Switzerland, located in the heart of Europe, is an enchanting country. With its peaceful mountain villages, crystal-clear lakes, endless snow-covered mountains, modern cities, attractive farmlands, and stunning natural beauty across every corner, this European country looks like a place from a fairytale.
Switzerland offers unlimited places to visit, whether you are a nature lover, an experienced hiker, a photographer, or a mix of all these. If you are new to it, you might not know where to go. This post is a good read if you are looking for places to visit in Switzerland.
Switzerland Tourist Places
As stated above, every corner of Switzerland is ideal for tourists to visit or explore. However, here are some of the best places to travel in Switzerland for your support:
1. Interlaken
Located between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, Interlaken is a prominent Swiss resort town. It serves as a gateway for exploring the Jungfrau region’s mountains, Monch, Jungfrau, and Eiger. It is a place in Switzerland you can explore year – round.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Interlaken : April to October for boating, hiking, and city exploration. December to March for winter sports in mountain areas.
- How to reach : Accessible by train from Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich. It is well connected to the Zurich International Airport.
Places to Visit in Interlaken
- Harder Kulm
- St Beatus Caves
- Alestsch Glacier
- Sphinx Observatory
Things to Do in Interlaken
- Hike at Jungfrau
- Sail on Lake Brienz
- Swim in Lake Thu
- Enjoy paragliding and skydiving over the Alps
- Explore the Oberhopen Castle
2. Zurich
Zurich, the largest city, is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. It features modernity and alpine natural beauty. Centered around the Old Town (Altstadt) and Lake Zurich, the city is home to a large number of museums, offers vibrant nightlife, and is a shopping hub at the Bahnhofstrasse.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Zurich : December for world-class Christmas markets and June to September for pleasant weather and a vibrant lakeside lifestyle.
- How to reach : Zurich International Airport is well-connected to all parts of the city. By public transport or a rented private vehicle, you can go anywhere in Zurich.
Places to Visit in Zurich
- Lake Zurich
- Old Town (Altstadt)
- Swiss National Museum
- Kunsthaus Zurich
- Lindenhof Hill
- Lindt Home of Chocolate
Things to Do in Zurich
- Visit the Zoo Zurich
- Explore Grossmunster (a protestant church built in 1100)
- Visit St. Peter’s Kirche (one of the four main churches)
- Shop at Bahnhofstrasse
- Hike on Uetliberg for the panoramic views of the city
- Walk on the streets of Old Town
3. Geneva
Geneva is the national capital city of Switzerland. Located between the Alps and Lake Geneva, it is often nicknamed the Capital of Peace. It is home to numerous international organisations like the UN.
This Swiss city houses numerous museums and features the historical Old Town (Vieille Ville) and a 140-metre Jet d’Eau fountain. In addition, it is a hub for chocolate tours, the best Swiss dining, and luxury shopping.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Geneva : May to August for clear breezy days and heavy tourist footfall. September to October for pleasant weather. November to April for snowfall and winter sports.
- How to reach Geneva : The city centre is only a 5-km drive away from the Geneva Airport.
Places to Visit in Geneva
- Jet d’Eau
- Old Town (Vieille Ville)
- Palais des Nations
- Flower Clock (Horloge Fleurie)
- Reformation Wall
- Patek Philippe Museum
- Red Cross Museum
- Art and History Museum
Things to Do in Geneva
- Relax along the shores or enjoy boating on Lake Geneva
- Visit the Botanical Garden (Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques) for a peaceful retreat
- Wander the charming streets in the Old Town
- Discover the origin of the universe at CERN Science Gateway
- Enjoy chocolate tours
4. Lucerne
Lucerne is a lakeside city and combines medieval charm with modern Swiss culture. It features breathtaking lake views, a 14th-century Chapel Bridge, and proximity to mountains like Rigi and Pilatus. From winter markets to summer boating, it is accessible year-round.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Lucerne : April to October for hiking and sightseeing. November to March/April for snow-based sports and activities. December for Christmas markets.
- How to reach Lucerne : It is just an hour’s drive from the Zurich International Airport.
Places to Visit in Lucerne
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
- Lion Monument
- Museggmauer
- Jesuitenkirche Luzern (first large Baroque church in Switzerland)
- Swiss Museum of Transport
- Glacier Garden of Lucerne
Things to Do in Lucerne
- Enjoy a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)
- Visit the mountains, Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, and Titlis
- Explore car-free streets in Old Town (Altstadt)
- Visit the Culture and Congress Centre (KKL) for a cultural experience
- Walk along the Chapel Bridge
5. Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free resort town and lies in the Valais region. Counted among the must-visit places in Switzerland, it is highly acknowledged for mountaineering, panoramic views, and year-round skiing. This Swiss town offers high-altitude adventure activities, numerous luxury chalet hotels, and many hiking spots.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Zermatt : December to April for winter sports and July to October for hiking and sightseeing.
- How to reach Zermatt : It is easily accessible from airports in Zurich and Geneva. By riding the Glacier Express or a private taxi, you can easily reach Zermatt in 3 to 4 hours.
