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Best places to visit in switzerland.

Switzerland is known around the world for its chocolate, cheese, charming towns and scenic landscapes . Everywhere you turn, you're treated to a little bit of history and a little bit of nature's beauty, as well as plenty of mouthwatering cuisine in between. U.S. News considered factors like sights, culture, accessibility and variety of things to do, plus traveler and expert input, to calculate the best places to visit in Switzerland. Peruse the list below, and vote for your favorite spots.

Appenzell District

Jungfrau region.

Interlaken's unique location between two lakes – Lake Brienz and Lake Thun – makes it a breathtaking spot for a vacation. Here, you can spend hours hiking various trails, taking in the castle-studded shores of Lake Thun on a boat cruise or gazing at the surrounding mountains from the Harder Kulm observation deck (accessible via a funicular). To see more of the region's stunning scenery, go for a ride on the Schynige Platte Railway or sign up for a paragliding or skydiving excursion.

Travelers looking to ski or snowboard in the Swiss Alps should head to Zermatt. This small, car-free town in the middle of the Alps is famous for housing one of the world's most famous attractions — the Matterhorn (a peak so popular that it inspired a Disneyland ride) — and Switzerland's highest ski resort. Novice and expert skiers and snowboarders can spend the bulk of their vacation hitting the slopes, which showcase incredible mountain views. After shredding powder, visitors can ride the Gornergrat train, pick up a slab of homemade chocolate from a local shop or savor cheese fondue at a traditional Swiss restaurant.

Picturesque Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, framed by snowcapped mountains and medieval buildings. This beautiful city's old town is home to historic attractions, lively town squares, boutique shops and old churches. Top attractions include the Musegg Wall and its towers (the preserved fortifications date back to the 13th century) and Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge, the must-see Chapel Bridge, which was originally built in the 1330s. Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure can also ride a cable car to Mount Pilatus for stunning views of Lake Lucerne and plenty of activities at the top.

This lakefront city on the Swiss-Italian border offers visitors a unique travel experience. Because Lugano shares waters with neighboring Italy, the city features a mix of Swiss and Mediterranean influences in everything from its cuisine to its architecture. Plus, Lugano boasts unforgettable panoramas. Visit Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, both of which you can reach by funicular, for bird's-eye views of Lake Lugano and the city. Or, spend a few hours hiking the Olive Grove Trail or strolling the gardens of Ciani Park. If you'd rather lounge on a beach, head to Lido di Lugano.

Zurich is a cosmopolitan financial center, a foodie haven and a romantic European city that appeals to all types of travelers. A vacation here should include spending time admiring Lake Zurich, exploring the trendy bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, meandering through Lindenhof park and exploring the city's distinct neighborhoods. Join well-heeled shoppers (or just admire the window displays) on Bahnhofstrasse, a world-famous exclusive retail boulevard. While here, be sure to sample the famous dark chocolate Champagne truffles from specialty chocolatier Teuscher.

Visit the medieval town of Gruyères if you want to feel as if you've stepped back in time during your next trip. Its good looks (think: car-free cobblestone streets, fountain-filled squares and a 13th-century castle) create an old-world ambiance you're bound to love. Plus, the town is world-renowned for its Gruyère cheese, which you can sample and learn more about at a local cheese dairy or cellar. Sampling chocolate is also a must-do here, so be sure to check out a chocolate factory or attend a chocolate workshop while in town.

Like its neighbor Lugano, Locarno is located in the Ticino region near the Italian border. This quiet, small town is surrounded by stunning scenery (it sits on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the foothills of the Alps), and since it's the warmest destination in Switzerland, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Be sure to stroll through the picture-perfect main square, Piazza Grande, where the city hosts several summer festivals, and trek to Madonna del Sasso, considered sacred among Roman Catholics. Then, head to the Verzasca river valley to swim or bungee jump.

Appenzell captures the essence of Switzerland with rolling hills, a car-free village and well-preserved customs. Visitors can take in the scenic landscape of the Appenzell District (located in the northeastern part of the country) by taking a cable car to the oft-photographed Aescher guest house, picturesquely built into the rock face, or hiking the region's "experience trails" like the Gonten Barefoot Trail and Appenzeller Kapellenweg, which weaves past 11 chapels. Meanwhile, the tiny village of Appenzell boasts quaint, frescoed shops and Museum Appenzell, which highlights the region's traditional crafts, folk music and art.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a small town that boasts more charm and incredible scenery than Brienz. Located in the stunning Bernese Oberland region, Brienz sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Brienz, which features gorgeous turquoise water and is flanked by towering evergreen mountains. Some of the best ways to soak up the awe-inspiring setting include strolling picture-perfect Brunngasse (often proclaimed the most beautiful street in Europe), riding the Brienz Rothorn Bahn (which traverses a steam rack railway) and taking a boat tour to lake attractions like Giessbach Falls.

