The very best locations to go to in Switzerland span from cosmopolitan cities to mountain resorts within the cradle of the Alps. Whether or not you’re seeking to ski, store, eat, hike, or idle round medieval cities, this landlocked nation in Central Europe has a vacation spot that matches the invoice.
Why Go to Switzerland
The pure fantastic thing about sky-piercing ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and plunging valleys edged by glaciers adorn a few of the finest locations to go to in Switzerland.
Such a various topography makes Switzerland a preferred vacation spot for out of doors fans, with mountaineering, mountaineering, biking, rafting, ziplining, snowboarding, and tobogganing all on the desk. Funiculars, cable vehicles, and state-of-the-art walkways be certain that all talents – and thrill ranges – are accommodated.
The cities of Switzerland are simply as worthy of consideration. Shiny fashionable hubs like Geneva and Zurich are constructed round quaint medieval cities wealthy in historical past and gastronomical experiences. Switzerland’s popularity for chocolate, cheese, and luxurious items means there may be at all times one thing to do on a wet day (or payday).
So, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the very best locations to go to in Switzerland.
9 Greatest Locations To Go to in Switzerland
These 9 superb locations in Switzerland are pure beginning factors for an itinerary. Every serves as a hub for experiencing a chunk of every thing the nation has to supply: wealthy historical past, tradition, gastronomy, retail remedy, and quick access to scenic nature.
All it is advisable carry to your Switzerland journey is a way of journey and additional area in your suitcase for any impromptu purchasing sprees.
1. Zürich
Switzerland’s largest metropolis and fundamental monetary hub blends modernity with a captivating Outdated City. The Altstadt is the perfect start line for a primary go to to Zurich, the place cobblestone streets give option to the Grossmunster and Fraumunster church buildings.
That is additionally the place you’ll discover the Kunsthaus artwork gallery and the Swiss Nationwide Museum. Zurich’s historic quarter straddles each banks of the Limmat River on its journey to Lake Zurich, the place strolling trails hint the shoreline. Boat excursions function on the lake, and swimming is permitted in the course of the summer season months.
The left financial institution of the river is named the Lindenhof and is constructed over the foundations of a Roman fort. This hilly quarter now contains a serene park with views over the river and the Altstadt.
Accessible by way of prepare after which a brief hike, the summit of Uetliberg Mountain grants unimaginable views over Zurich and the lake. This inexperienced oasis gives quite a lot of mountaineering and mountain biking trails.
Trains to Schaffhausen join with the Rhine Falls – the biggest waterfall in Europe – with boat rides taking you inside touching distance of the spray. The Seerenbach Falls close to Lake Walen is a further tour close to Zurich for waterfall chasers.
As with many of the finest locations to go to in Switzerland, summer season is the optimum time to go to Zurich to get out on the water. Spring and fall see fewer crowds and nice situations for mountaineering within the surrounding countryside, whereas winter brings alternatives for selecting up souvenirs from the Christmas markets.
2. Geneva
French-speaking Geneva serves because the headquarters for each the European United Nations and the Purple Cross. It was additionally the place the Sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation performed out.
This prosperous metropolis – recognized for its watchmaking lineage – sits on the southern finish of the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), and Mont Blanc is seen on clear days.
Guests to Geneva can meander the picturesque cobblestone streets of Vieille Ville (Outdated City) and revel in panoramic views from the tower of St. Pierre Cathedral. The Reformation Wall honors key figures from the Protestant motion and displays town’s position in non secular historical past.
Geneva is among the finest locations to go to in Switzerland to find out about international diplomacy. Excursions function on the Palais des Nations, whereas the Purple Cross Museum showcases town’s humanitarian heritage.
On the different finish of the dimensions, you’ll discover upscale purchasing and high-end eating alongside the lakeside promenades and inexperienced escapes within the Parc des Bastions and the Jardin Anglais.
A ship journey on the crescent-shaped Lake Geneva reveals spine-tingling alpine views, whereas out of doors journey fans can take pleasure in crusing, paddleboarding, or biking alongside the waterfront the place the Jet d’Eau fountain dances.
As with Zurich, Geneva gives a spread of simple day journeys. Experience the prepare to Montreux on the reverse finish of Lac Leman and go to the medieval Chillon Fortress on the water’s edge.
The UNESCO-designated Lavaux wine area within the Vaud canton stuns with its terraced vineyards and white wines produced from Chasselas grapes. The Lavaux Categorical prepare negates the necessity for a chosen driver.
For a more in-depth take a look at Mont Blanc, journey by prepare to Chamonix in France. Geneva can be the gateway to a number of ski facilities within the French Alps.
3. Zermatt
As soon as a humble farming outpost, Zermatt is now a legendary mountain resort within the German-speaking canton of Valais.
Its proximity to the mighty Matterhorn – some of the common sights in Switzerland – attracted climbers in the course of the nineteenth century and put Zermatt on the map. As curiosity in mountaineering grew, Zermatt established itself as a vacation spot in Switzerland for adventurers, winter sports activities fans, and luxurious vacationers.
