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Top 20 places to visit in Switzerland: From cities to nature

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Switzerland is one of the most incredible countries I’ve ever visited. On my first trip I focused on exploring cities like Geneva, Lucerne, Lausanne, and Zurich, on subsequent visits, I chose to immerse myself in its natural wonders. Swiss cities are undeniably beautiful, but the country’s nature is simply breathtaking. The Swiss Alps are full of hidden treasures.

Even though the country isn't large, it offers an incredible variety of fascinating places to visit in Switzerland. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or someone who loves discovering new cities, I’m confident you’ll find what you’re looking for here. If you’re considering this destination, this travel guide to Switzerland will be super helpful.

On another note, I’ve put together these itineraries for visiting Switzerland in 4 days and Switzerland in 7 days, perfect if you’re short on time and prefer a structured trip.

One tip, if you want to see Switzerland by train and bus: consider the purchase of public transportation passes. The Swiss Travel Pass enables limitless travel by train, bus, and even boat. And areas like Jungfrau offer their own transport pass, which will be the Jungfrau Travel Pass if that area is going to be your focus for some time.

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Most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland

Below you’ll find Switzerland’s top destinations. Get ready to discover its most stunning landscapes, major cities, and most beautiful villages.

1. Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich

Many people mistakenly believe that Zurich is the capital of Switzerland; in fact, the true capital is Bern. But Zurich happens to be the financial hub of the country and is blessed with a very interesting historic center—just the kind of place you would like exploring upon visiting this lovely European destination.

Zurich sits prettily both on the Limmat River and next to the lake that bears its name, giving it a certain charm. You’ll discover it not only on a stroll through its historic Old Town but also when you visit other neighborhoods, such as lively Langstrasse.

Meanwhile, in your stay here, get lost in the narrow streets of Niederdorf, a district of Old Town, enjoy the architecture of Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter’s churches, go for a scenic walk along the lake toward the Zurich Opera House, and capture sweeping views from Lindenhof Hill.

These are some of the must-see places in Zurich. However, there’s much more to discover. Consider staying a few days in Zurich, in which you will be aged to know the nature of the city, even taking a day trip to explore the scenic surroundings.

2. Geneva

Geneva is one of the gateways to Switzerland, especially for those of us who decide to travel to the country in our own vehicle from Spain or France. Located next to the French border and Lake Geneva, it is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland, as it has a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Be sure to wander through the narrow streets of the old town and visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, one of the most beautiful buildings in Geneva. You visit the top of the towers to enjoy the beautiful views. Other must-sees in the city are the English Garden and the Jet d’Eau, a jet of water located in the lake that reaches 140 meters in height.

3. Lake Oeschinen (Oeschinensee)

Switzerland has approximately 1,500 lakes, and you don’t have to visit them all to know that Oeschinensee is one of the most beautiful in the country. If you come to Switzerland in search of breathtaking landscapes, a visit to Lake Oeschinen is a must.

To get to this lake, you have to go first to the village of Kandersteg. There, you can take a cable car or go up on foot. At the top, a huge turquoise lake surrounded by steep mountains awaits you. It is one of the most picturesque images in all of Switzerland.

As you approach the lake, you will find an information panel with all the hiking trails you can take. There are several to choose from, and they vary in length and difficulty. You can also swim in the waters of the lake.

4. Grindelwald Valley

places to visit in Switzerland
Bachalpsee

In the Grindelwald Valley, you’ll definitely get to see some of the most impressive views of Switzerland. Our tour begins in the village of Grindelwald at the foot of lush green meadows with impressive snow-capped peaks such as the Eiger and Wetterhorn. The view is breathtakingly beautiful. Take time to explore the narrow streets of the village and dine in one of these lovely restaurants.

Grindelwald is an excellent base during the hotter months, as quite a number of trails start from here, including the Bachalpsee Lake trail. This little village itself changes during winter into a world-acknowledged ski resort. Moreover, it’s very well-placed for visiting Jungfraujoch, one of the most incredible places to visit in Switzerland.

Among the best things to do in Grindelwald, take an e-bike and ride up to Grosse Scheidegg; then head up to First for panoramic views—the start of the hike to Bachalpsee—and further up on the Eiger Trail.

5. Lauterbrunnen Valley

lauterbrunnen Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in summer and has quickly become a popular destination among tourists in recent years. Also located in the Jungfrau region (like Grindelwald), this valley stands out for hosting what is considered the most beautiful village in Switzerland: Lauterbrunnen. When you enter the valley and arrive at this little village, it will be clear why.

Apart from strolling through the village and observing its beautiful surroundings (you will be amazed by its cliffs and waterfalls), other of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen are to go up to the village of Wengen, visit the Trümmelbach Waterfalls, or take the cable car to Mürren. From this valley, you can also make the excursion to Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, or Birg.

