Switzerland is one of the most stunning countries in the world. Its breathtaking mountains, glacial lakes, and picturesque villages make it a dream destination for travelers. With so many incredible places to explore, it can be hard to decide where to go. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 16 Best Places to go in Switzerland. From the highest peaks of the Alps to the crystal-clear lakes, each destination is unique and offers something special. Read on to learn more about these breathtaking places and discover the best time to go, how to get there, and what to do when you arrive.
1 Zermatt
The picturesque mountain village of Zermatt, Switzerland, is a must-see destination for outdoor lovers. With its dramatic Matterhorn views and an array of adventure activities, it’s no wonder that Zermatt is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country.
From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and paragliding, there are plenty of things to do in Zermatt. During the summer months, you can explore stunning alpine meadows, take in breathtaking panoramic views from the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, or even venture into Italy for a day trip.
- To get to Zermatt: the easiest option is to take a train from either Geneva or Zurich airport.
- The best time to visit: is during the summer months, when the days are long and sunny, allowing you to take advantage of all the activities available in this beautiful destination.
2 Lucerne
Lucerne, known as the “City of Lights,” is a stunning lakeside city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and nature. Located in Central Switzerland, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Lucerne’s most famous attraction is the Chapel Bridge, a wooden bridge built in 1333, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
- things to do:
There are plenty of things to do in Lucerne, such as visiting the old town, museums, or taking a cable car up Mount Pilatus. For adventure seekers, there’s also hiking, biking, and boating available. - To get to Lucerne: there are trains, buses, and flights from most major European cities.
- The best time to visit Lucerne: is during the spring and summer months when the weather is at its best.
3 Lugano
Located in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Lugano is a vibrant city with stunning views of Lake Lugano and snow-capped mountains. There’s plenty to do and see here, from exploring the old town to visiting one of the many museums or admiring the architecture. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Monte Brè and San Salvatore mountains, while art and history buffs can explore the city’s numerous galleries and churches.
Things to do include taking a boat ride on the lake, hiking, cycling, and swimming on one of its many picturesque beaches.
The best time to visit is during the summer, when temperatures are warm and the days are long.
4 St. Moritz
This breathtaking Alpine village, located in the Engadin Valley, is one of Switzerland’s most famous resorts. It is known for its stunning mountain views, luxury spas, and exclusive shopping. There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy here, from skiing to snowboarding and hiking to biking.
Explore the nearby lakes, relax in one of the many spas, or take a scenic cable car ride to the top of Piz Nair. Visit the many museums or art galleries, or take a leisurely stroll along Lake St. Moritz.
- The best time to visit St: Moritz is during the winter months, when the snow is at its deepest.
5 Bern
The vibrant city of Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is located on the Aare River. It’s a great place for anyone looking to experience Switzerland’s rich history, as it contains many historic sites from the Medieval period, including the Zytglogge clock tower and the Gothic cathedral.
Visitors can explore the Old City on a guided walking tour, go shopping in the arcades, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere. There are also many museums and art galleries to visit.
Things to do include taking a scenic boat ride along the river, eating out at one of the many restaurants, and taking a hike around the nearby Bear Park.
The best time to visit is during the summer, when temperatures are mild and the days are longer.
6 Lausanne
Located in the canton of Vaud, Lausanne is a charming and vibrant city in Switzerland. With its incredible lakeside location and grand architecture, Lausanne has something to offer to all visitors. From the breathtakingly beautiful cathedral to the old city of Lausanne, with its small alleys and hidden corners, this city is a must-visit. There are also many excellent museums, galleries, and parks to explore.
- Things to do in Lausanne include visiting the Lake Geneva shores, taking a boat trip on the lake, or walking around the old town and enjoying its quaint streets. For those looking for an active experience, there are plenty of activities, like hiking and biking trails, in the area.
- The best time to visit Lausanne is in the spring and summer, when temperatures are milder and the days are longer.
7 Interlaken
Interlaken is a picturesque alpine town between two lakes in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys, Interlaken makes for a perfect holiday destination.
- Things to do in Interlaken include skiing, hiking, paragliding, hang gliding, and cable car rides.
- The best time to visit: Interlaken is during the summer months when temperatures are pleasant and nature is at its most vibrant. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try whitewater rafting on the Aare River.
- How to get to Interlaken? The nearest airport is Bern-Belp Airport, which is located around 50 km away. Alternatively, you can also take a train to Interlaken Ost station or a bus from Bern or Lucerne.
8 Davos
Situated in the Swiss Alps, Davos is a beautiful ski resort that has something for everyone. From skiing, snowboarding, and sledding in the winter to hiking, swimming, and biking in the summer, this town has everything you need for a great vacation.