There’s an exercise for all seasons in Zermatt. In winter, skiers flock to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – the best ski space within the Alps, the place a coating of powder lingers even in summer season. Zermatt has a pleasant apres-ski tradition orbiting round cozy chalets and gourmand eating places.
Nature lovers will discover that summer season is the very best time to go to Zermatt for mountaineering and biking pursuits in hotter climate.
The 5 Lakes Stroll (5-Seenweg) is among the nation’s prized trails, the place the Matterhorn dominates the surroundings and is mirrored to perfection within the water of Stellisee. The average, six-mile route additionally passes the lakes of Grindjisee, Grunsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee.
The Gornergrat Bahn is simply one of many spectacular prepare journeys in Switzerland. This rack railway takes you to a photogenic viewpoint overlooking glaciers and mountains. In the meantime, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cable automobile hyperlinks Zermatt with the Italian ski resort of Cervinia for a change of surroundings.
Barely additional north, the small city of Brig gives the proper place to unwind in open-air thermal baths and Europe’s longest water slide.
4. Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz within the coronary heart of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken, which interprets into Between Lakes in English, is among the finest locations to go to in Switzerland for an alpine journey.
This resort city dates again to medieval occasions when Augustinian monks established a monastery there. The mesmerizing alpine landscapes continued to draw writers and artists, together with Goethe and Byron, earlier than turning into a tourism hub.
After the event of the railway system, Interlaken grew to become the principle gateway to the mountainous Jungfrau area.
Interlaken gives an abundance of outside actions year-round. For probably the most daring, there may be paragliding and skydiving over the lakes or canyoning by rugged gorges. The city can be a nucleus for water sports activities, with kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat cruises accessible on each lakes.
The Tougher Kulm Mountain climbing Loop ascends to viewpoints over the lakes, whereas the funicular is there for these needing to protect time and power.
A scenic prepare journey to Jungfraujoch, generally known as the Prime of Europe, introduces you to extra of Switzerland’s jaw-dropping glacial landscapes.
The summit of the Schilthorn is topped with a revolving restaurant providing 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps. James Bond followers will acknowledge Piz Gloria from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
The dramatic waterfalls – 72 in complete – of Lauterbrunnen are a brief journey away, whereas the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and the charming village of Iseltwald present tranquil escapes.
In winter, Interlaken is a handy base for the ski resorts of Grindelwald, Wengen, and Murren.
5. Bern
Bern, the executive capital of Switzerland and seat of the Swiss authorities was based by Duke Berthold V of Zahringen in 1191.
Legend says he named town after a bear he hunted within the space, which stays an emblem of Bern to today. Actually, you’ll encounter a household of real-life brown bears within the coronary heart of town.
Bern was based as a middle of commerce and commerce forward of becoming a member of the Swiss Confederation in 1353.
The town’s medieval Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, contains sandstone buildings and nearly 4 miles of purchasing arcades. The Zytglogge astronomical clock, Federal Palace, and Bear Park (house to the aforementioned bears) are key sights to take a look at.
Artwork lovers can join with the work of Paul Klee at his devoted museum, whereas science buffs can brush up on Albert Einstein’s experiences residing within the Swiss capital on the Bern Historic Museum. These touring in the summertime can take a refreshing dip within the Aare River.
Bern’s comparatively central location makes it among the finest locations in Switzerland for day journeys. Thun is a simple 30-minute prepare journey away, and a day may be spent touring the fortress and crusing throughout Lake Thun.
A day within the fairytale city of Gruyeres could also be divided between touring the cheese manufacturing facility and delving into historical past on the medieval fortress. The waterfalls and alpine surroundings of the Lauterbrunnen Valley are an hour away by rail or street, whereas Interlaken is lower than an hour by prepare.
6. Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a picturesque Swiss village within the Bernese Alps. As a part of the Oberland area, Grindelwald began out as an agricultural settlement and stays deeply rooted in alpine tradition alongside out of doors pursuits.
The nineteenth century noticed a swathe of climbers head to Grindelwald, keen to beat such peaks because the Eiger and Mittelhorn. As the principle gateway to the Jungfrau area, Grindelwald additionally gives alternatives for mountaineering, mountain biking, paragliding, and snowboarding.
There are slopes for all talents on the two valleys that make up the Jungfrau Ski Area. The Eiger Categorical cable automobile, working all yr, connects Grindelwald with the Eiger Glacier.
The most effective issues to do in Grindelwald is to hike to Lake Bachalp (Bachalpsee). This expedition begins with driving the cable automobile to First Station, from the place it’s a simple one-hour stroll to the lake the place the customarily snow-capped mountains are mirrored flawlessly on the water’s floor.
The hike could also be bookended with a lap of the First Cliff Stroll. This steel walkway is suspended on the sting of the mountain and provides breathtaking views of the valley.