6. Lucerne

Kapellbrücke
Kapellbrücke

Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland; there is no doubt about it. Bathed by the waters of Lake Lucerne and crossed by the Reuss River, the charms of Lucerne are not scarce, but if there is something to highlight, it is the beautiful Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke). Its origin dates back to the 14th century, and it is the oldest covered bridge in Europe.

In addition, other places to see in Lucerne are the Spreuer Bridge, the Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church of Lucerne), the Lion Monument, and the Church of St. Leodegar. In the surroundings, you can visit Mount Pilatus or Stanserhorn. The best way to visit these destinations is to stay in Lucerne and move around from there.

7. Chillon Castle

On the shores of Lake Geneva, rests a beautiful medieval castle that is well worth visiting. It is the Chillon Castle. Although it may seem incredible, this castle has about a thousand years of history. One of its first functions was to control the passage between the Alps and the Lake Geneva region, but it also served as a residence for the Counts of Savoy and, later, as a prison.

You can visit the interior on your own or through a guided tour. In addition, I recommend a walk along the lakeshore to Le Cabanon de Mam’s café. From here, you will see one of the most beautiful landscapes of Switzerland.

8. Interlaken

Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is the alpine town of Interlaken, an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts.

Some of the best things to do in Interlaken are swimming in the turquoise lakes, climbing the Harder Kulm viewpoint, taking the train to Schynige Platte, and visiting the Giessbach Waterfalls. Of course, be sure to stroll through the center and cross over to Unterseen, the village just across the Aar River.

In addition, Interlaken is a very good starting point to visit the aforementioned Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys. Because of this, it is a very good idea to stay in Interlaken and visit all the surrounding areas.

9. Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)

places to visit in Switzerland
©Jungfraubahnen

One of the best things to do in Switzerland is to visit Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe). Built at an altitude of 3,454 meters, it is the highest railway station in Europe.

If you go up to Top of Europe, you will have the impressive peaks of the Jungfrau and Mönch and, at your feet, the wonderful Aletsch glacier. During your visit, do not miss the Sphinx Observatory, enter the Ice Palace, have fun in the Snow Fun Park, or eat at its panoramic restaurant.

It can be reached from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, or Grindelwald.

10. Gruyères

Gruyères is another of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland and a stop that should not be missing on your route if you pass through this part of the country. It is a beautiful medieval village with cobbled streets and traditional houses. Walk through each of its corners and get lost in its craft stores and cozy cafes.

Do not miss La Maison du Gruyère, a place where you can learn about the process of making the famous Gruyère cheese and, of course, taste it. Another essential visit in this small town is the wonderful Gruyères Castle, whose origin dates back to the 13th century.

11. Bern

We arrive at the capital of the country and one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, Bern. It highlights its charming old town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to the preservation of its medieval architecture. In addition, the city is built on the banks of the Aar River, which provides even more beauty and magic to the place.

During your walk through the cobblestone streets of the city of Bern, do not miss the beautiful views from Rosengarten, the Cathedral of Bern, the Federal Palace of Switzerland, Kramgasse Street, or the Clock Tower. You will also be struck by the number of arcades and fountains throughout the city.

12. Zermatt and the Matterhorn

best places to visit in Switzerland
Riffelsee

We continue to another symbol of Switzerland (and Toblerone), the Matterhorn (or Matterhorn). This beautiful pyramid-shaped mountain is 4,478 meters above sea level and is located between Switzerland and Italy. It is one of the best destinations for nature, adventure, and photography lovers.

The gateway to the Matterhorn is in Zermatt, a beautiful alpine village that is well worth a visit. Access by car is not allowed, so to get there, you will have to take a train from Täsch.

Once in Zermatt, be sure to stroll through its charming streets and, of course, take a mountain hike to enjoy a good view of the Matterhorn. We made the excursion to Gornergrat. In one of the stops, you can approach the Riffelsee Lake and enjoy one of the best postcards of the Matterhorn.

13. Lausanne

One of the reasons why Lausanne may sound more familiar to you is because of its connection with sport, since it is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. In addition to being recognized as the Olympic capital, it has the interesting Olympic Museum, inaugurated in 1993.

Beyond everything that has to do with the Olympics, Lausanne stands out for its old town, where the Lausanne Cathedral, a Gothic jewel dating from the thirteenth century, stands out. From the tower, you will get beautiful views of the city and the lake.

After strolling through the streets of the historic center, be sure to approach Lake Geneva and take a pleasant walk along the shore.