Set along the banks of crystal-clear Lake Geneva in western Switzerland, this city is known for its incredible views and as the headquarters of the Red Cross and the United Nations. Geneva is also home to some iconic sights, including the Jet d'Eau (one of the world's tallest water fountains) and an old town with cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. While exploring the latter, be sure to check out the Saint Pierre Cathedral, which features Roman, Gothic and neoclassical details.

The capital of Switzerland, Bern sometimes gets overlooked for flashier Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva. But Bern holds many charms, including an old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) featuring the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, Renaissance-style fountains and a Gothic cathedral with the highest spire in Switzerland. The city also boasts many museums – several dedicated to Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern when developing his theory of relativity. Head to Gurten mountain – which you can reach by funicular, by bike or on foot – for sweeping views of the city below.

As the largest ski area in central Switzerland, Engelberg is a winter playground, with a long, snowy season for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and sledding. But don't sleep on a summertime visit here; warmer months allow for a bevy of fun family activities like a toboggan run, 300-plus miles of hiking trails and water activities on Trübsee lake. Regardless of when you visit, you won't want to miss the TITLIS Rotair, a revolving cable car that takes riders up Mount Titlis, and the other cable lifts that stop at a glacier cave, a panoramic restaurant, and the TITLIS Cliff Walk.

Considered "the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism," St. Moritz welcomes travelers with world-class skiing, swanky hotels, renowned après-ski offerings and top-notch restaurants. In addition to offering downhill skiing trails so highly regarded that the town has hosted the Olympics twice, St. Moritz features excellent spots for cross-country skiing, sledding and winter hikes. Come summertime, the area invites outdoor lovers to golf, bike, hike or enjoy water sports and swimming in the surrounding lakes.

The Jungfrau Region is the perfect place for first-timers wanting to experience the otherworldly splendor that is the Swiss Alps. But be forewarned: The destination is sky high. Popular attractions like the Jungfraujoch (which features Europe's highest train station), the Grindelwald-First cable car and the First Cliff Walk Presented by Tissot sit at the top of towering peaks. The innovative Eiger Express gondola offers even faster transport to the top (just 15 minutes from Grindelwald). For those who'd rather stick closer to Earth's surface, prioritize a hike on a lower-level valley path and a visit to the Pfingstegg toboggan.

Tourists may not be as familiar with Montreux as they are with its Lake Geneva neighbors, which makes this Swiss town such an undiscovered gem. Quaint Montreux features a waterfront promenade dotted with flowers and trees, a medieval castle and a charming old town, not to mention a statue commemorating Freddie Mercury (Queen recorded multiple albums here from 1978 to 1995). Montreux is also surrounded by vineyards and hosts a popular open-air jazz festival every summer, while the holiday season brings the festive Montreux Noël market.

Located less than 5 miles from Montreux, Vevey is another Lake Geneva gem. This town's picturesque promenade along the lake is filled with flowers and features a sculpture of Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last 25 years of his life in Vevey. The Alimentarium, a nutrition-focused museum, also adorns the shoreline with its beautiful sandstone building, which once served as the headquarters to Nestlé (the company is still based in Vevey). After admiring the town, visitors can take a cog railway to the scenic Les Pléiades vantage point for its stunning views and the astronomy-centric Astropléiades trail.   

The second-largest city on Lake Geneva, Lausanne is characterized by its renowned Gothic cathedral and surrounding hilly terrain. The stunning lake views and colorful city center don't hurt, either. Travelers can take in Lausanne's lively atmosphere by checking out the city's cafes, admiring the old town's beautiful architecture and perusing the exhibits at the Olympic Museum. No visit would be complete without venturing outside the city to nearby Lavaux, where you can enjoy wine from vineyards that are so scenic and well-preserved (some date back to the 11th century), the area was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Top Attractions

Famous landmarks everywhere you look: the variety of different sights to see in Switzerland is truly incredible. Discover glaciers, mountain worlds, rivers and impressive buildings. Or explore museums and institutions that especially symbolise our country’s identity.

