The 25 most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland
What are the best things to do in Switzerland in terms of nature?
1- Lakes
If there’s one thing you’re going to see in Switzerland, it’s lakes! The country has almost 1,500 of them, scattered all over its territory! There’s no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.
The best known, and the largest in Europe, is Lake Geneva. With a surface area of over 580 km², it is ideal for a wide range of activities, including swimming, hiking and water sports. Incredible landscapes and magnificent towns surround it, and maintain its great reputation as one of the most beautiful lakes in the country.
Lake Biel, at the foot of the Jura mountains, is also well worth a visit. Surrounded by vineyards, it offers great walks, cycle rides and boat trips to discover the lake from every angle. Switzerland is famous for its impressive turquoise-blue lakes: one of the finest examples is Lake Brienz, with its magnificently clear water surrounded by green or snow-capped mountains, depending on the season. A real gem!
The more adventurous can head for Lake Triftsee, which not only boasts magnificent scenery but also a 100-metre-high suspension bridge that has become a popular tourist attraction. And understandably so, as it is certainly one of the most spectacular suspension bridges in the Alps! Finally, Lake Lucerne is also a must-see, offering the greatest diversity of landscapes in Switzerland.
2- The mountains
At 4,478 metres, the Matterhorn is a true symbol of Switzerland. It is a surprising glacier with a pyramid shape that can be recognised from afar. The more experienced can tackle the difficult ascent of this mountain, but you can also take the train or walk to the top of the Gornergrat for a magnificent view of this very special peak.
Other must-see mountain sights in Switzerland include the Furka and Grimsel passes, both on the same route and offering breathtaking scenery at over 2,400 metres. The Grand-Saint-Bernard pass, on the border with Italy, is also a must! An ideal place for avid cyclists, but also for motorists, who can stop regularly to admire the spectacle.
Did you know about this? I bet you’ve already bought – or at least seen – a packet of Toblerone on the supermarket shelf. But did you notice that there’s a strange mountain on the packaging? Well, the peak is none other than the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain! Yes, this delicious chocolate brand is in fact of Swiss origin… That explains it!
3- The Swiss National Park
Located in the canton of Grisons in eastern Switzerland, the Swiss National Park is a veritable natural treasure. It was one of the first national parks in Europe, created in 1914, and is the country’s largest nature reserve. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts an incredibly rich fauna and flora, and landscapes enhanced by the mountains that make up the bulk of the park. Hiking, mountain biking, animal watching and, of course, a great nature break await you in one of the best-protected parks in the Alps, a place to visit in Switzerland!
4- The Eiger
A veritable winter sports paradise, the Eiger is a mountain well worth a visit. You can see it from the small mountain village of Grindelwald, and you can climb it to hike or ski on its slopes, which face one of Switzerland’s most beautiful valleys. There are dozens of possible excursions, and you’ll have the chance to discover the incredible Aare Gorge, 1 hour from Grindelwald, which is a must when visiting this region!
5- The Valais
The canton of Valais is one of the best known in Switzerland: it’s a real natural gem – like many places in Switzerland, as you’ll have realised! If it’s not to enjoy its many ski slopes in winter, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in this magnificent area. There are 45 peaks over 4,000 metres high, guaranteeing perfect skiing and spectacular summer scenery. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.
The Valais offers a wide range of activities, thanks to the diversity of its landscape: hiking, mountain biking, skiing, sampling the best local specialities, visiting mountain villages, vineyards, discovering Alpine lakes or strolling through the forests… There’s something for everyone!
6- The Aletsch glacier
To continue your discovery of the canton of Valais, head for the breathtaking Aletsch glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Thanks to the cable car that has been installed at Moosflush, you can reach one of the most beautiful landscapes you can see in the country. No wonder it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001… For those who want to take the tour even further, there’s a hike waiting for you at the cable car terminus!
7- The Bernese Oberland
Another star of the Swiss Alps, the Interlaken region brings together meadows, lakes and mountains that you can explore on the many trains and cable cars available to visitors. An unforgettable landscape that combines the green of the fir forests with the crystal-clear waters of the lakes, and offers every conceivable activity. A region that knows how to wow its visitors whatever the season. Sport, adventure, tradition and culture are all on offer in the Bernese Alps!
Among the things to see in this region are the famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains; the Lauterbrunnen valley, nicknamed the valley of 72 waterfalls; the Schynige Platte, offering magnificent hikes for enthusiasts; the Giessbach waterfalls and the pretty villages of Thun and Iseltwald.
