Switzerland, often hailed as the “Playground of Europe,” is a land of unparalleled beauty. Picture towering mountains that kiss the sky, lakes as clear as mirrors reflecting the heavens, and charming towns nestled in valleys that seem plucked from a fairytale. Whether you crave thrilling outdoor adventures or tranquil moments surrounded by nature, Switzerland offers an unforgettable experience any time of year.
The Swiss Alps, a majestic range that covers 60% of the country, sculpt a landscape of dreams. Imagine yourself amidst glacier-crowned peaks, beside roaring waterfalls, exploring fairytale castles, and gazing at lakes painted in impossible shades of blue. Even the journey through Switzerland is an adventure in itself. Iconic red trains wind their way up steep mountains, cable cars glide across deep valleys, and the gentle chime of cowbells echoes through rolling green meadows.
Switzerland’s cities are vibrant hubs of culture, often set against breathtaking backdrops of vineyards, lakes, and rivers. The mountains are never truly distant, always a silent promise of adventure. When it comes to natural beauty, Switzerland is simply in a league of its own. So, are you ready to explore? Let’s discover the 11 best places to visit in Switzerland.
Red train ascends Jungfrau Railway in Switzerland, showcasing scenic rail journey.
1. Jungfrau Region: The Adventure Capital
Best for: Outdoor Activities
The Jungfrau region, the jewel of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, is a breathtaking panorama of sky-high peaks, immense glaciers, and powerful waterfalls. Here, the “big three” – the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains – reach for the heavens, each soaring over 4000m (13,123ft) and steeped in mountaineering history.
Embark on an extraordinary journey to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” the continent’s highest railway station at 3454m (11,332ft). The train ride itself from Lauterbrunnen, via Kleine Scheidegg, is an unforgettable experience. For adventure seekers, Grindelwald offers world-class hiking, skiing, sledding, and zip-lining amidst legendary mountains. Interlaken is your base for every imaginable extreme sport, while the entire region is dotted with stunning waterfalls. The Jungfrau region is the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Travel Tip: To truly appreciate the Jungfrau region, plan to spend at least a week. Charming villages like Wengen and Mürren provide idyllic bases for your explorations.
Bern Old Town and Aare River in Switzerland, highlighting historic city charm.
2. Bern: Step Back into Medieval Times
Best for: History and Culture
Bern, Switzerland’s capital, often surprises visitors with its understated charm. This UNESCO World Heritage city boasts a remarkably preserved medieval Old Town. Wander through 6km (3.7 miles) of covered arcades, discover hidden cellar shops and bars, and admire fountains topped with whimsical figures. Don’t miss the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, a masterpiece of medieval engineering.
Framed by rolling wooded hills and bisected by the turquoise Aare River, Bern is a picture-perfect city from every angle. Children will be captivated by the city’s resident bears and the legend of the child-eating giant immortalized on the Kindlifresserbrunnen fountain.
Explore significant landmarks like Einstein-Haus, where Albert Einstein developed his theory of relativity, the Kunstmuseum with its impressive art collection, and the Zentrum Paul Klee, a modern art museum designed by Renzo Piano.
Travel Tip: In summer, join locals swimming, tubing, rafting, or paddleboarding in the refreshing Aare River. A popular float trip runs from Camping Eichholz to Marzili Lido, offering stunning views of the Old Town.
Château de Chillon exterior in Montreux, Switzerland, showcasing famous Swiss castle.
3. Geneva: A Cosmopolitan Lakeside City
Best for: International City Experience
Located in the westernmost corner of Switzerland, Geneva sits at the edge of crescent-shaped Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). This stunning lake, framed by mountains and vineyards, is dotted with elegant cities and charming castle towns.
Geneva itself is a truly cosmopolitan city, marked by the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain and views of Mont Blanc on the horizon. It’s an ideal starting point to explore the Lake Geneva region. Discover world-class museums and art galleries, relax in botanical gardens, swim in lakeside lidos, and enjoy café culture. Bright yellow mouettes (water taxis) offer scenic commutes across the lake.