Top 5 attractions

The rhine falls, creux du van, matterhorn (4,478 a.s.l.) - symbol for switzerland, jungfraujoch, château de chillon, top destinations, grindelwald, lauterbrunnen, top natural spectacle, lake oeschinen, trümmelbach falls, swiss national park, vallemaggia, top experiences, glacier express, boat trip on lake lucerne, bernina express, swiss museum of transportation, lake geneva cruises, 5-seen-wanderung pizol, fondation beyeler, kunsthaus zürich, landesmuseum zürich, museum tinguely, advertisement, premium events.

• 19 Apr Patrouille des Jeunes 2024 Verbier, 19.04.2024
• until 18 Apr 100 years of St. Nicholas Cathedral Fribourg / Freiburg, 19.04. - 18.04.2025
• until 21 Apr 21st International Silvretta Pupils Cup Samnaun, 19.04. - 21.04.2024
• From 19 Apr 7. Schwyzer Kulturwochenende Schwyz, 19.04. - 21.04.2024
• until 7 Jul Annual exhibition of the artists of Grisons Chur
• until 28 Apr Annual exhibition of the artists of Grisons Chur
• From 19 Apr Vitromusée Romont – Exhibition – Swisstopo Romont
• From 19 Apr Vitromusée Romont – Exhibition – Regards du Sénégal Romont

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Grand tour of switzerland.

1,600km, 22 lakes, 5 Alpine passes, 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 4 linguistic regions – on the Grand Tour of Switzerland it’s all about the journey.

Premium panorama trains

Panorama trains delight with large windows, mountain and lake views and other scenic attractions.

UNESCO World Heritage sites

You’ll find everything here – from watchmaking towns to wild natural landscapes.

The most comfortable and relaxing way of discovering Switzerland is by train, boat or bus. A panoramic rail trip through the Alpine scenery, a romantic boat trip on a river or an excursion with a nostalgic paddle steamer on one of the famous Swiss lakes can be an unforgettable experience.

The biggest hotel offer in Switzerland. More than 2000 hotels available. Easy and secure online booking. No matter whether you are looking for tasteful design, wellness, golf, or are a family with children.

Travel through time with night watchman Ludwig, paraglide over the Aletsch Glacier with Xandi Furrer or hike under a full moon with Marco. Get to know your local hosts and discover a whole new side of Switzerland. Get inspired, select, book.

12 of the best things to do in Switzerland 

Dec 5, 2023 • 13 min read

Experience the best of Switzerland with these top things to do © nycshooter / Getty Images

No country has it all, but the Swiss are justified in feeling pretty smug about their lot.

In Switzerland almost every drive , train journey , boat trip or cable car ride has an element of the epic, taking you to thundering falls, gorges, valleys hidden deep in the mountains or World Heritage vineyards. Cities with medieval old towns, big-hitter galleries and extraordinary cultural collections are often just a whisper away from vivid turquoise lakes and the glacier-capped Alps. The stride between urban and outdoors is effortless.

Whether it’s floating down the Rhine in Basel, admiring Paul Klee’s punchy art in Bern, hiking below the mighty Matterhorn, feeling the thrill of ice at the Aletsch Glacier, or sipping Chasselas wines in the terraced vineyards of the Lavaux as the last sun touches Lake Geneva, these are some of the best things to do in Switzerland .

1. Float down the Rhine in Basel

At the point where Switzerland, Germany and France converge, Basel dives into creative waters when it comes to avant-garde art and architecture, with a raft of galleries right up there with Europe’s best. But this city also likes to let its mind drift. 

Cue the Rhine, where office workers ditch their suits to take a dip, and families gather for a city swim on weekends. A novel way to see Basel is to grab a Wickelfisch (a fish-shaped waterproof bag to keep your stuff dry), make for the river banks in Kleinbasel, then strip to your bathers and float past city landmarks as the current carries you gently downstream. If you prefer to keep your head above water, rent a stand-up paddleboard or join a tour with Birs73 . Locals like to end their dip socially, with drinks and a sunbathe at a buvette (riverside bar), especially on hot summer days.

Planning tip: Hop in just below Museum Tinguely to float 3km (1.8 miles) down the Rhine, or plot your own route by taking a look at the map . You can buy a Wickelfisch at the tourist office in central Barfüsserplatz.