8- The Interlaken region
Situated in the Bernese Oberland region, Interlaken is the name of both the town between Lakes Brienz and Thun, and the entire region surrounding them. An ideal starting point for visiting the surrounding area during your travels, Interlaken is also a lively place where numerous festivals and celebrations are organised to perpetuate Swiss traditions.
9- The Rhine Falls
A magnificent natural spectacle awaits you if you decide to visit the Rhine Falls. They are one of the largest in Europe and have an impressive flow. Accessible on foot or by boat, they are one of Switzerland’s must-see attractions. Head for Laufen Castle to begin this unique excursion in Switzerland!
10- The Trümmelbach waterfalls
Even different from a classic waterfall, the Trümmelbach waterfalls reveal a stunning backdrop: they are the largest underground waterfalls in Europe! Indeed, it’s inside the gorge that you can witness the grandiose spectacle of almost 20,000 litres of water per second flowing through the rocks.
11- Mount Pilatus
On board the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, you can reach the famous Mount Pilatus, one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. A breathtaking panorama awaits you at the top, overlooking a multitude of peaks and the magnificent Lake Lucerne. Depending on the time of year you choose to visit this must-see mountain, you can follow the most beautiful mountain paths or toboggan down the slopes!
Did you know? The magnificent Bernese Oberland region boasts no fewer than 800 lakes, more than half the total number in the whole country! It also has over 350 kilometres of ski runs and more than 200 km of hiking trails. One thing’s for sure: you’ll never get bored in this region!
What are the most beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland?
12- Geneva
Switzerland’s best-known city, apart from its great capital Bern, Geneva is a destination not to be missed. Synonymous with luxury and prestige, it boasts some of the world’s biggest shops and an international reputation. Its proximity to Lake Geneva and its beautiful streets that tell the story of its history make it a very popular city where visitors flock to stroll along the lake, shop and step back in time in its historic centre!
13- Lausanne
Also situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a concentration of history, culture and nature all in one city! A great starting point for hiking along the shores of Europe’s largest Alpine lake, its streets are full of dynamism and a gentle pace of life that tends to make everyone agree. Museums, artistic districts, tempting gastronomy and, above all, the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee make it a city of international renown.
14- Montreux
Known for its famous laughter and jazz festivals, which bring together hundreds of artists in Switzerland every year, Montreux is also a destination of choice for lovers of history and architecture. Its long quays along the shores of Lake Geneva make it a very pleasant and interesting town for a variety of activities. You can also take the opportunity to discover Chillon Castle, the most visited monument in the country!
15- Lucerne
On the shores of the magnificent Lake Lucerne lies the charming city of Lucerne. The sixth largest city in Switzerland, Lucerne boasts a historic centre that is well worth a visit. It also boasts some very fine views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Numerous excursions are available from Lucerne, with or without a guide, to explore the surrounding area on foot, by bike, by boat or by cable car…
16- Bern
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Bern will transport you back to the Middle Ages: cobbled streets, arcades, fountains and beautiful old houses stand side by side with the new, modern and innovative infrastructure that the city has endeavoured to put in place in recent years. Renowned for its lively nightlife, Bern is a city on the move that has managed to retain its distinctive, laid-back lifestyle. A capital that may not be the most famous city in Switzerland, but one that you shouldn’t overlook if you have the time to explore it after reading these highlights!
17- Lugano
This beautiful Swiss town in the canton of Ticino has a touch of Italy about it! And yes, in Lugano, Italian is spoken! With a small but very pleasant town centre, Lugano is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland, where the gastronomy, reminiscent of Italy, will delight many a visitor! A lake, mountains, tasty dishes where gastronomy and languages mix and beautiful squares to discover, what more could you ask for?
18- Pontresina
Pontresina is an ideal starting point for hiking trips, a small mountain village that has become a must-see in recent years. Its surroundings, which make up the Engadine region, are dotted with magnificent landscapes of glaciers, lakes and coniferous forests, offering a natural diversity that has attracted numerous wild animals. What’s more, it’s a Swiss village that has kept its traditions and celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, all with a very typical atmosphere!
19- Saint-Moritz
Initially renowned for its thermal springs, which attract visitors seeking a cure, Saint-Moritz has become one of Switzerland’s most popular winter sports resorts. The town has twice hosted the Winter Olympics, in 1928 and 1948. It is a must-see destination during the winter months, and is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
20- Fribourg
Fribourg is an ancient medieval city in the canton of the same name. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll through its historic monuments and half-timbered houses, a reminder of its past that is still firmly rooted in its architecture. There are several museums to visit, as well as the castle and town of Gruyère, just 30 minutes’ drive from Fribourg.
