Top 13 Places to Visit in Switzerland
Picture a destination with the sound of cowbells, echoing emerald-green pastures, and the crisp mountain air filling your lungs as you walk or look at the huge peaks of the Swiss Alps. Switzerland is where contemporary charm and fairy-tale landscapes entwine, and it's calling you to explore its scenic villages, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Are you a thrill-seeker, culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat for you or your loved ones? Switzerland is here to offer an unforgettable adventure. But which places should you visit in Switzerland? We are here to answer that question and help you uncover Switzerland's hidden gems and must-visit places that make it a true alpine paradise.
Places to Visit in Switzerland
- Zermatt
- Interlaken
- Bern
- Lake Lugano and Ticino
- Zurich
- Quinten
- Lucerne
- Lake Geneva
- The Rhine Falls
- Jungfraujoch
- Engelberg
- Lauterbrunnen
- Basel
Zermatt
The odds are you have heard about or seen pictures of Zermatt. But should you add it to your bucket list for your visit to Switzerland? Well, Zermatt is the base of Matterhorn, with breathtaking views of mountains with sharp tops visible miles away. It is the perfect spot for hiking and skiing, enhanced by its beautiful views. With cable cars and lifts, ski schools, and many places for apres-ski, it is a spirited tourist’s paradise.
Hiking with beautiful views of Zermatt is an experience we need in our lives. There are trails for individuals with various skills, so it is perfect whether you are a novice or a seasoned skier. It is one place to get lost in natural beauty. Adventure awaits you in Zermatt.
Interlaken
As the name translates to ‘between the lakes,’ Interlaken is located between the beautiful Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, hence easy to reach. You just have to take a train ride to the Eiger Mountain, Grindelwald, and the Aletsch Glacier. With its stunning views, Interlaken is perfect for Skiing in Switzerland.
Get yourself a Top ski ticket and you are in for a treat. It allows you to ski various runs as it covers 45 different lifts within the area. There is more. If you have interests in high-spirited sports like bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding, and river rafting, Interlaken is heaven. We doubt you can skydive anywhere more breathtaking than the front of Eiger Mountain in Interlake.
Bern
Bern is Switzerland’s historic capital and a true gem for tourists. At first glance, it is more like a huge open-air museum with cultural institutions, galleries, and museums. It is a perfect relaxation tourist destination as it is surrounded by nature. It is the ideal place to escape into the tranquil nature with its endless walk-through with long archways and perfect historical architecture like Rosengarten.
Also, if you are a foodie, this is paradise. It is packed with authentic, locally-made souvenirs to take home. It is also the gateway to Switzerland, as its central location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring different parts of Switzerland.
Lake Lugano and Ticino
If you love nature, then Lake Lugano and Ticino are definitely worthwhile. They treat you to scenes like the Verzasca and Maggia valleys, known for scenic views, with crystal-clear, emerald waters that are just perfect for a refreshing dip on hot summer days.
Also, Lake Lugano and Ticino are perfect for people who like adventures. With Mount Tamaro offering exciting hits and zip-lining spots, any thrill-seeker’s soul will be gratified, topping up panoramas of the surrounding area.
We cannot talk about Lake Lugano and Ticino without mentioning food. It is among the spots in Switzerland where you get the best taste of Italian cuisine with precision. That’s not all. A visit to its charming villages like Grotto, you are in for a treat with mouthwatering local specialties such as risotto, polenta, and grilled meat.
Zurich
Zurich offers a rich fusion of historical, cultural, and contemporary attractions, hence worth a number on your bucket list. It's flooded with museums, art galleries, and historical sites. We highly recommend visiting the Swiss National Museum, Grossmünster church, and Kunsthaus Zurich to learn more about its heritage.
There are also scenic places like Lake Zurich, perfect for swimming and memorable boating. It is the ideal chill spot; you will like to relax by the waterfront when in Zurich. It is also home to the world-class shopping street with the infamous Bahnhofstrasse, which has shopping centers stretching almost a mile, with designer brands, outlet stores, and boutiques to explore.
Here, you cannot fight the urge to window-shop with everything for everyone. Across the city, there are small shopping stores and markets to pick a souvenir.