2. Stargaze from your bed

It’s a night silent enough to hear your own heartbeat. Up in the Alps, darkness falls and the only sound is the gentle chime of cowbells. Constellations and distant planets sprinkle the sky like handfuls of glitter. Sound beautiful? It is. Harnessing the wild, Million Stars Hotel is a huge collection of open-air, one-of-a-kind sleeps across the country, where you can slip back to nature and enjoy a little pre-bedtime stargazing.

But we’re not just talking canvas here. These imaginative overnighters are ones that you’ll be raving about for years to come – from beautifully made-up beds plonked on top of remote mountains to a stylishly converted gondola on the edge of a crag, a bed under an apple tree and a “beehive” pod with views of Eiger’s mile-high North Face. And with this being Switzerland, they are not just clever but comfortable, too.

Planning tip: As each place only sleeps two, advance booking is highly advisable. Most are open from July to October.

3. Ride the Glacier Express

No country nails rail travel like Switzerland, where little red trains (polished and perfectly on time) chug from valley to peak with ease, leaving you to swoon over the Alpine scenery from the comfort of your panoramic carriage. Evoking a golden age of travel, Switzerland’s train journeys are hands down some of the world’s finest.

The big one everyone is eager to do at least once (and with good reason) is the Glacier Express , which crosses over the Furka, Oberalp and Bernina passes on the eight-hour ride between Zermatt and St Moritz in Graubünden ’s Upper Engadin. Riveting views of meadows, forests, fast-flowing turquoise rivers, canyons, castles, big-shouldered mountains and glaciers keep you glued to the window. The entire journey is a remarkable feat of 1930s engineering, but special mention goes to the Landwasser viaduct – the gravity-defying six-arched bridge that leaps between Tiefencastel and Filisur, and the Oberalp Pass (2,033m/6,670ft), harnessing the true wilderness of the Swiss Alps.

Planning tip: If you want to save a few francs, regularly scheduled services plying the same route can be just as enjoyable and significantly less expensive. Break up the journey by using cheaper SBB trains and overnighting along the way.

4. Hike in the Swiss National Park

For a taste of the Alps before tourists rocked up, head southeast to the Swiss National Park in Graubünden’s Lower Engadin valley, where the mountains nudge their way over into Italy. Easily accessed from the quaint villages of Scuol, Zernez and S-chanf, Switzerland’s only national park is a 172-sq-km (66-sq-mile) visual feast of rushing streams, high moors, pastures, glaciers, larch, pine woods and lakes. Here, nature has been left totally to its own devices: no trees are felled, no meadows are cut, and no animals have been hunted since the park was founded in 1914.

The only way to properly see the park is by chucking on boots and heading for its trail-laced heart. If you only have time for one walk, make it Lakes of Macun, a 21km (13-mile) day hike from Zernez, leading to a high Alpine plateau splashed with 23 lakes that shimmer topaz and sapphire. If you prefer, you can join a guided walk with one of the park rangers (you can book these at the visitor center in Zernez). With an expert in tow, you stand better chances of spotting rarities like wild edelweiss, ibex, chamois, golden eagles and bearded vultures.

Planning tip: Camping is off-limits, but you can stay the night at the gloriously remote Chamanna Cluozza . At 1,882m (6,174ft) above sea level, this is quite possibly the off-grid log cabin of your wildest Alpine dreams. The hut is reached on a moderately challenging 3½-hour uphill hike from Zernez. Bring your own sleeping bag.

5. Boat across Lake Lucerne

There are higher mountains in Switzerland than those lining the fjord-like shores of Lake Lucerne , but none are more enshrined in flag-waving Swiss myth. Boat across the emerald waters of Lake Uri and you’ll glimpse Rütli Meadow , the hallowed birthplace of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. You can also experience the Tellskapelle , a tiny, frescoed chapel that is said to be where the apple-shooting hero and beloved Swiss rebel William Tell escaped from the boat of his Hapsburg captor, Gessler.

Legends swirl like storm clouds over the mountains on the doorstep of Lucerne . Since 1889, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway has been rattling up to 2,128m (6,981ft) Mt Pilatus, where the restless ghost of Roman prefect Pontius Pilate is said to still roam. Never mind the spook stories – you’ll be captivated by the views reaching as far as Germany’s Black Forest on cloudless days. Its beauty rival is 1,797m Mt Rigi (5,895ft), famous for its painterly sunrises and sunsets and once a source of fascination to JMW Turner, who painted it in three different moods.

