Switzerland is a land of breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to majestic mountain peaks, pristine lakes, or vibrant cities, this country offers something for every type of traveller.
With so many places to discover, planning a trip here can be overwhelming. To help you plan your perfect itinerary, we’ve curated a list of the best places to visit in Switzerland, from the most beautiful cities to the hidden gems nestled in the Swiss Alps.
With the help of this guide, you’ll explore iconic tourist spots, discover picturesque villages, and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty that makes Switzerland a top destination for travellers worldwide.
Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
1. Bern
One of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland that’s not to be missed, is the country's capital, Bern.
The most popular thing to do here is to step back in time and explore the city's mediaeval Old Town. Thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage status, its cobbled streets, original architecture, historic fountains and 15th-century arcades are extremely well-preserved, and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
One of Bern’s most iconic landmarks is the Zytglogge clock tower. Dating back to the 13th century, this astronomical clock has been a watchtower, prison, and more. You can take a guided tour to explore its fascinating mechanism and learn about its intricate astronomical functions.
Don’t forget to make some time to browse in the cellar shops, and hop between the cosy bars that line the arcades.
For a taste of history, head to Haus-Einstein, the former residence of Albert Einstein, now a museum and café. It’s here that he wrote his groundbreaking Theory of Special Relativity.
In the summer, the Aare River becomes the city’s playground, where locals and visitors alike swim, raft, tube, or paddleboard along its crystal-clear waters.
Bern also serves as a gateway to the beautiful Bernese Oberland, offering easy access to some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes, making it an ideal stop for nature lovers and adventurers.
2. Jungfrau
Nestled within Switzerland’s stunning Bernese Oberland, is the alpine paradise of Jungfrau. Dominated by the awe-inspiring peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, towering over 4000 metres, this region offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty and adventure, making it one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
One of the most popular things to do here is visit the charming villages of Mürren and Gimmelwald, where quaint wooden chalets cling to cliff edges, offering postcard-worthy views over Lauterbrunnen Valley. This valley is a nature-lovers heaven, home to 72 waterfalls that cascade dramatically from towering cliffs.
For a true adventure, take the iconic Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station at 3,454 metres. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view across snow-capped peaks and glaciers, stretching as far as the eye can see.
If extreme sport is your thing, head down the road to Interlaken. From skydiving to ice climbing and bungee jumping, it won’t be hard to get your adrenaline fix.
Whether you're hiking the scenic trails of Grindelwald-First, skiing down slopes or zipping through the air, the Jungfrau Region is a playground for thrill-seekers.
Don’t miss a leisurely hike to the crystal-clear Bachalpsee lake, where the surrounding mountains reflect in its serene waters.
3. Zermatt
Zermatt, nestled at the foot of Switzerland's iconic Matterhorn, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and mountain lovers alike, and one of the top tourist spots in Switzerland.
Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or rock-climbing, this charming, car-free village offers both rustic charm and high-end amenities, with some of the best skiing in Europe.
For spectacular views, ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car up to 3,883 metres and gaze over 38 mountains towering above 4,000 metres.
Open all year-round, this stunning alpine destination also boasts the Matterhorn Glacier Palace, an ice-and-snow wonderland, offering skiing or snowboarding opportunities even in the summer months.
For a truly unique experience, hop on one of the four “Crystal Ride” cabins, encrusted in Swarovski crystals, for a dazzling nine-minute ride to the top.
Nearby, you’ll find Leisee lake, a peaceful spot for a swim with the Matterhorn as your backdrop, or a short hike where you can spot adorable marmots along the way.
Don’t miss the Gornergrat Railway, Europe’s highest open-air cog railway, where you can enjoy panoramic views and the perfect reflection of the Matterhorn in Riffelsee Lake.
If you're feeling adventurous, take the cloud-grazing cable car to Testa Grigia, and journey from Switzerland to Italy for some of the most breathtaking vistas in the Alps.
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4. Swiss National Park
Switzerland’s only national park, the Swiss National Park, is a true paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Nestled in the remote southeastern corner of the country, on the border with Italy, this 172-square-kilometre park is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
The landscape here is a mixture of lush forests, wildflower pastures, high moors and crystal-clear blue lakes that sit beneath soaring mountains. If you’re lucky, you may encounter wildlife that roam free here, such as ibex, marmots, golden eagles and chamois.
What makes the park even more special is that it’s completely untouched. So much so that dinosaur tracks are regularly discovered here.
The best way to explore this rugged wilderness is through hiking. Popular routes include the Chamanna Cluozza trail, a challenging 15km hike with steep ascents and breathtaking views, and Val Trupchun, a 14km loop through a wildlife-rich valley, perfect for spotting rare creatures like the Swiss Bearded Vulture. In autumn, the golden larch trees make for a spectacular backdrop, but be aware that this spectacle does draw in crowds.