Side Trip: A short boat or train ride from Geneva brings you to Lausanne, a city rivalling Geneva in culture, particularly with its Plateforme 10 arts district. Nearby, explore the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO-listed Lavaux wine region and Montreux, famous for its jazz festival and the stunning Château de Chillon.
Outdoor dining in Zermatt with Matterhorn view, exemplifying iconic Swiss scenery.
4. Zermatt: Home of the Majestic Matterhorn
Best for: Hiking, Skiing, and Mountaineering
No mountain in Switzerland is as iconic as the Matterhorn. This 4478m (14,692ft) jagged peak dominates the skyline above the charming, chalet-filled resort town of Zermatt. The Matterhorn’s distinctive shape even inspired the Toblerone chocolate bar.
Zermatt is a legendary destination for mountaineers since the 19th century and remains a magnet for climbers seeking Alpine summit challenges. For less experienced visitors, Zermatt offers incredible hiking, skiing, and breathtaking views of glaciers and 4000m peaks from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car station.
Side Trip: For a unique experience, take the cable car from Zermatt to Testa Grigia and step into Italy for lunch. The panoramic views from the top station are simply spectacular, spanning across international borders.
5. Swiss National Park: Where Nature Reigns Supreme
Best for: Wildlife and Nature Spotting
Switzerland’s only national park, located in the southeast bordering Italy, is a haven for nature lovers. The 172 sq km (66 sq mile) Swiss National Park is a pristine Alpine wilderness of high moors, dense forests, wildflower meadows, cascading waterfalls, and jewel-toned lakes, all beneath towering mountains. Here, ibex, chamois, marmots, deer, bearded vultures, and golden eagles roam freely.
Conservation is paramount in the park, ensuring minimal human impact. The landscape is so untouched that even dinosaur tracks are still discovered here. Explore the park’s beauty through phenomenal hiking trails.
A top trail is the challenging 21km (13-mile) return hike from Zernez to the Macun lakes, where 23 sapphire, azure, and turquoise lakes shimmer on a high-altitude plateau, offering incredible views of the Bernese, Silvretta, and Ortler Alps.
Travel Tip: Start your visit at the Swiss National Park visitor center in Zernez for information on trails and ranger-led guided hikes to make the most of your experience.
Piazza Collegiate in Bellinzona, Switzerland, showcasing Italian-Swiss culture.
6. Bellinzona: An Italian Flair in Switzerland
Best for: Piazza Dining and Italian Culture
Bellinzona, located in Ticino, southern Switzerland, offers a taste of Italy with a Swiss twist. Three medieval castles perched on hills provide stunning views of the Alps. The historic center is a delightful mix of Italian charm with flower-lined alleys, Renaissance churches, and lively piazzas filled with cafes and the sounds of Italian life.
Enjoy the Italian influence in the local cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. Bellinzona provides a unique cultural experience within Switzerland.
Side Trip: Explore the UNESCO-listed castles, especially Castelgrande. A visit to Castelgrande can easily fill a day, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and castle-dotted hills.
7. Jura Mountains and Lac de Neuchâtel: Scenic Road Trip Territory
Best for: Road Trips and Nature Exploration
The Jura Mountains, stretching along the French-Swiss border, are a hidden gem of natural beauty. This peaceful region is characterized by whispering meadows, ancient forests, rocky viewpoints overlooking mountain lakes, and charming villages that seem untouched by time.
A road trip is the perfect way to explore the Jura. Start at the Jura Vaudois Nature Park for hiking trails with Lake Geneva views and Gruyère cheese tastings in rustic mountain huts. Continue north to Lac de Joux, the watchmaking village of Le Sentier, and Vallorbe, home to impressive limestone caves.
Side Trip: Extend your trip to Lac de Neuchâtel. Relax in thermal waters at Yverdon-les-Bains, explore the Val-de-Travers, the birthplace of absinthe, and visit the dramatic Creux du Van canyon. End your journey in the cultured town of Neuchâtel, dominated by its grand château.
Man hiking with cow on Mount Pilatus near Lucerne, embodying Swiss countryside.