Planning tip: Lucerne makes an appealing base for exploring the lake, with its Old Town, medieval wooden bridge and promenade strung along the lakeshore.

6. Take the Eiger Express to Jungfraujoch

You’ve got to hand it to the Swiss – they are always ahead of the game. Since 1912, a little red train, fueled by hydro-power from the outset, has wound its way up to Jungfraujoch , Europe’s highest train station at 3,454m (11,332ft), blasting through the icy heart of Eiger. Just recently, the journey has become even more eco-friendly with Grindelwald’s Eiger Express , a super-speedy tri-cable gondola that covers the first leg of the journey using its wheels to generate green power. The ride will make you gasp out loud as you float above the landscape, with spruce forests and log chalets giving way to a realm of rock and ice. You’ll get so close to Eiger’s beastly, mile-high North Face that you’ll feel as though you’ll slam right into it.

At the top of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jungfraujoch, temperatures drop and the world is always white. You’ll be wowed by the view from the Sphinx observation deck, reaching across a sea of snow-capped, 4,000m (13,123ft) peaks and the 23km (14.2-mile) swirl of the Aletsch Glacier while Germany and France hover in the distance. The frosty Ice Palace is a wonderland of ice tunnels and sculptures – they are impressive today but must have been even more so back when mountaineers first hacked them out by pickaxe in the 1930s.

Planning tip: Bring warm layers and boots, particularly if you fancy the 45-minute stomp to Mönchsjochhütte , Switzerland’s highest serviced mountain hut.

7. Drive the Furka Pass

You won’t be able to tell if it’s the stomach-flipping hairpin bends or the gob-smacking views that make your heart beat so wildly on this high, twisty, up-and-over-the-Alps drive from the isolated valley of the Goms in Valais to mountain-encrusted Andermatt in Uri – the gateway to southeast Switzerland. 

Drive the 31km (19-mile) Furka Pass from west to east to maximize the drama as dark, craggy peaks and glaciers fill your rear-view mirror. If you have a bit of a Bond moment behind the wheel, it’s no coincidence – this road starred in the car chase scene in the 1964 movie Goldfinger. As you swing dizzily around switchbacks, the road tops out at the 2,429m (7,969ft) Furka Pass, where you can peer across the lunar rockscape of a wind-battered plateau to the deeply crevassed Rhône Glacier and its ice grotto before the long, sweeping descent to Andermatt.

Planning tip: The road is open roughly from June to October (depending on snow) but check conditions before heading out.

8. Get active in Ticino’s valleys

In the sultry, parle Italiano canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, it’s the lakes that get all the love. But dip into Ticino ’s hidden valleys and you’ll lose the crowds and find the region’s true pulse. Here glassy, jewel-colored rivers float past chestnut woods and incredibly pretty granite hamlets cresting hilltops (including Switzerland’s smallest, Corippo , with a population of just 15). And after a day’s hike or bike ride, you can kick back on the vine-swathed terrace of a rustic grotti (tavern) for polenta and brasato (beef braised in red wine) with a glass of the beefy local Merlot.

The wild, woody Valle Maggia is a magnet to mountain bikers and hikers, laced with 700km (435 miles) of trails, including the challenging 52km (32-mile), six-day Via Alta that spotlights the region’s best. For more adventure, head over to the rugged Val Verzasca, bisected by its namesake emerald river and crisscrossed by the Sentiero Verzasca trail. Every Alpine activity imaginable is offered in this valley, from hiking and cycling to rafting, bouldering, paragliding and bungee jumping from the 220m (656ft) Verzasca Dam, which starred in the opening scene of GoldenEye . Swissraft makes it happen.

9. Have a culture fix in Bern

You might have an I-can’t-believe-it’s-the-capital moment roaming the streets of Bern , with its refreshingly easygoing vibe, parks and alfresco cafes, resident bears and lush backdrop of hills. The city is certainly a looker, situated on a sharp bend in the startlingly turquoise Aare River, encircled by gentle hills and with views of the snow-frosted Alps on crisp, clear days. And you can get your cultural kicks here, too. 

Begin with a romp around the Altstadt , Bern’s medieval, cobbled, arcaded, flag-bedecked heart. Here you’ll spy the ornate Zytglogge clock (come at four minutes before the hour for the glockenspiel parade), the 15th-century Gothic Münster (hike up its lofty spire, Switzerland’s tallest, for far-reaching views over the rooftops) and many folkloric fountains, including the Kindlifresserbrunnen , depicting a giant snacking on children.

