Switzerland is famous for many things, from cheese and chocolate to snowy peaks and sustainability (they call it ‘Swisstainable‘. But when planning your Switzerland vacation you’ll want to think about where to go and what not to miss. Perhaps you see yourself standing atop the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” with a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. Or maybe the charming medieval streets of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Swiss capital, are calling. Perhaps you’re dreaming of tiny alpine villages with lush green grass and cows grazing, or mountains of artisanal Swiss chocolate, or a relaxed boat ride on the shores of a piercingly blue lake. Whatever your Swiss dream, this small European nation offers a diverse range of experiences. Let’s explore 15 of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Zürich, the largest city
Zürich, Switzerland’s dynamic capital, blends old-world charm with modern city living. Get lost in the winding streets of the Old Town, where medieval architecture collides with trendy boutiques. Climb Lindenhof Hill for panoramic city views or delve into Swiss history at the Swiss National Museum. Finish a great day here at one of Zürich’s world-class restaurants and bars.
Lucerne, the lake and Chapel Bridge
This picturesque Swiss city set on Lake Lucerne is a place where natural beauty and history combine. Explore the Old Town and cross the famous wooden Chapel Bridge, lined with art from the 17th century. Then take a boat trip on the lake to really relax and soak up the mountain scenery.
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St. Moritz, the exclusive ski resort
St. Moritz is the birthplace of alpine tourism, and you’ll find this luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley. The exclusive ski resort has hosted the winter Olympics twice, and here you’ll find some favourite sports year-round – such as horseracing, polo, greyhound racing and cricket – all done on ice. Go for the skiing, stay for the opulent hotels and world-class shopping and people-watching.
Bernina Pass, on the UNESCO Rhaetian Railway
The Bernina Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, and the Bernina Express is a scenic train that crosses these mountains. With Trafalgar you’ll board the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway and cross the iconic pass, marveling at the engineering feat of spiral tunnels and viaducts as you pass glaciers, alpine meadows, and snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps en route to the stylish resort town of St. Moritz.
Jungfraujoch, “Top of Europe”
Soar to the “Top of Europe” at the Jungfraujoch, a breathtaking viewpoint that straddles two mega mountains. Up here is always an alpine wonderland with glaciers and year-round snow. You’ll ride a cogwheel train through stunning mountain scenery and emerge onto a stunning ice-covered plateau between Jungfrau and the Mönch in the Bernese Alps. Standing at an elevation of 3,463 metres above sea level, this is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and can explore the Ice Palace!
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Lake Geneva, for wine, cheese and jazz
The Lavaux region, set at the edge of Lake Geneva, is famous for its gorgeous wines. On Trafalgar’s Best of Switzerland you’ll spend the morning exploring the beautiful medieval fortress of Chillon Castle, set on a rocky lake islet then go for a special Be My Guest wine and cheese tasting experience at a local vineyard overlooking the lake. Near here, the annual Montreux Jazz Festival is a legendary event that pops up each July, making it one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in the summer.
The Matterhorn, an iconic peak
The Matterhorn, a majestic peak that dominates the skyline of Zermatt, is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. That distinctive pyramid shape is instantly recognizable (it’s on the side of your Toblerone bar after all!) and it draws visitors from around the globe, making this among the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Zermatt, your Swisstainable base in the Alps
The charming village of Zermatt is a perfect base for mountain fun. This extraordinarily picturesque mountain paradise is entirely car-free and the village enjoys spectacular views of the iconic Matterhorn and 28 other mega peaks – soaring over 4,000 metres above the town. From here you can take a cable car ride to enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
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Bernese Oberland, the region with Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Wengen
The Swiss Alps region of Bernese Oberland is famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery. Here you can explore the charming town of Interlaken, nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and venture into the picturesque mountain villages of Grindelwald and Wengen. Up here the air is fresher than fresh! You’ll hike through lush alpine meadows, admire towering peaks, and enjoy thrilling winter sports. As a bonus, some Trafalgar trips Dive Into Culture exploring the centuries-old tradition of wood carving in the village of Brienz.
‘Swisstainable’ Mount Stanserhorn, by open-air cable car
Feel the wind in your hair as you glide up Mount Stanserhorn aboard the world’s first open-air cable car, the CabriO on Trafalgar’s Contrasts of Switzerland. You’ll travel up one of Switzerland’s oldest mountain railways, then switch from the funicular to the cable car to reach heights of 1900 metres (6300ft). Once at the summit, hike through alpine meadows, relax at the panoramic restaurant, or simply take in the stunning scenery.
Bern, the capital
The Swiss capital is a charming medieval city that will take you a few centuries back in time. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s streets, stopping to admire the famous Zytglogge clock tower, and relax along the banks of the Aare River. Make sure you pass by Bear Park, a sanctuary for Bern’s beloved bears, which have been a famous attraction since 1513. You can also see the impressive Federal Palace, the seat of the Swiss government.
Gruyères, for the cheese
The nutty, semi-hard cow’s cheese we know as Gruyères is actually named after a small medieval town in Switzerland. While here you’ll want to taste the locally made cheeses – which are mild and grassy when young and get sharper with age. There’s also the 13th-century hilltop Château de Gruyères to explore.
Geneva, the French-speaking city
Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, this elegant city has a dash of French flair making it one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. Explore the historic Old Town, admire the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, and explore the watchmaking history with a world-class shopping trip.
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Glacier Express, a scenic rail journey
There’s something extra romantic about rail travel, and the world’s first ‘Swisstainable’ trou, our Contrasts of Switzerland, embraces this. Experience the glamour of a bygone era, enjoying alpine scenery as you chug along on the Glacier Express, one of the world’s most unforgettable rail journeys You’ll cross hundreds of bridges and the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet (2,044 m) above sea level, eventually reaching charming Zermatt, at the foothills of the towering Matterhorn.
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Lausanne, for Olympic spirit
This smaller city on the shores of Lake Geneva blends history and culture with outdoor activities. Stroll through the Old Twon and admire the 12th-century Gothic cathedral. Then immerse yourself in the world of sports at the Olympic Museum.
Which is the best city in Switzerland for first-timers?
Surprisingly, the smaller city of Lucerne is often considered the best city in Switzerland for first-time visitors. Why? Here you can explore a well-preserved medieval Old Town, take in panoramic views of the snowy Swiss Alps, and take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne. It offers a bit of everything that is great about Switzerland.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Switzerland?
Many say the Jungfraujoch – sometimes better known as the “Top of Europe” – is the number one tourism attraction in Switzerland. This high-altitude destination is easy to reach with the Jungfrau Railway, a feat of engineering that gets visitors to the top safely without the need to hike. From up here visitors gain stunning views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and valleys.
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That’s our list of the best places to visit in Switzerland. Is there anywhere else you’d add to this list? Leave us a comment…