For a longer adventure, try the Il Fuorn to Buffalora hike. This 22km route takes you through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to grassy vistas overlooking the Italian town of Livigno. Along the way, you’ll encounter wild terrain and stunning views.
Whether you’re trekking through alpine meadows or spotting wildlife, the Swiss National Park is a wild, unforgettable experience and one of the best places to see in Switzerland.
5. Geneva
Stretching along the southern shore of Switzerland’s largest body of water, Lake Geneva, is another must-visit city, Geneva.
Set against a mountain backdrop, this picturesque city is a global hub, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, and a large array of luxury, high-end shops, elegant restaurants, and vibrant outdoor cafes.
Geneva offers a variety of activities, from leisurely strolls through the scenic botanical gardens to sailing on the lake.
One of the city’s iconic landmarks is the Jet d'Eau, a giant water fountain that shoots 140 metres into the air. Originally created in 1886, it has since become a symbol of Geneva, especially when illuminated at night.
Another must-see is the Flower Clock, the world’s second-largest working clock, surrounded by colourful, ever-changing seasonal flowers.
For a bit of adventure, head to Mont Salève for a thrilling paragliding experience, where you can soar from France into Switzerland with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Don’t miss exploring the cobblestone streets of Geneva’s Old Town, home to centuries-old buildings and cosy cafes. Stop by for some cheese fondue, and don’t forget to try the goat’s cheese version!
6. Appenzell
With only 7,000 residents, the idyllic, car-free town of Appenzell, nestled in northwest Switzerland, is perfect for travellers looking for a quiet, peaceful stay, away from the crowds.
Appenzell is known for its hand-made cheeses that are best enjoyed on a picnic in the region's lush, rolling hills. The area’s picturesque landscape is dotted with farms, grazing Braunvieh cattle, and framed by the stunning Alpstein mountain range.
The Alpstein offers great hiking opportunities, with accessible trails and magnificent views for those that love the outdoors.
One of the best ways to explore is on a hut to hut hiking trip across the Appenzell Alps, with cosy inns serving regional dishes and offering overnight stays. The 3 day Alpstein High Trail is a popular route, running through the U-shaped valleys of the Alpstein mountains, while the 6 or 8 day hut to hut adventures provide even more in-depth exploration.
For a unique experience, hike to Seealpsee, a serene alpine lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery, perfect for a refreshing swim. From here, take the scenic route to Berggasthaus Äscher, a photogenic mountain inn built into the cliffs, where you can enjoy a well-earned lunch after a hike.
For stunning panoramic views, hike the Hoher Kasten - SaxerLücke - Fälensee Trail, a moderate 19.3 km circuit offering incredible views of the Rhine Valley and Alpstein mountains, making it a must for photography lovers.
7. Zurich
Last but not least on our list of the best places to visit in Switzerland is Zurich. This modern, vibrant city, blended with rich history and culture, regularly ranks among the top cities for quality of life.
Being the largest city in Switzerland, Zurich has everything you could want from a city, from trendy bars along the Limmat River, to its mediaeval old town, that's home to the iconic Grossmünster church and rich history dating back to Roman times.
Zurich has a dynamic arts scene, home to the Kunsthaus Gallery and the cutting-edge Schiffbau arts centre, housed in a former shipbuilding factory in the post-industrial Züri-West district.
Alongside this, it’s famed charming boutiques, cafes and shopping along the world-renowned street of Bahnhofstrasse.
Don’t miss Lindenhof Park, a peaceful spot offering panoramic views of the Limmat River and the city skyline.
If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss a chance to sample Swiss chocolate. Indulge in decadent dark chocolate truffles from Teuscher or head to the Lindt chocolate museum to shop in the world’s biggest chocolate shop and tour the museum to eat as much chocolate as you can handle!
Even if you’re not a chocolate fan, Zurich is a haven for all food lovers, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to plant-based dining at Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.
If you’re in need of some relaxation, take a dip at one of Zurich’s many historic badi (swimming baths), such as Seebad Utoquai, offering stunning lake views and a taste of old-world charm.
Being the largest city, Zurich is a city often explored on layovers between flights. If you're short on time, check out or blog on how to spend a layover in Zurich.
Best tours and things to do in Switzerland:
Switzerland is a place full of incredible scenery, places to visit and things to do.
With vast amounts of experiences on offer in Switzerland, it can be difficult to choose where to visit and what to see. To help, using our travel experience we have created a quick list of the six most popular excursions to book across the whole of Switzerland.
We have included a range of tours you can book — including family-friendly activities, Interlaken night sledding, Lucerne cable car rides and museum visits.
Final Thoughts on the best places to visit in Switzerland
With its mix of stunning natural wonders and vibrant cities, Switzerland truly offers some of the most beautiful and diverse places to see in Europe.
Whether you're hiking in the Swiss Alps, relaxing by crystal-clear lakes, or exploring charming towns, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences. From world-class ski resorts to serene lakeside villages, Switzerland is a country that captivates at every turn, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller seeking both adventure and tranquillity.
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