7. Lucerne
Lucerne is a good-looking metropolis within the very coronary heart of Switzerland, which developed from an Eighth-century fishing and farming settlement. The development of the St. Gotthard Cross within the thirteenth century put Lucerne on the map for commerce routes linking northern and southern Europe.
Lucerne was additionally one of many founding members of the Swiss Confederation, marking the start of its progress as a political and financial middle. Within the centuries that adopted, Lucerne flourished as a cultural and inventive hub, attracting painters, writers, and musicians.
Immediately, vacationers can discover a fantastically preserved Altstadt awash with frescoed buildings, Lake Lucerne, which is usually thought-about probably the most lovely lake in Switzerland, and one of many oldest lined picket bridges in Europe.
Chapel Bridge depicts scenes illustrating pivotal moments from Swiss historical past. The Swiss Museum of Transport and the Rosengart Assortment present a dose of tradition on a wet day in Lucerne.
As is a theme in the very best locations to go to in Switzerland, the waterfront district provides mountain views and scenic cruises, together with transfers to the historic village of Weggis.
Close by, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway carries vacationers as much as the highest of Mount Pilatus for a chook’s eye perspective. The dawn bundle makes for a singular expertise in Lucerne and is definitely worth the early begin.
A brief prepare journey hyperlinks Lucerne with Engelberg, the place the glacial panorama of Mount Titlis could also be appreciated year-round from the Cliff Stroll. There are ample alternatives for mountaineering within the unblemished Swiss countryside from Lucerne.
8. St. Moritz
St. Moritz is among the most historic locations in Switzerland – however we’re not referring to museums and relics. This alpine resort within the southeast of the nation garnered consideration for its mineral springs way back to the Bronze Age and have become a spot of pilgrimage.
In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, St. Moritz shifted right into a glamorous and splendid vacation spot for winter leisure tourism.
The city hosted the Winter Olympics twice – in 1928 and 1948 – and continues to usher in a conveyor belt of celebrities and sports activities fans turning as much as ski and snowboard completely groomed slopes and attend off-piste occasions.
St. Moritz additionally caters to cross-country skiers and gives bobsledding on the world’s solely pure ice monitor. Lake St. Moritz freezes over in winter and gives a stage for such distinctive sports activities as cricket and polo on ice.
Because the snow thaws and the ice melts, the Engadin Valley is reworked into a middle for mountaineering, mountain biking, crusing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
A brief journey on the Muottas Muragl presents panoramic views of the Alps. Again on the town, By way of Serlas teems with luxurious purchasing boutiques, Michelin-starred eating places, and rejuvenating spa resorts.
When it comes to day journeys from St. Moritz, the tranquil village of Sils Maria is house to the Nietzsche Home Museum, the place the German thinker spent his summers. The Swiss Nationwide Park – the one certainly one of its type in the whole nation – is one other various for wildlife fans.
Connecting St. Moritz with Zermatt and weaving by the Swiss mountains, the Glacier Categorical is taken into account some of the scenic prepare rides on the earth.
9. Lugano
Lugano is the biggest metropolis in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino area. Given its proximity to the border, town carries influences from Swiss and Italian cultures.
The realm surrounding Lugano was initially inhabited by Celts earlier than falling below the Roman Empire as a commerce middle.
Lugano was tussled between the Dukes of Milan and Swiss forces earlier than formally turning into a part of the Swiss Confederation in 1513. Over the centuries, Lugano has flourished as a cultural and monetary middle.
The promenade of Lake Lugano steals the present attributable to its views of the water and the Alps. These views are solely exceeded by these discovered on the summits of Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore, each of that are accessible by way of funicular or mountaineering trails from city.
But extra photogenic websites await within the historic metropolis middle, which is split into elegant piazzas and arcaded streets with postcard-pretty pastel buildings. The Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli is known for the Renaissance frescoes preserved within the nave.
The purchasing and eating scenes in Lugano replicate town’s Italian affect, with conventional grottos serving Ticinese specialties. Overindulgence could also be walked off in Lugano’s largest park, Parco Ciani. This can be a peaceable retreat the place paths cross by manicured gardens skirting the waterfront.
A brief boat journey south throughout the lake results in the village of Morcote, famous for its colourful waterside quarter and Italianate botanical gardens.
Additional north and accessible by prepare, Bellinzona is value a go to for its three medieval castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. These UNESCO World Heritage Websites delve into Swiss historical past and exhibit a powerful assortment of archeological artifacts.
For vacationers persevering with onwards to Italy, trains between Lugano and Milan take one hour.
See The Greatest Locations in Switzerland With JayWay
Switzerland is a land of wonders, and much more so should you see it by the eyes of our knowledgeable journey planners and passionate native employees on the bottom. At JayWay Journey, we all know Switzerland fairly properly, and we’ll be more than pleased to craft the proper Switzerland itinerary for you.
So, should you’re dreaming of your subsequent journey, the very best locations to go to in Switzerland are solely an e mail or cellphone name away.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s enthusiastic about journey and storytelling, a mix that makes her very best for her position as our content material supervisor.