Museum-wise, Bern is a treat. Tour the apartment where Einstein lived and the magnificent Kunstmuseum , home to Renaissance masterpieces, Monets and Picassos. Make the short hop out to Renzo Piano’s bold, wave-like Zentrum Paul Klee to see the color-charged works of Swiss-born German artist Paul Klee.

Detour : Break up sightseeing with a wild swim in the Aare River. When the weather warms, join the Berner for a cooling downstream float. 

10. Ski or hike below the Matterhorn

Nothing sums up Switzerland’s outdoor-loving spirit better than the Matterhorn, the peak that has broken many a rock climber’s rope (and soul) and has a chocolate bar (Toblerone) shaped in its honor. Arrive in Zermatt on the train that chugs from Täsch. Like those who have come before you, you won’t be able to stop yourself from obsessively gawping at that mountain. 

And who could blame you? Razoring up above the Italian border in southern Valais, this 4,478m (14,691ft) fang of rock and ice is utterly mesmerizing, especially when seen from above. You can ski, hike or climb in its pyramid-shaped shadow by riding the world's highest-altitude 3S cable car to 3,883m (12,739ft) Matterhorn Glacier Paradise , on the Klein Matterhorn, with views reaching deep into the Swiss, French and Italian Alps. 

For close-ups of the melting ice, hook onto the two-hour, 6.5km (4-mile), moderately challenging Matterhorn Glacier Trail. When the flakes fall in winter, you can pound the powder on 360km (223 miles) of ski runs, some of which dip over the border into Italy and nearly all of which offer distractingly lovely views of the Matterhorn.

Planning tip: If you have some climbing experience under your belt, you can climb your way to the top with an Alpine guide .

11. Admire the Aletsch Glacier  

As you journey into the remote Goms valley in Valais , the Alps take a turn for the wild and the hamlets are pure Heidi stuff with sun-blackened chalets and flower-freckled meadows sweeping up to whopping mountains. The Matterhorn gets all the fuss, but just as arresting is the Aletsch Glacier , the jewel in the crown of the Jungfrau-Aletsch region. Powering past wispy waterfalls, rock spires and the dagger-shaped summit of Aletschhorn (4,193m/13,756ft) like a six-lane glacial superhighway, this 23km (14 mile) swirl of deeply crevassed ice is the longest and most voluminous glacier in the Alps.

Observe the glacier from the viewpoint, or – for close-ups – hit the trail on the 17km (10.5-mile), five- to six-hour hike from Fiescheralp to Bettmeralp where every bend in the ice reveals phenomenal views and the odd Valais Blacknose sheep. If you prefer instant thrills, wobble across the Aletschji–Grünsee Suspension Bridge, which straddles the 80m-deep Massa Gorge.

Planning tip: Reaching the glacier is part of the fun. From Fiesch, take the cable car up to Fiescheralp, then beyond to Eggishorn for your first glimpse of the mighty Aletsch.

12. Walk among vines in Lavaux

In the country’s western crook, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lavaux vineyards are heaven on earth to oenophiles. The world’s steepest vineyards stagger up the terraced hills above Lake Geneva . If you’ve never heard of them, it’s because the hand-picked wines are so select and small-batch that the Swiss keep most of them to themselves – few bottles ever reach export.

Before hitting the caveaux (wine cellars) for a petite dégustation (tasting), brush up your wine knowledge. It’s said that these grapes are blessed by three suns: the one in the sky, the one on the lake and the one radiating heat from the dry-stone walls. The main grape is Chasselas, a very old variety producing crisp, flinty white wines with a fresh, citrusy nose. The fruity reds (Gamay, Pinot noir and Salvagnin) make up just 20% of production.

You can drive the meandering roads that loop around 40km (25 miles) of shore or take the Lavaux Panoramic Train , but you’ll get a better feel for the Lavaux by heading out on foot. Little trails dip into the vines everywhere, but top billing goes to the 11km (6.8-mile) trail from St-Saphorin to Lutry, where you’ll take in stirring views, pretty villages and welcoming cellars.

Planning tip: For a great primer on Lavaux wines, stop off at Vinorama in Rivaz. Housed in a strikingly revamped bunker, the lakefront center speeds you through the wine-growing process, and you can sample dozens of different wines in the Espace Dégustation.