8. Lake Lucerne: Sunset Serenity and Lakeside Charm
Best for: Lakeside Scenery and City Promenades
Lucerne, nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne, is a picturesque medieval city with an enchanting atmosphere. Stroll along the promenade as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant colors. Take a boat trip across the lake to Mount Pilatus, where panoramic Alpine views once inspired Wagner and Queen Victoria.
The city’s belle époque hotels and stunning lake views captivated Goethe, Turner, Queen Victoria, and Wagner in the 19th century and continue to charm visitors today. Lucerne offers a rich cultural experience despite its smaller size.
Visit the iconic Kapellbrücke bridge spanning the Reuss River, and explore the art collections at the Jean Nouvel-designed KKL arts center and the Sammlung Rosengart museum, home to works by Picasso and other masters.
Local Tip: For a deeper exploration, take a boat trip to the fjord-like southeastern part of Lake Lucerne. Boats travel to Rütli Meadow, a historically significant site where Switzerland’s foundation document was reputedly signed.
Appenzeller cheese in Swiss storage, showcasing regional culinary delights.
9. Appenzell and Northeastern Switzerland: Rural Bliss and Traditions
Best for: Rural Countryside and Cultural Immersion
Northeastern Switzerland, while lacking the dramatic heights of the high Alps, offers a serene and deeply rural experience. Dairy farms stretch towards rolling mountains, and towns are adorned with half-timbered houses and vibrant murals. This region is ideal for a family vacation with a blend of culture and gentle outdoor activities.
Start in St Gallen, and explore the UNESCO-listed Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), a masterpiece of Rococo art and architecture. Then, visit charming Appenzell, and sample regional cheeses at the Appenzeller Schaukäserei dairy.
Venture south towards the Alps and ascend Säntis mountain at 2501m (8,205ft) for views extending across six countries. Discover Werdenberg, a tiny medieval hamlet boasting Switzerland’s oldest timber chalets.
Side Trip: Visit Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, located on the Rhine River, just a short distance away. Explore the princely castle and consider hiking the 75km (47-mile) Liechtenstein Trail for a unique cross-country adventure.
Basel Town Hall clock detail, highlighting city's architectural beauty.
10. Basel: An Underrated Urban Gem
Best for: Art, Culture, and City Exploration
Basel, often overlooked by tourists, is a vibrant city on the Rhine River that deserves attention. It boasts world-class art museums, a dynamic food scene, a lively café culture, and striking modern architecture by Pritzker Prize-winning architects.
Spend several days exploring the city center. Must-see attractions include the Kunstmuseum’s fine art collection, the Fondation Beyeler art museum designed by Renzo Piano, and the Vitra Design Museum by Frank Gehry, located just across the border in Germany.
Connect the latter two museums via the Rehberger-Weg, a 5km (3.1-mile) art trail with 24 stops, best explored on foot or by bike, crossing the border between Switzerland and Germany.
Travel Tip: Discover Basel’s hidden charms beyond the main sights. Enjoy sunset drinks by the Rhine or experience a refreshing swim in the river. Rent a Wickelfisch waterproof bag to float downstream past the city’s landmarks.
Zurich city center with Fraumunster and Grossmunster churches, showcasing urban lifestyle.
11. Zürich: Experience the Swiss Good Life
Best for: Urban Living and High Quality of Life
Zürich, consistently ranked among the top cities for quality of life, is a dynamic urban center that offers a taste of the “good life.” From trendy waterside bars along the Limmat River to the charming Old Town, Zürich exudes sophistication and vibrancy. Admire the Augusto Giacometti-designed stained glass in the Grossmünster church, founded in the 9th century by Charlemagne.
Culture enthusiasts can explore masterpieces at the Kunsthaus gallery, admire Le Corbusier’s architectural designs, and delve into the post-industrial Züri-West district, home to the Schiffbau, a former shipbuilding factory now hosting cutting-edge arts.
Travel Tip: In mid-August, experience Zürich’s energetic Street Parade, one of Switzerland’s largest techno parties. During warm summer days, locals flock to “Badi-Bars,” lake and riverside pool bars with a lively atmosphere, like Rimini, a popular choice.
