Swiss cheese, chocolate, and clocks are also on your mind. You already know a few things about Switzerland, the best place in Switzerland to visit among them is these. But anyone seeking stunning and dramatic scenery will find paradise in this landlocked nation. Given its location in the heart of the Alps, it is hardly surprising that it has the ideal appearance. One minute, you could be riding a cogwheel train up a mountain, and the next, seeing shards of medieval history tucked away on lakes. You had better prepare for some fantastic vistas of jagged peaks from Swiss mountain villages, historic districts to be explored against a transparent sparkling water backdrop, and magnificent alpine meadows encircled by snow-capped mountains. Here are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Lake Geneva
Rich elegance is as enthralling as the environment, soaked in Lake Geneva by a joyful fusion of French and Swiss. And there are few better, with the Rhône tumbling into the biggest alpine lake in Europe, surrounded by rolling green meadows and high-altitude peaks.
There are exciting villages and cities all around the crescent-shaped Lake Geneva. The kind that fits in, not dominate the surroundings.
Here, you may choose among the seaside cafes, relax in stunning botanical gardens, see Renaissance and modern art, and explore world-class museums. As you go, you’ll spot the mouettes, a boat that transports locals over Lake Geneva’s glass surface from point A to point B.
Lausanne is another exquisite illustration of life around Lake Geneva. Towering peaks back the medieval old town, with access to the mountains, lake, and a magnificent church.
Lucerne
Lucerne exudes a certain easy romance. The completely accessible Old Town or the glacier-fed lake that mirrors the world like a mirror—here, there is so much magic. Modern comforts and luxury are now housed in medieval buildings. Eventually, though, the historic Kapellbrücke Bridge is reached via the old streets.
You will feel the tranquility of an Old Town without cars, even before you see the bridge from the fourteenth century. In this pedestrian paradise, you can bounce between plazas, alongside frescoed buildings, and along the shore of the Reuss River. The Dying Lion, another well-known memorial, was carved out of rock to commemorate Swiss mercenaries who perished in France in 1792.
Along the route, you will find that not much has changed since Lucerne enthralled people like Queen Victoria, Goethe, and Wagner two centuries ago. You will be glad it hasn’t.
After meandering over the Kapellbrücke Bridge and stopping by the Rosengart and KKL galleries, proceed to the town’s name lake. Some of the most excellent sunsets in Switzerland are seen here, encircled by towering Alps.
Interlaken
Though it is currently more well-known as a tourist destination, Interlaken was formerly a hub for watch manufacture. Early in the 1800s, visitors to Interlaken began arriving to enjoy spa treatments and the mountain air. From then, its appeal only increased. The Swiss city lies precisely between the two largest Alpine lakes, Brienz and Thun. You will, therefore, always be within an opportunity to go swimming, boating, or bicycling around the lakes.
A well-liked base camp for outdoor activities in the neighboring Bernese Oberland Alps, the city boasts breathtaking views of three well-known Swiss mountains: the Eiger, the Jungfrau, and the Monch. A couple of classes at a woodcarving school can interest tourists seeking something distinctive to do. Hungry travelers may want to sample the traditional Swiss cheese dish raclette.
Zurich
Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland and is well-known as a significant European financial center. It offers a lot to tourists, even if they are not involved in business. Zurich is situated, to begin with, just on the shore of Lake Zurich. For fitness, you could walk or bike the lake’s circumference, hire a boat and go out on the water, or visit some of the artificial beaches and go for a lake swim.
Zurich has several old churches and top-notch museums, along with many famous buildings. To be noticed is the Swiss National Museum, which honors Switzerland’s cultural past and is housed in a beautiful castle. For breathtaking views and the opportunity to eat at the little cafe terrace at the top, board the 19th-century Polybahn to see as much of Zurich as possible.
Geneva
Geneva is very much in evidence of foreign influences. Twenty additional foreign organizations, together with the European headquarters of the United Nations and the International Red Cross Committee, are housed there. Given that 20 percent of Geneva’s territory is used for parks, earning it the moniker “city of parks,” environmental tourists will appreciate this “green” city.
