock. We can’t fail to mention the many hiking trails, ranging from easy and scenic to more challenging in the surrounding mountains. You’ll want to take advantage of this or even enjoy skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts like Mürren, Wengen and Schilthorn.
The local cuisine also doesn’t disappoint, offering a delicious mix of traditional Swiss meals as well as international options. Try local specialities such as rösti, cheese fondue and Swiss meat dishes. You’ll also find various top restaurants and cafes serving international cuisine.
Lucerne
Last but not least, we have Lucerne, the best medieval city framed by Lake Lucerne and majestic mountains such as Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. Its enchanting and unique beauty is often mentioned in various literary works, and it has served as inspiration for several fairytales. It’s one of the top places to visit in Switzerland. Here are some spots you can enjoy:
Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge): One of Lucerne’s best and most famous attractions is this sheltered wooden bridge that crosses the Reuss River. It’s one of the oldest bridges in Europe, beautifully decorated and attracts many tourists.
Altstadt (Old Town): This beautiful place is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and medieval buildings that have been well preserved over the years and attracts many tourists who marvel at the local beauty. Explore the narrow alleys, cosy squares and visit historic churches such as the Jesuit Church and St. Leodegar Church.
Mount Pilatus: One of the most iconic peaks, Mount Pilatus offers stunning views of the city and lake. You can reach the top by cable car or cogwheel train, and in summer, enjoy hiking on the mountain trails.
Rigi: Known as the “Queen of the Mountains”, Rigi also offers views of the lake and Alps and is easily accessible by train from Lucerne. It’s a great place for hiking and winter sports.
And if you think that’s all, you’re wrong! You have yet to hear of the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland, which features world-famous names and the best in classical music. Or may not you know that the region is also home to several fascinating museums, including the Swiss Transport Museum, the Richard Wagner Museum and the Rosengart Museum, displaying works of art by Picasso and other renowned artists. Lastly, how about a night cruise? You can enjoy a night cruise on Lake Lucerne to see the illuminated city and surrounding mountains in a magical atmosphere and beautiful places.
Tricks and tips for your trip
If you plan to visit or stay in any of these places, remember to bring suitable clothing for every climate you may face, especially if you plan on partaking in outdoor activities. The weather in Switzerland can vary, so it’s essential to be prepared for different weather conditions, especially in mountain areas or areas with lakes nearby.
If you are visiting multiple attractions in the valley, make sure to check the public transport schedules in advance to ensure a calm and peaceful experience. With some planning and preparation, you can make the most of your visit to stunning Swiss destinations!
Visiting beautiful Switzerland is like entering a dreamscape in every direction. The beautiful places mentioned are just a fraction of what this incredible country offers. Prepare to be amazed by picturesque landscapes, lush valleys, monstrous peaks, stay in beautiful hotels and create unforgettable memories!