- The best time to visit Davos: is between December and April when there’s plenty of snow. There are plenty of trails and slopes suitable for all levels of experience. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can try glacier skiing or paragliding. Davos also has plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafes, so it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
9 Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and a popular tourist destination for its stunning architecture, beautiful lakeside views, and vibrant nightlife.
- Things to do: In Zurich include explore the city’s old town, taking a boat ride on the lake, and visit some of the many art galleries, museums, and festivals. Zurich also has plenty of shopping and dining options.
- How to go: The best way to get to Zurich is by train or car. The city has two airports and a train station, making it easy to get there.
- The best time to go: The summer months are the best time to visit Zurich, as temperatures are milder and the days longer. However, there are plenty of cultural events happening throughout the year, so visitors can find something to do no matter when they go.
10 Basel
Basel is an exciting city located in northwestern Switzerland, and it is a great place to visit. The city is well known for its art scene and many beautiful buildings, some of them dating back to the Middle Ages.
- Things to do: There are plenty of things to do here, from exploring the historical sites to admiring the art galleries and museums. In the summertime, visitors can enjoy some leisurely boat rides along the Rhine or take a tour of the Old Town. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.
- The best time to visit: Basel is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the streets are filled with locals and tourists alike.
11 Geneva
This stunning city is a must-visit for any traveler to Switzerland. Located in the southwestern corner of the country, it sits on the banks of Lake Geneva and serves as the capital of Switzerland.
Things to do in Geneva: include visiting its iconic landmarks, like St. Pierre Cathedral, the Flower Clock, and the Jet d’Eau, as well as its many museums, parks, gardens, and shops. For a more adventurous experience, there’s also the opportunity to go skiing, hiking, or sailing.
- To get to Geneva: travelers can take a direct flight or an express train.
- The best time to visit: is during the summer months when temperatures are warm and the city is filled with tourists.
12 Neuchatel
The charming city of Neuchatel is situated on the lake of the same name and is one of the oldest cities in Switzerland. This picturesque city has a stunning historic center filled with cobblestone streets and old buildings that can be explored in a few hours.
- Things to do: There are many things to do in Neuchatel, including visiting museums, exploring the ancient streets, and hiking around the lake. Visitors can also visit the nearby castle and take a boat ride on the lake.
- The best time: to visit Neuchatel is from April to October when the weather is mild and the city is bustling with activity.
13 Fribourg
Fribourg is a charming city located in the Swiss French-speaking region. It is the capital of the canton of Fribourg and a perfect destination for anyone looking for an authentic Swiss experience. With its medieval old town and surrounding vineyards, it offers a unique mix of culture, gastronomy, and adventure.
- Things to do include visiting the historic center with its cobbled streets and architecture, as well as exploring the nearby lakes and valleys. For an unforgettable experience, take a hike to one of the highest peaks in Switzerland, the Plaine Morte Glacier.
- The best time to visit: is from May to October when you can enjoy the mild climate and panoramic views.
- To get there: visitors can reach Fribourg by train, bus, or car.
14 Valais
Situated in the western part of Switzerland, Valais is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the country. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to experience the best of Swiss culture, landscape, and gastronomy.
- Things to do in Valais: Valais offers a wide range of activities such as skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking and biking in summer, and visiting vineyards in the stunning countryside. There are also many historical monuments to explore, like the Great St. Bernard Pass or the Matterhorn.
- How to get there: The easiest way to get to Valais is by train or car. You can also fly to Geneva Airport, which is two hours away by car.
- The best time to visit: Valais can be enjoyed all year round but it’s especially popular in summer when the region is alive with festivals and events. Winter sports fans will want to visit during the winter months, when the slopes are covered in snow.
15 Ticino
Ticino is a beautiful Italian-speaking region located in the south of Switzerland. It is renowned for its picturesque alpine valleys, picturesque lake villages, and its high concentration of amazing castles. This area is also known for its traditional food, amazing wine, and breathtaking views of the Alps.
A great way to explore this region is by taking the panoramic train, which offers stunning views of the area. Visitors can also enjoy the unique climate of this region, which is generally milder than in other parts of Switzerland. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and golfing.
- The best time to visit: Ticino is during the summer months, when the weather is pleasant and sunny.
conclusion
Switzerland is a beautiful country filled with amazing places to visit. From stunning mountain towns to bustling cities and quaint lakeside villages, Switzerland offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a more relaxed vacation, there is a place in Switzerland that is perfect for you.
When planning your next trip, make sure to consider the 15 Best Places to go in Switzerland to ensure that you have the most memorable experience possible.