Sighting the famous Jet d’Eau, a massive fountain that shoots water far into the air and is visible from the Lac Léman coastline, is a highlight of any trip to Geneva. The tallest structures in Old Town are the towers of Cathédrale St-Pierre, so be sure to pause for a tour of the interior and some pictures of the outside. Geneva is a great city to bike or take a boat trip to Lake Geneva to relax on tired feet.
Bern
Though it was not included in the Swiss Confederacy until the 16th century, Bern is a charming medieval city with a history that began in the 12th century. Bern is the capital of Switzerland but not its biggest city. Its most well-known feature is an old clock tower with moving puppets called the Zytglogge. Other well-liked sights in Bern are the town hall and the Munster, a Gothic cathedral rising from the old town.
Bern’s emblem is the bear, several of which are housed in an outdoor pit. Shoppers will like the old town, one of Europe’s longest-covered shopping districts, and four miles of arcades.
Lausanne
Lausanne, a city on the banks of Lake Geneva, offers vistas of the French and Swiss Alps. Being the starting point for two important institutions and a large ski resort, Lausanne is appealing to everyone.
Out of all the areas in the city, the Cité district is the most significant for tourists. You may tour some of the buildings in Cité, which includes everything from castles to cathedrals and what was formerly known as Old Town. Should you only have time to see one Lausanne attraction, make it the Palais de Rumine. Five distinct museums housed in this skyscraper designed in the Italian Renaissance make it the ideal location to spend a day discovering regional art, culture, and history.
Writers have long loved Lausanne, part of the Swiss Riviera. It has hosted Lord Byron, the Shelleys, and Ernest Hemingway, among others. In the French-speaking region of Switzerland, Lausanne is home to a stunning cathedral and fantastic outdoor markets.
Montreux
Montreaux, on the eastern edge of Lake Geneva, is a lavish display of 19th-century aristocratic perfection set against 13th-century medieval architecture. Its stunning surroundings, combined with a milder temperature, have made it a favorite summer getaway.
This dates to the 1800s, when the town became a folktale. The rows of renowned vineyards, the snow-fed lake, and the Swiss Alps backdrop combine in a most enchanted manner. This has produced a well-known art scene, the July Montreux Jazz Festival being the main event.
But to really appreciate Montreux’s modern past, you need to know what has gone before and what remains. On the side of the lake sits the masterpiece of the Middle Ages, Chateau de Chillon.
To finish off, meander around the 10-kilometre promenade. All before ascending the cobblestone lanes, adorned with wrought-iron railings and Belle époque grace.
Moritz
Famous as a winter resort since the middle of the 1800s, St. Moritz is still the epitome of Swiss elegance. By the snow forecast, high-end skiers from Europe are drawn to the slopes that have staged two Winter Olympics. If, however, you would instead leave the skis at home, St. Moritz offers much more.
Winter is warmer amid luxury palatial hotels: day spas, getaways, romantic ice skating, and even ice horse racing. Talk stories before the warm alpine fireplace when the skiers and snowboarders return.
Summer is a fantastic season to visit St. Moritz, not merely because of the cheaper four—and five-star hotels. Sailing on Lake St. Moritz, windsurfing on Lake Maloja, or floating down the raging Inn River are all possibilities. To exercise, plan a walk up to the Hedi Hut or a tour of the Segantini Museum.
Lugano
Given its increasing appeal to celebrities, Lugano has earned the moniker “Monte Carlo of Switzerland.” The city lies in the Italian-speaking region of this alpine nation, on Lake Lugano. Warm-summer Lugano has been around since the ninth century.
Outside leisure is a big attraction in Lugano, and there are many ways to stay active in and around the city. Walking the well-marked Olive Tree Trail can take you all day, or you might swim in the conveniently located Lido di Lugano close to the city core. After taking in the architecture of Old Town, see it all from a different angle at the quaint and intriguing Swiss Miniature Village.
Jungfrau Region
All that makes Switzerland excellent is that it is located in the Jungfrau Region, sometimes known as the Top of Europe. It is the center of the Bernese Oberland and offers many outdoor activities. Its infinite snow-capped peaks drop into the verdant valley via glaciers.