This article was first published September 2022 and updated December 2023

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Top Things to Do in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Geneva

One Week Itinerary

Most Scenic Train Routes

Switzerland's Nature Parks

How to Go Skiing

The Top Hikes

Matterhorn Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Lakes

Foods to Try

Best Restaurants

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Switzerland Airports

Getting Around

Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

It's no secret that Switzerland has scenery in spades. The small European country is big on towering, snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes, storybook villages, and vibrant cities. For active vacationers, Switzerland offers virtually every winter sport, including, of course, some of the world's best skiing, plus hiking, biking, climbing, hang-gliding, and other temptations for adrenaline junkies. There's also plenty to fill a more leisurely vacation, with hearty cuisine, including what some say is the world's finest chocolate, high-end shopping, first-rate museums, and, at every turn, another gobsmacking panorama.

Switzerland is a year-round destination, and it would take many, many trips to see all that it has to offer. But assuming you don't have a lifetime to explore the country, here's our list of the top 17 places to see in Switzerland.

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Switzerland's largest city is a stunner—at once historic and modern, cosmopolitan and bohemian. Divided by the Limmat River and wrapping around Lake Zurich's shores, Zurich offers some of Switzerland's best museums, Swiss and international dining , and Bahnhofstrasse—rightfully called the world's most expensive shopping street. Plan to spend much of your time in the Altstadt, or Old Town, and enjoy at least one traditional meal in a restaurant housed in a former medieval guildhall. Many a tour of Switzerland begins or ends here, as the city is seamlessly connected to the rest of the country and Europe, thanks to the ultra-efficient Swiss Rail System .

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Switzerland's second-largest city, French-speaking Geneva sits at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva and has a long lakefront promenade on two shores offering views of the famous Jet d'Eau fountain. Geneva is one of Europe's most expensive cities in which to live; that prosperity is felt in its elegant streets and parks, high-end shopping avenues, and five-star hotels with luxury sedans parked out front. But the city is also rich in history, as the center of the Swiss Reformation and, today, the home of the International Red Cross and the United Nations.

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The Swiss capital of Bern sits on a sharp bend in the River Aare in the western part of the country. Its Altstadt, or Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to so many well-preserved medieval buildings. But the undisputed star of the show is the Zytglogge, the fascinating astronomical clock that Einstein is said to have studied when developing his Theory of Relativity. Bern Minster has the tallest church spire in Switzerland and a stunning main portal. Those with more modern tastes can head to Zentrum Paul Klee, a museum dedicated to the country's most famous artist.

Like so many Swiss cities, pretty, walkable Lucerne occupies a magnificent setting—this time on Lake Lucerne with the Alps as a backdrop. The 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is one of the most photographed sights in Switzerland, and Lucern's medieval Altstadt (Old Town) looks much the same as it did hundreds of years ago. The innovative Swiss Museum of Transport  is the most visited museum in Switzerland.

Lake Geneva

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With one shore in Switzerland and one shore in France, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is a sparkling, half-moon shaped international playground. On the Swiss side, it offers the elegant city of Geneva; relaxed Montreux , famous for its jazz festival; and Lausanne, home of the International Olympic Committee. The terraced vineyards of the Lavaux wine region are a UNESCO World Heritage Site—some date back to the 11th-century. Last but definitely not least, 12th-century Chillon Castle is everything a castle should be—complete with a (partial) moat, dungeons, and a keep.

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The smallest Swiss canton, Appenzell Innerrhoden is set in the rolling hills south of Lake Constance. This is storybook Switzerland, complete with villages of brightly painted houses, folk traditions, and residents in traditional costume. In the fall, the cows literally come home, as herdsmen bring their cattle—decked out in bells and flower garlands—down from the mountains for the winter. Appenzell's car-free village is a center for folk-art, traditional festivals, baked goods, and yes—yodeling.

St. Moritz & the Engadine

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St. Moritz ranks as one of the world's top winter playgrounds for the jet set, and its palatial hotels, luxury shopping, and tony apres-ski scene are fun to dip into. Non-one-percenters might prefer some of the smaller, more down-to-earth towns and villages of the sunny Engadine Valley, known for its glaciers, snowy peaks, glacial lakes, forest, and folk culture. Listen closely, and you may hear Romansch being spoken—the ancient Latin-based language is still taught in the Engadine schools. The area is also a summer paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and windsurfers.