Places to Visit in Zermatt
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- Sunnegga
- Gorner Gorge
- Hinterdorfstrasse (Old Village)
- Mountaineers’ Cemetery
Things to Do in Zermatt
- Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering
- Ride a train on the Gornergrat Railway
- Hike to Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg)
- Enjoy mountain biking
6. Lausanne
Nicknamed the Olympic Capital, it is a hilly Swiss city. Lausanne rightly blends nature, history, and culture. It features the medieval Cathedral, the Olympic Museum, vineyard-covered hills, and the lakeside district of Ouchy. This city offers the right amalgamation of good public transport, urban vibrancy, and a relaxing vibe.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Lausanne : June to August for water activities. December to April for visiting holiday markets and the Olympic Museum.
- How to reach Lausanne : It is a 60-km drive from the Geneva International Airport. You can reach Lausanne in around 3 hours from the Zurich International Airport.
Places to Visit in Lausanne
- Olympic Capital
- Lausanne Cathedral
- Olympic Museum
- Collection de l’Art Brut (a museum for outsider art)
- Old Town (Cite)
7. Bern
Often referred to as the de facto capital, Bern has been Switzerland’s federal capital since 1848. Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a walkable city and is famous for its medieval Old Town, which features a 6-km shopping arcade. It is also known for its scenic Aare River.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Bern : March to June (spring) for walking and sightseeing. Mid-June to August (summer) for river swimming in the Aare River. December to February (winter) for snow-based activities.
- How to reach Bern : It has its own domestic airport and is accessible from airports in Geneva and Zurich.
Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bern
- UNESCO Old Town
- Bear Park (BärenPark)
- Einstein House
- Federal Palace (Parliament Building)
- Paul Klee Centre
- Museum of Fine Arts (Kunstmuseum)
- Bern Historical Museum
- The Aare River for swimming and boating
8. Montreux
Nicknamed the Pearl of the Swiss Riviera, Montreux is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Switzerland. It lies on the shores of Lake Geneva and features stunning Alpine natural scenery, palm-tree-lined promenades, and a mild climate.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Montreux : June to August (summer) for lake activities, outdoor dining, and waterfront strolls. September to October (fall) for pleasant, cooler weather and fewer crowds. December is for heavy snowfalls and Christmas markets.
- How to reach Montreux : It is around a 2-hour drive from the Geneva International Airport and a 3-hour drive from the Zurich International Airport.
Places to Visit and Things to Do in Montreux
- Montreux Jazz Festival (July)
- Château de Chillon (the 13th-century castle)
- Montreux Promenade
- Chaplin’s World (a museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin)
- GoldenPass Express
- Lavaux Vineyards
9. St Moritz
Situated in the Engadine Valley, it is a premier luxury resort town and the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. It lies at an altitude of 1,856 metres and offers global culinary events, shopping on Via Serlas and exclusive lifestyle experiences. If you love watching horse racing and skiing, it is an ideal destination in Switzerland.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit St Moritz: December to March (winter) for skiing, snowboarding, and polo. June to August (summer) for skiing, mountain biking, and sailing.
- How to reach St Moritz : It is a 3- to 4-hour drive from the Zurich International Airport. You can reach St Moritz by boarding the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express from Chur or Tirano, Italy.
Places to Visit and Things to Do in St Moritz
- Lake St. Moritz (Lej da San Murezzan)
- St. Moritz Bad
- St. Moritz Dorf
- Enjoy skiing and snowboarding
- Hiking, mountain biking, windsurfing, sailing, and kitesurfing
10. Grindelwald
Located in the Jungfrau region, Grindelwald is a Swiss alpine village. It is famous for hiking, skiing, and changing mountain scenery. This village lies at the foot of the Wetterhorn and Eiger, and is a hub for numerous adventure sports.
Visitor Information
- Best time to visit Grindelwald : June to September (summer) for scenic views, flower-filled meadows, and hiking. December to March (winter) for snowboarding, tobogganing, and skiing.
- How to reach Grindelwald : It is a 3-hour drive from the Zurich International Airport.
Key Attractions in Grindelwald
- Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure)
- Bachalpsee Lake
- Glacier Canyon (Gletscherschlucht)
- Männlichen
Conclusion
Switzerland is a dream destination for numerous tourists from across the world. It offers numerous tourist attractions. However, the above-mentioned places to visit in Switzerland are ideal options, whether you are a first-time traveller or a seasoned one.
At Cholan Tours, we can help you explore Switzerland’s tourist places with our personalised Switzerland Tour Packages. From flight booking to accommodation, sightseeing, and transfers, we will take care of everything to ensure a safer and hassle-free Switzerland trip. Contact us to disclose your travel needs.
FAQs
Q1. What are the best places to visit in Switzerland for first-time travellers?
The best places to visit in Switzerland for first-time travellers are Lucerne, Bern, Zermatt, and Interlaken.
Q2. Which Swiss cities are worth visiting?
Zurich, Zermatt, Geneva, and Interlaken are worth visiting in Switzerland.
Q3. What is the most beautiful place in Switzerland?
Lauterbrunnen is the most beautiful place in Switzerland. It features 72 waterfalls and raw natural beauty.
Q4. When is the best time to visit Switzerland?
The best time to visit Switzerland largely depends on the purpose of your trip. If you want to experience scenic views and enjoy outdoor activities, summer (June to August/September) is the best time. Winter (November to March/April) is the best time if you love skiing, snowboarding, and other allied activities.
Q5. How many days are enough for exploring Switzerland?
It depends on what you want to explore, where you stay, and what activities you want to experience in Switzerland. However, you can cover major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Interlaken in a 10-day trip.
Q6. Is Switzerland expensive for tourists?
Not at all. You can make your Switzerland tour more affordable by booking a customized package and planning well in advance.