It is easy to reach the all-encompassing bonny splendour of Jungfrau, which is home to Grindelwald, Mürren, Wengen, and the fairytale waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen. All of that is before you discover how Switzerland allows you to enjoy some of its most beautiful views without dominating the natural world.
Gondolas carry you up from the deep valleys and put you next to traditional mountain cottages surrounded by alpine farms. From Kleine Scheidegg’s peak through the Eiger and Mönch to the Jungfraujoch, the Jungfraubahn is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque train journeys.
The views never stop as hiking paths wind past meadows in blossom to isolated villages.
The four Jungfrau cities mentioned above are great places to visit in Switzerland and lovely places to base yourself. You don’t want to go quickly through this part. Visit the towns and the peaks that rise from their doorsteps at your leisure.
Swiss National Park
The biodiversity of the Swiss National Park in Engadine is well-known; it is a haven in a Swiss setting. Thanks to the ample space and well-kept paths, explore the only national park in the nation with ease and excitement.
This is where you can be sure of the amazing. Put on your boots and explore thick woodlands that soon give way to broad meadows dotted with wildflowers. The valleys take you to blue lakes and cascading waterfalls. You will understand the soaring moors and mountains only when you are here.
Among the best walks in the park is the 21-kilometer Lakes of Macun Trail, which winds across high alpine plateaus with vistas of the Alps. Munt la Schera, a more manageable 13km, winds over steppe vistas.
The kid-friendly Alp Trupchun stays the same and offers a fantastic view of the park and its inhabitants. This includes deer, chamois, ibex, marmots, and fall stag rutting.
Appenzell
Situated in stunning scenery, Appenzell is in harmony with its surroundings. The charming village boasts colorful gabled architecture, a beautiful array of museums, some delicious bakeries, and cultural events.
Speaking of events, Appenzell keeps the tradition alive. Mountain ranchers, dressed in traditional garb, lead their cows in a massive parade up into the high hills for several weeks starting in mid-May. A few weeks before summer ends, there is another cattle drive. The town’s artistic legacy is entirely on show at the Appenzell Folk Music Festival, which takes place in between.
Year-round customs continue, including the production of robust-tasting Appenzeller cheese. Serve this with some Rösti to complete the authentic local dining experience.
Then comes the hiking part. There are several choices, from hiking hut to hut across the Appenzell Alps to climbing to the charming Berggasthaus Äscher, a guesthouse carved into the side of a mountain.
Zermatt
Close to the Matterhorn, one of Switzerland’s tallest mountains, Zermatt is a little town well-known for skiing and mountaineering. In the winter, cable cars transport skiers up neighboring mountains; in the summer, hikers.
Walking is a great way to explore Zermatt because gasoline-powered cars are not allowed; all vehicles must run on batteries. Sun-kissed patios call you in as you stroll. Once the snow falls, the same ones promise a cozy getaway with their fragrant espresso and hot chocolates. But watch out for a breathtaking perspective of the unbeatable Matterhorn.
When the mountain blooms green in the summer, the combination of granite, glaciers, and wildlife creates a climbing and riding paradise. Treks like the Five Lakes Trail reveal the region’s splendor, which includes yep and five lakes, several of which have reflections of the Matterhorn.
Most tourists come, nevertheless, for the winter pleasure. Funiculars and gondolas climb many portions to create a heaven for snowboarders and skiers. Just a hint of après-ski included.
Basel
Basel is always a great time to visit because it enjoys more than 300 days of sunlight annually. The third-largest city in Switzerland, Basel, is along the Rhine River. Still, it stands apart from the others because of its customs, eccentricities, and hint of rebellious attitude.
The people that go by the name Baslers are an exciting group. Summertime finds them drifting down the Rhine, following the tide until something else calls them forth. That might be a family swim in one of the old fountains in the city.
The joie de vivre touches every aspect of life. It is available in their atmospheric markets and first-rate galleries (plus forty institutions). Likewise, the Old Town’s Marktplatz is part of the latter in their Christmas celebrations.
The historic streets are lined with magnificent architecture, from the town hall to the cathedral and a couple of the top theatres in Switzerland.