Interlaken & Jungfrau

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Set between lakes Thun and Brienz, the pleasant town of Interlaken is the most convenient base for exploring the towering peaks of the Bernese Oberland—the region of glaciers, craggy mountains, and pristine lakes that offer postcard views at every turn. From Interlaken, a system of trains, cable cars, and cogwheel rails connect to the region's major ski areas and the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. For more than a century, it’s been the highest railway station in Europe. There, a high altitude playground awaits, with observatory platforms offering multi-peak views, the Eispalast (Ice Palace) walk inside a glacier, plus restaurants, and, of course, more skiing.

Lugano and Ticino

You'd be excused for thinking you've crossed over into Italy once you reach Ticino, the region wedged between the Alps and the Italian border. There's a distinctly Mediterranean vibe here, and Italian, not Swiss, is the first language. Lakes Lugano and Maggiore shares shores with Italy and offers a summertime playground for hiking, sailing, and swimming, with a touch of la dolce vita thrown in. Lugano's lakefront city is the bustling regional hub, but climb—or take a cable car—up any mountain to discover sleepy, rustic villages, clean air, and traditional country inns and restaurants.

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Something looms large over the car-free, stylish-yet-traditional mountain town of Zermatt—the Matterhorn. Europe's most famous mountain peak draws hordes of visitors to this otherwise sleepy town in the valley for skiing, ice-climbing, and arduous summer hikes and mountain biking. There's plenty of passive sightseeing to do here as well, and the views never disappoint. A mountaineering museum, traditional restaurants, luxe spas, and cozy—if not cheap—hotels can keep you pleasantly occupied here for a few days.

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Near Lake Constance and the border with Liechtenstein, historic St. Gallen has a car-free center, a UNESCO-listed abbey and cathedral, and a textile-making tradition more than a thousand years old. The Rococo-style abbey library, stocked with 170,000 priceless volumes and documents, is a must-see here. There's a full cultural program in this important university town, as well as easy access to biking, hiking, boat rides on Lake Constance, and jaunts into Germany, Liechtenstein, and Austria.

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Pass the cheese, please. Though there's more to this charming medieval town than its namesake cheese, it would be a shame to leave Gruyères without sampling traditional raclette or fondue and visiting the Maison du Gruyère, where they make—you guessed it. In-between bites of cheese, visit the imposing 13th-century Gruyères Castle and take in the pastoral countryside. Oh, and did we mention there's a chocolate factory here, too?

Great St. Bernard Pass

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Connecting Italy to Switzerland, the Great St. Bernard Pass has been a strategic gateway for the continent—long before the Romans first laid claim to it. The St. Bernard Hospice is still here, as are the iconic St. Bernard dogs—though they perform fewer mountain rescues than they once did. You can drive over the scenic pass or spend the day crossing it on foot, stopping at cozy village inns for hearty sustenance along the way.

Rhaetian Railway

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It's all about the journey rather than the destination when you climb aboard one of the Rhaetian Railway trains, the network of scenic Alpine train rides that includes the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express . Panoramic train cars allow for sweeping views of passing glaciers, glacial lakes, mountain passes, and dense forests. The astonishing engineering feats of these high-altitude train tracks are reason enough to make the trip on at least one leg.

Trümmelbach Falls

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If you're visiting the Jungfrau, be sure to stop and see where all that spring snowmelt goes. Trümmelbach Falls are a series of falls that crash through a scenic gorge, carrying waters of the Jungfrau as they roar through underground caverns and pools. A series of elevators, bridges, and pathways puts visitors right in the spray of the mighty falls, which are closed in the wintertime.

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Palm and lemon trees give Locarno a nearly tropical feel. Switzerland's warmest city sits on Lake Maggiore and is the relaxed alternative to busy Lugano. Wandering the narrow streets of the town, strolling along the lake, and having a coffee or aperitivo on Piazza Grande—these are the simple pleasures of Locarno. A hike or funicular ride up to the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church rewards with breathtaking views of the lake, the town, and the surrounding mountains. From there, explore the villages and streams and waterfalls of the surrounding Valle Verzasca.

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Literary Lausanne has inspired writers and artists through the ages, no doubt inspired by Lake Geneva's views, the city's pedestrian-only medieval center, and, perhaps, its mighty Gothic cathedral. Divided between upper and lower towns connected by a subway, Lausanne the smallest city in Europe with a metro system. It's the International Olympic Committee's home and a sporty vibe pervades—as evidenced by all the bikers, walkers, swimmers, and sailors.

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