14. Aletsch Glacier

jungfraujoch Switzerland
Glaciar Aletsch

We arrived at one of the great natural wonders of Switzerland, the Aletsch Glacier. With more than 23 kilometers long and an area of about 80 km2, it is the largest glacier in the Alps and, of course, is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The ice extends from the northern slopes of the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau to the Canton of Valais.

Access to the glacier is very easy. The best way is to take the cable car from Fiesch to Eggishorn. From there, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Aletsch Glacier. In this same place, you will have access to several hiking trails.

15. Rhine Falls

One of the most famous landscapes in Switzerland is the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Central Europe, thanks to its 150 meters wide and 23 meters high. If you want to see this spectacle of nature in person, you just have to go to the surroundings of Schaffhausen, a town located less than 50 km north of Zurich.

There are several viewpoints to appreciate the beauty of the Rhine Falls. However, if you really want to be amazed by its majesty, the best option is to make the visit by boat, as they bring you closer to the torrent, allowing you to feel the force of the water.

16. Basel

In the north of Switzerland, between the French border and the German border, we find the charming city of Basel. Basel is known as the city of art, as there are museums and galleries at every turn. In fact, it hosts a famous contemporary art fair, Art Basel. In addition, it also has the oldest museum in Switzerland, the Basel Art Museum (Kunstmuseum), with works by Picasso, Monet, and Holbein.

Beyond art, Basel also stands out for its charming old town. Don’t miss places like Basel Cathedral, Basel City Hall, and the Mittlere Brücke, Basel’s oldest bridge.

17. Canton Ticino

Ticino is a southern Switzerland canton often referred to as the “Italian Switzerland.” The official language in Ticino is Italian, and it is also very similar in its features to neighboring Italy. A trip to Ticino is quite different, far from the idea of typical Swiss landscapes that we usually imagine, yet the attractions this region promises are rich and fulfilling.

The capital of Ticino is Bellinzona, famous for its three medieval castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. It is also worth taking some time to visit Lugano, one of the most enchanting Swiss towns. Further highlights include the villages Ascona and Gandria, the lively town of Locarno, and Carasc Tibetan Bridge, which altogether will make your visit to this enchanting canton especially exciting.

18. St. Moritz

If you are traveling to Switzerland in winter, a very famous place to visit is St. Moritz, as it is considered a paradise for skiing and other winter sports. In fact, it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. St. Moritz is also renowned for luxury and exclusivity, so if you are looking for a high-end experience, you will find it here.

In summer, it is also an attractive destination because there are many hiking trails. In Lake St. Moritz, you will also have the opportunity to take pleasant boat rides.

More cities and towns in Switzerland

Although we have already mentioned some of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland and the most emblematic Swiss cities, there are still many others worth mentioning. In the following list, you will find other towns and cities that you can include in your trip to the Alpine country:

  • Montreux.
  • Soglio.
  • Stein am Rhein.
  • Brienz.
  • Thun.
  • Appenzell.
  • Friburgo.
  • St. Gallen.
  • Foroglio.

More must-see landscapes of Switzerland

Aareschlucht
Aareschlucht

Throughout the article, we have mentioned some of Switzerland’s most recognized natural wonders. However, there are many other places where nature has created a true masterpiece. Here are some other landscapes in Switzerland that you will love:

  • Lake Blausee.
  • Garganta de l’Aare.
  • Creux du Van.
  • Engstligen Falls.
  • Jaun Pass.
  • Lake Seealpsee.
  • Saxer Lücke.
  • Pizol.
  • Lake Crestasee.
  • Lake Caumasee.
  • Rochers-de-Naye.
  • Thur Waterfalls.
  • Ródano Galcier.
  • Fronalpstock.
  • Stäubifall.
  • Bergli Stüber Waterfall.
  • Limmernsee.
  • Arena-Batöni Falls.
  • Fälensee.

In some of these places, the hand of man has intervened, but the following landscapes of Switzerland are also crazy:

  • Goms Bridge.
  • Charles Kuonen Bridge.
  • Berggasthaus Aescher.
  • Belvedere Furka.

Map of places to visit in Switzerland

In the map below, I’ve marked all the must-see places in Switzerland with navy blue hearts and other noteworthy destinations with orange hearts. This will help you identify the key attractions you shouldn’t miss on your trip, as well as other fascinating locations worth exploring.

I hope this list of the best places to visit in Switzerland has been very useful when planning your trip around the country and discovering amazing places. If you wish to recommend more places in Switzerland or discover any other place and want to share it in the comments, I will be very grateful.

Picture of Sofía Pozuelo
Sofía Pozuelo
Hi! I'm Sofia, creator of Come Ama Viaja. Traveling has been my greatest passion since I was a child. Besides exploring the world, I love walking in the countryside, specialty coffee, and Neapolitan pizza. I hope you find my travel guides useful!

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