Quinten
Quinten is the perfect place for long walks and cycling. It sits on the shores of Lake Walen and typically has a mild climate thanks to its unique location. Walking or cycling in Quinten is therapeutic, with its breathtaking views all through the terraced neighborhood lined with vineyards. It is the right place to relax and catch up with loved ones with few distractions.
Lucerne
Whether you are adventurous or just want to relax and unwind, Lucerne will enthrall you from the moment you get there. It is a place for everyone. It is widely known for Mount Pilatus, a mountain found on the outskirts of Lucerne, 2132m above sea level. For a more exciting climb, we recommend you take a cogwheel train to the halfway point and trek the rest.
You can enjoy alpine views by taking on a Lake Lucerne sightseeing cruise, which you can take in the evening, morning, or afternoon. It is the perfect way to absorb sweeping views of the medieval city. You can also take on adventurous swimming at the Seebad Luzern. It is not all about swimming if it is not your thing; there are multiple loungers on the top decks and bottoms where you can enjoy the sun or, using floating logs chained down the water, sit on and relax.
Lake Geneva
Known for historical sites, Lake Geneva is a must-visit. On the French side, there are fine medieval towns accessible via a delightful boat trip. There is a lot to learn about trading routes through the Alps.
Are you a wine lover? Lake Geneva is paradise. You will find UNESCO-protected Lavaux vineyards, and the biggest wine region covering over 800 hectares. Being one of the biggest producers of wine in the world, we recommend you try some wine, particularly local cépages, or visit the vineyards for a tasting. If wine is not your thing, there is still much to enjoy like the scenic views, especially on a sunny day, while walking on vine trails.
The Rhine Falls
For people fond of nature, the Rhine Falls is a place to add to your bucket list. You are amazed by its magnificent scenery, being the largest waterfall, and it gives you an unprecedented feeling of nature’s stunning miracle of shaping our planet. It is also home to impressive man-made structures like castles and unique buildings. We recommend visiting between May and June when there is a high amount of water.
Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch, situated within the Swiss Alps, is a scenic mountain pass often called the “Top of Europe.” As a true Alpine wonderland, Jungfraujoch cannot be missed on our list. It is home to the highest railway stations in the world, hence one place we highly recommend for a memorable train journey. If you are adventurous, there is an impressive ice place with thrilling sports, like snowboarding and skiing. You also get an opportunity to hike through the longest glacier.
Engelberg
Away from central Switzerland is Engelberg, a picturesque mountain resort where you can soak in mint natural beauty. It is surrounded by towering peaks, breathtaking lush fields, and crystal-clear lakes. It is perfect for people who yearn for some peace but love nature and being outdoors. You can simply bask in the peacefulness of Alpine paradise.
Lauterbrunnen
Chances are you have heard about beautiful villages in Switzerland. We can tell you that nothing beats Lauterbrunnen when it comes to the most gorgeous villages and places in Switzerland. It is located in a stunning valley in the middle of the Swiss Alps, beautifully surrounded by waterfalls and rocky cliffs. It is a must-visit.
It is well known for the Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls. It is one of the few places you can visit any season and still have a good time, as there is so much to do here. There is something for everyone, from chasing waterfalls to skiing and hiking. If you seek more thrill, you have the opportunity to paraglide across the Alpine fields.
Basel
If you are a history buff, like the arts, and are intrigued by architecture, you will have a field day visiting Basel. It is located on the banks of the Rhine River and boasts a vibrant cultural hub. It is known for its thriving arts scene, rich history, and impressive architecture. You can visit the old town, home to Basel Minster and Rathaus, the medieval landmarks. Also, visit contemporary museums and the Foundation Beyeler while you soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Discover Swiss’s Top Destinations
Switzerland has it all for your memorable experience! Whether you have a soft heart for awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant cities, or lovely villages, your visit is guaranteed to be an unforgettable one. Or you are just a history buff, adrenaline junkie, or someone who just seeks a serene beauty away from the hustling-bustling city life, Switzerland has it all.
If you fall in love with these places and are looking to make them your permanent residence, Suisse Immobilien Group has your back. With properties catering to different styles and budgets, we care about helping you find your dream home in Ticino and other areas you are interested in.