- Riding a cogway train through the magnificent Jungfrau Region
- Taking a tour of the Chillon Castle atop an island in Lake Geneva
- Conquering the peak of the Matterhorn on a guided alpine expedition
- Enjoying the breathtaking scenes of the Alps from the window of the Bernina Express
- Viewing the clock tower gate (Zytglogge) in Bern
- Taking a boat tour to see the Rhine falls
- Feeling the spray of the giant water fountain Jet d’Eau in Geneva
- Walking the Aare gorge near Interlaken
- Swooping down the side of Mount Pilatus in a cable car high above Lake Lucerne
Best Things to Do in Switzerland
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Things to do in Switzerland - Expert's guide
Coronavirus Update
Travelers are required to undergo mandatory quarantine upon entering Switzerland, for those arriving from areas of high risk.
1. Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and its commercial hub. German speaking, it’s predictably prosperous and tidy, with a medieval center bordering on the Limmat River, which flows out of Lake Zurich. Most Switzerland toursspend at least some time in Zurich, which has the largest international airport in the country.
Zurich provides the perfect combination of European charm with Swiss cultural sights. Churches, museums, gardens, and city squares all imbued with Swiss character. Cafes lining the streets selling chocolate, pastries, and coffee provide the perfect pick-me-up as you continue to explore. History tours will reveal extensive medieval ties and provide insight into the Swiss culture.
2. Bern
Bern, the Swiss capital, and Basel, which lies on the border with Germany and France, are other cities worth a visit. Both have Swiss-German as their primary language. Bern’s old town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and deservedly so.
Idyllically situation along the Aare River, it feels like stepping back in time. For a leap into modern history, visit the Einstein House to learn about the famous scientist’s time in Bern, where he made some of his most significant discoveries.
3. Cog Railway through the mountains
Switzerland’s trains are renowned for their punctuality and cleanliness, and their large windows which come in very handy to view the spectacular scenery.
Train tours in Switzerland are a classic activity when visiting the country. Trains are much connected with the culture and history of Switzerland and provide the perfect way to learn about the Swiss culture as you wind your way through alpine mountains, meadows, villages, and take in the spectacular scenery all around.
The most amazing train may be the Jungfraujoch, a cog railway that climbs up the adjacent alpine peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch to Europe’s highest train station at more than 11,000 feet, a remarkable feat of engineering completed a century ago. From the top, you have panoramic views of the valleys and villages below.
Bordering Italy, The Matterhorn is one of the most iconic peaks in all of Europe. So iconic in fact that one of the original Disneyland roller coasters is based on the mountain and shares the name.
Zermatt is the village at the base of the Matterhorn, a charming town full of quintessential European sites. Stroll through lovely streets for some shopping and leisurely cafe stays or get out for an invigorating day hike among the mountains. Summer and winter both provide an exhilarating experience.
5. Hiking Mont Blanc
A truly epic destination for hikers both novice and experienced alike, Mont Blanc is renowned for its beauty. The brisk mountain air is legendary, as are the views. You’ll stay in classic mountain villas and lodges along the way, enjoying delicious local cuisine, and experiencing the hospitality of small Alpine villages.
A tour of Mont Blanc can be experienced in many ways, from luxury to hard core hiking. Hiking is appealing to many for the accomplishment of crossing three international borders on foot.
6. Swiss cheese and chocolate
You can hardly visit Switzerland without enjoying these delectable treats. Both sharing origin stories in the Swiss canon of culinary contributions, your tour of Switzerland will definitely feature their history and of course tastings!
Another major cheese dish, Raclette, is also not to be missed. Sometimes confused with Fondue, Raclette involves a large round of hard cheese slowly melted before being served in individual portions with meats and vegetables. The cheese is very strong, and might be an acquired taste for some.
7. St. Moritz
This is for all the skiers out there! If you’re looking for the classic ski lodge experience, St. Moritz has to be on your bucket list. The Winter Olympic games have been hosted here twice, in 1928 and 1948, and like most of Switzerland’s towns, it’s beautiful and picturesque. St. Moritz is situated on two popular rail stops so if you’re on a train tour in Switzerland, you’re likely to visit!
8. Geneva
Geneva, situated on placid Lake Geneva, is the commercial and artistic center of French Switzerland, which straddles the border with France (you can ride a ferry across the lake for a stop in Evian, France, where Evian water runs freely out of public taps).
The Jet d’Eau, a huge water fountain, is a must-see in Geneva. Other popular attractions include the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, which dates back to the 11th century, and the Patek Philippe museum where famous Swiss timepieces are on display.
If Geneva sounds familiar, you may well have heard of the Geneva Conventions, the most well known of which took place in 1949 in the aftermath of WWII, effectively updating what had been the League of Nations to what it is today. Geneva is the official headquarters of Europe’s United Nations. Tourists can visit the Palais des Nations on a guided tour.
9. Jungfrau region
Switzerland does many things well, but one thing it excels at is idyllic mountain resort towns, and Jungfrau is the place to be for this. Cable cars through the sky, leisure activities, adrenaline pumping skiing, Jungfrau is the perfect destination for families.
There are 6 main towns in Jungfrau, all impressively old and of course pristine Alpine beauty. Grindelwald and Interlocken are probably the two best known towns, and often featured on Switzerland tours.
10. Rhine Falls
When you’ve done all the skiing, chocolate tours, and mountain hiking you definitely need to check out the largest waterfall in mainland Europe. (Often called the largest waterfall in Europe, which doesn’t include Iceland’s massive falls).
The picturesque Rhine Falls in the far north of Switzerland are a treat to visit. You can view them from several different vantage points and decks around the falls, or take a boat right up close to the thundering waters.
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Jan 2025
European Traveler
While I loved how much was seen and experienced in this time, I think it should be explained to future travelers that it's intense. Early mornings, some long bus day...
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Useful Links
- Switzerland's Weather Overview: Live Weather, Forecasts, and Averages
- Additional Information About Switzerland
Visa Information
| Visa Needed? | Link
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Switzerland for United States Citizens
UK | N | Visas to Switzerland for United Kingdom Citizens
CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Switzerland for Canadian Citizens
AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Switzerland for Australian Citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Switzerland for New Zealand Citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Switzerland for Indian Citizens
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Switzerland for United States Citizens
UK | N | Visas to Switzerland for United Kingdom Citizens
CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Switzerland for Canadian Citizens
AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Switzerland for Australian Citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Switzerland for New Zealand Citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Switzerland for Indian Citizens
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