Perhaps Swiss watches, cheese, and chocolate have crossed your mind. You probably already knew some of these things about Switzerland. Nonetheless, this landlocked nation is a paradise for nature lovers in search of breathtaking scenery.
It’s in the heart of the Alps, so it’s hardly surprising that it looks as stunning as it does.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Switzerland
You could be riding a cogwheel railway to the peak of a mountain one minute, and then exploring islands with relics from the Middle Ages the next.
Get ready to be awed by the majestic alpine meadows bordered by snowy mountains, explore ancient districts set against a pristine backdrop of glittering water, and take in the breathtaking vistas of rugged peaks from Swiss mountain towns. This is a rundown of some of Switzerland’s top attractions:
1. Interlaken
Interlaken was formerly a major hub for the watch industry, but now it’s better recognised as a holiday destination. In the early 1800s, people started visiting Interlaken to relax in the spas and take in the fresh mountain air.
Its fame spread rapidly after that. The two largest Alpine lakes, Thun and Brienz, are directly between the Swiss city. This means you’ll never have to go far to enjoy water sports like swimming, boating, and bicycling.
The city is a popular starting point for outdoor activities in the Bernese Oberland Alps, and it offers stunning vistas of three of Switzerland’s most recognisable peaks: the Eiger, the Jungfrau, and the Monch.
Those vacationers looking for a unique experience may wish to enrol in a woodcarving course. Raclette, a traditional Swiss cheese dish, may appeal to hungry visitors.
2. Lausanne
Lausanne is located on the beaches of Lake Geneva and offers stunning views of the Swiss and French Mountains. Lausanne’s widespread appeal can be explained by the fact that it serves as a gateway to a major ski area and is home to two large institutions.
Cité is the most popular area for tourists in this city’s many sub-districts. Cité is home to historic buildings including churches and castles and is located in the area formerly known as the Old Town.
Visit the Palais de Rumine if you only have time for one site in Lausanne. There are five museums in this beautiful Italian Renaissance-style edifice, making it a great spot to spend a whole day exploring local art, culture, and history.
Writers like Lord Byron, the Shelleys, and Ernest Hemingway have visited the Swiss city of Lausanne, which is located on the Swiss Riviera, throughout the centuries. Lausanne, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, is home to a magnificent cathedral and charming open-air markets.
3. Geneva
Geneva is a city where a plethora of cultures collide. Twenty additional international organisations call it home as well as the International Red Cross Committee and the European headquarters of the United Nations.
Travelers concerned about the environment will be pleased to learn that 20% of Geneva is dedicated to parks, earning it the moniker “city of parks.” The renowned Jet d’Eau, a huge fountain visible from the Lac Léman beachfront that shoots water far into the air, is a must-see for any visitor to Geneva.
Cathédrale St. Pierre’s towers are the tallest structures in the Old Town, so it’s only natural that you’d want to visit and take pictures. If you’re tired of walking, take a boat ride on Lake Geneva or rent bicycles to see the city.
4. Zurich
Zurich is the country’s largest metropolis and a major financial centre in Europe. Zurich is a great place to visit regardless of whether or not you work in the corporate world. The city of Zurich, Switzerland, is situated on the shore of Lake Zurich.
You can get some exercise by pedalling or hiking about the lake’s periphery, you can go for a boat ride, or you can visit the lake’s artificial beaches and go for a swim. Historic churches, prestigious museums, and iconic buildings can all be found in Zurich.
The Swiss National Museum is a must-see; it’s housed in a castle straight out of a fairy tale and chronicles the country’s rich cultural heritage. You can get a bird’s-eye view of all of Zurich from the top of the 19th-century funicular Polybahn, where you can also have a meal at the attractive cafe terrace.
5. Zermatt
Zermatt is a Swiss mountain village best known as a ski and climbing destination due to its closeness to the Matterhorn. In the winter, skiers and hikers alike can take cable cars to the top of the nearby mountains.
Zermatt is a great place to travel on foot to see the sights, as gasoline-powered vehicles are banned within city limits. Luckily, the average travel time between attractions is only 30 minutes. Scenic train routes provide connectivity to the town from the rest of the world.
6. Jungfrau Region
In either the summer or the winter, the Jungfrau Area in Switzerland is a must-see destination. Only the most daring explorers came to this part of the Alps a century or two ago, and they came to ski or climb.
The area is now accessible to a wide variety of passengers thanks to an improved rail system and an extensive network of foot and bike trails. Four picturesque towns—Grindelwald, Murren, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen—and three towering mountains—the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau—make up the Jungfrau Area.
From the Kleine Scheidegg mountain, through the Eiger and Mönch, to the Jungfraujoch, the Jungfraubahn provides one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking train rides.
7. Lugano
Lugano has been dubbed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland” due to its increasing appeal among A-listers. The city sits on the shores of Lake Lugano in the region of this Alpine nation where Italian is spoken.
Warm summers have been a blessing for Lugano, which has been inhabited since the 9th century. One of the main draws to Lugano is the abundance of opportunities for outdoor sports.
You may spend the day hiking along the well-marked Olive Tree Trail, or you could go for a swim in the Lido di Lugano, which is conveniently located near the heart of town. After taking in the historic grandeur of Old Town on foot, you can see it all in miniature at the lovely and interesting Swiss Miniature Village.
8. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, one of Europe’s largest bodies of water, straddles the French and Swiss border along the Rhone River’s path. Most of the attractions around Lake Geneva, including the city of Geneva itself, are located in either the Swiss canton of Vaud or the French department of Haute-Savoie.
The mountains of the Jura may be found in the north, while the central plain is hilly and the Alps can be found in the southwest. The beautiful villages and towns that surround the lake, the skiing and hiking in the nearby mountains, and the lake itself are the main draws.
9. Lucerne
City life, a lake, and mountains may all be found in Lucerne, a city in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Lucerne is one of the most picturesque towns in the world, and its 14th-century Chapel Bridge and Water Tower are among the most photographed landmarks in all of Switzerland.
The Dying Lion, hewn from the rock and dedicated to Swiss mercenaries who fell in France in 1792, is another well-known memorial. Luzerner Chügelipastete is a popular dish that features veal and mushrooms smothered in a creamy sauce and puff pastry.
10. Bern
Bern is a beautiful city that became a part of the Swiss Confederation in the 16th century, despite its long history dating back to the 12th century. Bern may not be Switzerland’s largest city, but it is its capital.
Its most notable attraction is the Zytglogge, an antique clock tower with moving puppets. Bern’s town hall and the Munster, a Gothic cathedral that stands above the old town, are among well-visited attractions.
Bern’s bear is the city’s mascot, and several live in a cageless enclosure. Shoppers will like the old town that includes four miles of arcades, making it one of the longest covered retail centres in Europe.
