Travel Itinerary
Switzerland is a country of lush beauty with lakes, mountains, and rivers, and offers delicious cuisine and hotels with impeccable service.
If you plan to travel to the country, check out the list below, which includes 20 must-see destinations and suggestions for things to see and do.
20 Top Destinations to Visit in Switzerland
1. Zurich
Photo Credit: Rhiannon Elliott
Zurich is home to Switzerland’s largest international airport, often the gateway for travelers to the country.
Highlights of a visit to Zurich include its historic center, the Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter churches, the elegant Bahnhofstrasse street, the FIFA Museum, the Swiss National Museum, and the spectacular “Lindt Home of Chocolate” museum in Kilchberg.
2. Bern
Photo Credit: Omar M.
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is known for its preserved medieval architecture. Its sights include Bern Cathedral, the Clock Tower(Zytglogge), Bear Park, and museums such as the Bern Historical Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
3. Lucerne
Photo Credit: Aswathy N
Lucerne is a charming town located approximately 52 km from Zurich.
The Kapellbrücke and Spreuerbrücke bridges over the Reuss River are symbols of the city. Other important sights include the Jesuitenkirche, the Hofkirche, and the Kornmarkt.
4. Neuhausen am Rheinfall
Photo Credit: Sven Masuhr
Neuhausen am Rheinfall is a popular day trip destination from Zurich. The city’s main attraction is the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall).
5. Basel
Photo Credit: Nadine Marfurt
Basel is located along the Rhine near the border with Germany and France.
The city’s medieval historic center features attractions such as the Basler Münster, the Spalentor, and the Basel Museum of Natural History.
6. Geneva
Photo Credit: Devam Jhabak
Located on the banks of Lake Léman (Lake Geneva), Geneva is home to United Nations Headquarters and attractions such as the Geneva Cathedral, the Jet d’Eau, the Jardin Anglais, the Reformers’ Wall, and excellent museum options such as the Geneva Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art and History.
The city has the second-largest airport in Switzerland.
7. Lausanne
Photo Credit: Nolan Krattinger
Lausanne is another city located on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Lausanne Cathedral, Place de la Palud, and the Olympic Museum are some of the city’s attractions.
8. Montreux
Photo Credit: Xavier von Erlach
Montreux is also located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is known for being home to the Freddie Mercury Statue and its Jazz Festival.
The Chocolate Train departs from Montreux and passes through Gruyères to Broc. The Château de Chillon and the Lavaux vineyards are also must-see attractions in the area.
9. Vevey
Photo Credit: Armand Khoury
Vevey is a city located between Lausanne and Montreux.
The Museum Alimentarium, the Musée Jenisch, and the Jardin Doret are some of the city’s main attractions.
10. Lavaux
Photo Credit: Razvan Sassu
Lavaux is located in the canton of Vaud. The region is known for its vineyards and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The white Chasselas grape is the main grape grown there.
A Lavaux Vinorama is a winery that offers wine tours and tastings à la carte.
11. Gruyères
Photo Credit: Ryan KLAUS
Gruyères is a medieval hilltop town known for its cheese of the same name. It is home to attractions such as the Gruyères Castle and the Rue du Bourg.
12. Interlaken
Photo Credit: Josef Ivan Jimenea
Interlaken is a city located in central Switzerland.
The town is spectacularly beautiful, surrounded by mountains between lakes Thunersee and Brienzersee.
13. Thun
Photo Credit: Manuel Boxler
Thun is located between Interlaken and Bern on the shores of Lake Thunersee. It is home to attractions such as Thun Castle, the Kunstmuseum Thun, and the Thun-Panorama.
14. Brienz
Photo Credit: Ruben daems
Located 20 minutes from Interlaken on the banks of the Brienzersee, Brienz is a commune that offers hiking trails, scenic spots at Brienz Rothorn Bahn, and the Giessbach Waterfalls.
15. Grindelwald
Photo Credit: Ruth Georgiev
Grindelwald is a popular winter destination. It is widely used as the entrance to the Jungfrau Region, with the Jungfraujoch—Top of Europe—being its main attraction.
16. Gstaad
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Gstaad is a Swiss village and an important winter sports center. With 47 ski lifts, it is home to excellent restaurants, hotels, and luxury chalets.
In the summer, it offers activities such as hiking, paragliding, and canoeing.
17. Chur
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Located in the heart of the Alps, Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland. The famous Bernina Express (scenic train) departs from Chur via Tirano in Italy and goes to Lugano.
18. St. Moritz
Photo Credit: Valentin B. Kremer
St. Moritz is a winter lover’s paradise. The renowned Condé Nast Traveller has already ranked it the best European ski resort.
It is home to luxury hotels, boutiques, starred restaurants, and museums.
19. Lugano
Photo Credit: Maksym Harbar
Lugano is located in southern Switzerland on the shores of Lake Lugano.
The city is home to attractions such as the Parco Ciani, LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Santa Maria degli Angioli, the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, and funiculars to the panoramic point of Monte Brč.
20. Zermatt
Photo Credit: Abigail Griffith
Zermatt is a ski resort located at the foot of the highest mountains in the Alpine range, the Matterhorn being the best-known.
Things to do in Switzerland
1. Try the Famous Swiss Fondue
Fondue is a typical Swiss dish, and those visiting the country cannot fail to taste this delicacy in one of the specialized restaurants.
2. Explore Switzerland by Train
Photo Credit: Victor He
Switzerland is famous for its efficient train system, which offers scenic options such as the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express.
3. Taste the Delicious Swiss Chocolates
Photo Credit: Marquise de Photographie
Switzerland developed milk chocolate and is known worldwide for its chocolates. During your visit, try some of the top Swiss chocolate brands.
4. Visit the Top of Europe
Photo Credit: Aswathy N
The Top of Europe, located in the Jungfrau Region, is one of Switzerland‘s main attractions.
The train to Europe‘s highest railway station(Jungfraujoch) leaves from the Grindelwald Terminal. From the top (3454m above sea level), you will have spectacular 360-degree views.
5. Take a Boat Ride
Photo Credit: Steffen Lemmerzahl
Switzerland has beautiful lakes, so boat trips are a must. The country’s major lakes include Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, Zürichsee, Bodensee, Thunersee, and Brienzersee.
6. Skiing
Photo Credit: Tim Vanderhoydonck
Switzerland is also a winter paradise, with Zermatt, St. Moritz, Grindelwald, and Jungfrau being some of the most popular ski destinations.
7. Visit the Largest Chocolate Museum
Photo Credit: Lindt & Sprüngli AG
The Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG is the largest chocolate museum in the world. It is a short train ride from Zurich’s historic center and is a must-stop for anyone visiting the city.
At the museum, it is also possible to participate in the 60-minute chocolate course, and the place also has an outlet.
8. Relax in one of the numerous Luxury Hotels
Photo Credit: Hotel Villa Honegg
Switzerland is home to hotels that offer comfort, excellent service, spas, inviting pools, and much more.
Some outstanding hotels include the Hotel Villa Honegg, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, Park Hotel Vitznau, and the Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa.
9. Enjoy Breathtaking Landscapes
Photo by Andreas M
The Swiss landscape is breathtaking in all seasons. Take the time to appreciate every little corner you pass during your stay.
10. Wine Tasting
Switzerland produces unique, high-quality wines, with the Valais region being the wine-growing center.
Featured Photo Credit: Leo_Visions
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See also
Canton of Zurich: Largest Towns and Top Attractions
Winter in Switzerland: Things to do, Weather and Travel Info
Old Town Zurich: A Complete Travel Guide