21-Stein Am Rhein
It’s not very big but it’s well worth the diversions: the village of Stein Am Rhein is a real medieval gem. Its historic centre will take you back in time and will undoubtedly charm you, as it does the thousands of visitors who pass through every year. Its beautiful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets make it one of the finest examples of an extremely well-preserved medieval village in Switzerland.
What are the must-do activities in Switzerland?
22- Take the glacier express
This is certainly one of Switzerland’s most fascinating attractions… The glacier express is a train that links Zermatt to Saint-Moritz through the incredible landscapes of three regions: the cantons of Valais, Uri and Grisons. Three regions with unique natural treasures, combining mountains, lakes and forests for a trip to the heart of the country’s most beautiful panoramas. You’re guaranteed to fall in love.
With an average speed of 36 km/h and windows that go all the way up to the roof, the glacier express has been designed to allow passengers to enjoy magnificent views during their journey. 8 hours of green, craggy, sparkling, snow-covered landscapes – in short, breathtaking, whatever the season and wherever you decide to start your journey… So this is an activity that I can’t recommend enough if you get the chance. It’s an out-of-the-ordinary escapade that will take you over 300 bridges and through 91 tunnels!
- Expect to pay between €150 and €300 for the outward journey from Zermatt to Saint-Moritz, depending on the season, the meals you choose and the class you select.
23- Explore the Terrasses de Lavaux
Switzerland’s largest vineyard opens its doors to you for an exciting discovery of the country’s wine-growing traditions. But the Lavaux terraces are also, and above all, known as one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland, as the vines are arranged in an impressive, vertiginous manner along the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s a daring layout that has even earned them UNESCO World Heritage status!
There’s nothing like exploring these landscapes on foot! Hiking is the best way to enjoy the panoramic views over Lake Geneva and to understand the real challenge of this vineyard: you’ll see, you’ll probably have to take some steep paths to see all its beauty! It’s a challenge that mankind has managed to overcome by introducing vines into the existing landscape, combining exceptional, historic know-how with unspoilt nature…
- The walk to discover the Lavaux terraces is 11 km long, and takes around 3 hours. It’s a fairly easy walk, except for a small positive difference in altitude of 440m. Alternatively, you can walk part of it and take the train for the rest. The little tourist train is also an option!
- Before your visit, don’t hesitate to ask about the cellar tours and tastings available on site.
24- Taste the local cuisine
Home of cheese and chocolate, Switzerland is the perfect destination for food lovers! And the great thing about Switzerland is that the culinary specialities vary greatly depending on the region you visit. Influenced by French, German and Northern Italian cuisine, Switzerland offers a wide range of mouth-watering regional dishes.
The big star of Swiss cuisine is raclette! Yes, that’s where this delicious cheese, melted over a wood fire and served with potatoes, gherkins and onions, comes from. Its great rival, fondue, is also a recipe that originated in the Swiss mountains. There’s also röstis, fried potato pancakes mixed with cheese, onions and bacon, and birchermüesli, a breakfast made from wheat or oats, milk, honey and apples. These are the main national dishes.
Some examples of Swiss cheeses:
- Swiss Gruyère
- Emmental cheese
- Vacherin fribourgeois
- Raclette cheese
- Monk’s head
Did you know? Switzerland is the country that consumes the most chocolate in the world: around 8 kg per person per year! It is closely followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. Among the brands produced in Switzerland are Suchard, Lindt, Favarger, Cailler, Villars and Toblerone (an item with which everyone is familiar).
25- Hit the slopes
With no fewer than 48 peaks above 4,000 metres, Switzerland is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. You’ll find ski resorts in almost every region of the country, and there’s plenty to choose from: whether you’re looking for an intensive break, a family getaway or just a leisurely stroll through the mountains, there’s something for everyone!
The best Swiss resorts :
- Zermatt
- Saint-Moritz
- Grindelwald
- Gstaad
- Engelberg
- Wengen
- Aletsch Arena
- Davos-Klosters-Serneus
In conclusion
As you will have gathered from all this, Switzerland is a country well worth an in-depth visit. Almost 60% of its territory is taken up by the Alpine peaks, which, sometimes snow-capped in winter, sometimes verdant in summer, are a constant part of the scenery. These sublime landscapes, where mountains, lakes and forests intermingle, are home to an immense diversity of animal and plant species. Visiting Switzerland means discovering picturesque villages, breathtaking panoramas, activities of all kinds and a gastronomy to die for: a small country that has everything to please!
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