In Switzerland, it’s like being in 4 countries at a time! One of the greatest things about this country is their train system. You can get almost anywhere from all the major cities which makes travelling much easier. You’re wondering what to visit in Switzerland? Here are 13 of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Switzerland.
What to visit in Switzerland?
This European country is small but mighty. There are so many beautiful and picturesque lakes, mountains, hiking trails, towns, and valleys that you wonder how they fit them all in such a small space. This country has 8 million people, but most of the country’s surface consists of the Alps. Since this country has 4 neighbouring countries (France, Germany, Austria, and Italy), Switzerland is full of different languages and cultures. You can have delicious pastries in the French-speaking part, savoury pasta dishes in the Italian-speaking part, refreshing beers and strudels in the German-speaking parts.
Lucerne
The beautiful medieval architecture and its romantic feel make this town a real gem. With the Lake Lucerne, the mountain backdrop and the gorgeous buildings, this town is very romantic. Cross the Chapel Bridge, built in 1333 and one of its most famous landmarks, to visit both banks during your visit. It is close to major cities like Zurich and the capital Bern so you can easily get here by train, bus or car. Spend one or two days in this quiet and picturesque place. The numerous town squares and car-free streets really make you feel like you’re in a totally different time.
Interlaken
Interlaken means ‘between lakes’. This area is part of a valley between mountains and two lakes: Thun and Brienz. This resort town is a paradise for outdoorsy people who like to be one with nature. The lakes are clear, the colour of emerald jewels. In the winter, you can ski since there are numerous ski hills and in the summer, you can hike. There are dense forests, glaciers, and meadows. The beauty of this pristine nature will fill you with love for this small resort. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys just relaxing and soaking up nature, then this place is perfect for you.
Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top of Europe, is part of the Bernese Alps. You might have guessed, this is not a place you can easily get to. From Interlaken, you have to take 3 trains to get to the top. But some places in Switzerland are just worth the (difficult) trip! The last train will bring you to a James-Bondesque building. You go through the mountain, which is quite exciting. Apart from the incredible views, the building houses souvenir shops, a Lindt chocolate store, an ice palace and other tourist attractions. You don’t have to take the train up the mountain, there are numerous ski and hiking trails. This is a once in a lifetime place you’ll see in your life.
Basel
Basel is a town situated on the Rhine River. This town is known for Art Basel, an art fair in June. Apart from the huge art interest, this medieval town has beautiful Gothic cathedrals, town squares and tons of museums (there are 40 museums in this city). The red sandstone town hall is a must see, as well as the buildings designed by some of the most recognized Swiss architects: Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, Diener & Diener and Richard Meyer. After you’ve visited the numerous museums, you’ll enjoy basking in the sun at one of the numerous green spaces.
Montreux
Montreux is a tiny town you can visit in one afternoon. It is also one of Switzerland’s most known towns because of the Montreux Jazz Festival held every year in July. This town sits on Lake Geneva and reminds you of a Disney town. The water is so clear, there are tons of flowers and the Belle Époque buildings add charm. You must take a bus to the famous Chillon castle a few kilometres away from the town. The lakeside castle is one of the most visited places in Switzerland. Montreux is an easy destination to get to from Geneva.
Lausanne
There are so many places in Switzerland that are near a lake… Does it mean you don’t have to see them all? Well, it would be sad not to visit Lausanne, the Olympic Capital. Lausanne is a great place for sports lovers, since it’s hosting the International Olympic Committee. You can also visit the Olympic Museum. Other than that, Lausanne has many cute places to visit (like the Ouchy Promenade, the Place de la Palud, the Escaliers du Marché in the Old Town) and beautiful views on the lake. Don’t forget to stroll down the marina for a nice sunset viewing.
Zermatt
If you’ve ever had Toblerone chocolate then you’ve probably seen the world-famous pyramid-shaped peak from this resort. Yes, the Swiss chocolatiers were inspired by the breathtaking mountain. Zermatt is a paradise for skiers, hikers and climbers. There are numerous trails open to the public in the winter as well as the summer. There’s a great aprè-ski scene for some fun and games after a tough day in the great outdoors. Switzerland is pretty much the most perfect place for people that like to ski or hike so if you’re that kind of person, you’ll certainly love this place. Zermatt is a car-free city, so you have to take the 20-minute shuttle train from Täsch to get there. Very exclusive!
St. Moritz
There are so many places in Switzerland where you can enjoy mountains and go skiing. But St. Moritz is one of the most luxurious alpine resorts in the world. This town has hosted the Olympics twice and every year there are tons of winter sports championships. This is not the most affordable place in Switzerland but you can easily spend a day in the village if you leave early by train from Zurich. There is fine dining, stunning vistas, and tons of activities. This magical place has sunshine 300 days out of the year, so you’re most likely to enjoy nice weather when you’re there.
Lugano
Now off to Italy…almost. Lugano is practically in Italy and you’ll feel like you’re in Italy, we guarantee it. The food, the language, and the landscape are very Italian. The lake and mountain vistas are incredible. The nice and mild temperatures attract a lot of visitors during the summer months. They enjoy visiting the boutiques, and they also enjoy the hiking and nature. You don’t have to spend more than one or two days here (unless you are planning on doing a lot of hiking or just relaxing). Since it’s not a huge cultural hub, you’ll see plenty in a few hours. Enjoy the water and explore the lake with a boat ride.
Zurich
Zurich! The city of banks and finance. Another city on the edge of a lake, Zurich is probably the top city to see culture-related things in Switzerland. Even though it is the largest city, it is not the capital (Bern is). It was named the second most liveable city to live in. The numerous shops, museums, restaurants and cafés make this a great place to visit. The old town and the waterfront keep the city’s old charms intact. Even though there is a lot of wealth in this city, it still feels small and charming.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is a village near Interlaken and is part of the Jungfrau region. You can easily visit Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken and Jungfraujoch in a few days. After a few days in the bigger cities like Zurich, Geneva, Bern or Basel, you’ll enjoy the serene atmosphere here. The incredible 300 m-high Staubbach Falls steals the spotlight but there are 72 falls in total in this region. You can visit the neighbouring villages like Isenfluh, Trümmelbach Falls, Schilthorn, and Kleine Scheidegg.
Bern
Bern, the country’s capital is built around the Aare River. There are a lot of historical sights to see like the Zytglogge (the clock tower and astrolabe), the Federal Palace of Switzerland, the bear park (a park full of brown bears, the city’s official animal), the Rose Garden, the Old Town, the House of Parliament, etc. You can spend a few days in this city since there are a lot of attractions to see. Bern is picture perfect with its pristine waters, snowy mountain tops and fresh air. You will think twice when thinking that all capitals are loud, noisy and unfriendly places.
Gruyères
Not yet tired of the beautiful places in Switzerland? Go to Gruyères…the medieval cheese town! This world-famous cheese originated from the Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Bern cantons. This town is very small. You can get here from Geneva or Zurich with one or two train transfers and one afternoon here is plenty of time. The main trade is cheese and tourism. You can visit the cheese factory, the Gruyères castle but there’s really only one main road with shops and restaurants. This is a quiet town that’s worth the visit if you’re spending a lot of time in Switzerland. If you do go, you must try the triple crème (triple cream)!
Do you know other beautiful places in Switzerland that people should visit? What are your favorite cities to visit in Switzerland?
