Picking the best places to visit in Switzerland feels like trying to choose between different types of chocolate – they’re all wonderful in their own way. From snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes to charming villages and modern cities, this small country packs an incredible variety into its borders. Every corner of Switzerland offers something special, whether it’s the French-speaking west, the German influence in the east, or the Italian flair in the south.
After spending months exploring Switzerland’s diverse regions, I’ve put together a list that covers the country’s many faces. These aren’t just tourist spots – they’re places where you can experience Switzerland’s unique blend of nature, culture, and history. Each destination brings its own flavor to the table, from quiet mountain towns to bustling city centers.
So grab your Swiss Travel Pass and a good pair of walking shoes – here are 20 places that showcase why Switzerland is one of Europe’s most loved destinations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another Swiss adventure, these spots deserve a spot on your travel map.
Lucerne
Experience old-world Swiss charm in Lucerne, where medieval architecture meets mountain views at every turn. The wooden Chapel Bridge, built in the 14th century, stretches across the crystal-clear Reuss River and serves as the city’s most recognizable landmark. Take a stroll through the well-preserved Old Town, where you can shop at local markets and admire the painted facades of historic buildings. For the best views of the city and Lake Lucerne, hop aboard a boat cruise or head up to Mount Pilatus by cable car. Don’t miss the famous Lion Monument, a powerful rock carving that Mark Twain called “the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.”
Zermatt
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn mountain is the charming village of Zermatt. Like other Swiss mountain towns, Zermatt offers skiing, hiking, and mountain views. But unlike its neighbors, this car-free paradise runs entirely on quiet electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern life. Thanks to its high altitude and strategic location, Zermatt enjoys snow year-round, making it a major hub for both summer and winter sports. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll spot traditional wooden chalets alongside modern hotels, while the smell of Swiss chocolate and fondue wafts from local restaurants. The town’s close ties to mountaineering history are evident in its Alpine Museum and century-old mountain guides’ culture.
Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in central Switzerland lies the charming town of Interlaken. As the adventure sports capital of Europe, it’s where adrenaline seekers come to play in nature’s playground. Unlike other Swiss destinations that focus solely on skiing, Interlaken serves up year-round activities from paragliding and skydiving to canyoning and rafting. The town got its name from its position “between lakes,” and you’ll find locals and tourists alike taking boat rides across the crystal-clear waters or hiking along the shoreline paths. Because of its perfect location at the foot of three famous mountains – the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau – Interlaken has been drawing visitors since the 1800s when Victorian-era tourists first discovered its beauty. You’ll spot grand old hotels from this period dotting the main street, Höheweg, where horse-drawn carriages still shuttle visitors around town.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva holds a special place among Switzerland’s natural wonders, with its crystal-clear waters stretching across the western edge of the country. This crescent-shaped lake, known locally as Lac Léman, serves as a natural border between Switzerland and France, creating a unique blend of cultures along its shores. The lake draws visitors year-round with its waterfront promenades, historic steamboats cruising the waters, and charming towns like Montreux and Lausanne dotting its coastline. It’s not just about the views though – the surrounding vineyards of Lavaux, the famous Chillon Castle, and the countless waterfront cafes make this region a perfect spot for those who want to experience both nature and culture at a leisurely pace.
Zurich
From all the cities I’ve explored in Switzerland, Zurich stands out as the country’s urban heartbeat. As Switzerland’s largest city, it artfully blends its medieval old town charm with its role as a modern financial powerhouse. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets of Altstadt, you’ll find yourself passing 1,000-year-old churches right next to stylish cafes and high-end boutiques. The city wraps beautifully around Lake Zurich, where locals gather on sunny days to swim, sail, or simply relax at lakeside parks. It’s not just about banking and business here – the city hums with culture, from world-class museums to buzzing nightlife in the former industrial district of Zurich-West.
Jungfraujoch
If you’re dreaming of a true Alpine adventure, Jungfraujoch needs to be on your list. Nicknamed “The Top of Europe,” this railway station sits 11,332 feet above sea level in the heart of the Swiss Alps, connecting the peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch. The journey up takes you through mountain tunnels and past snow-covered slopes before reaching the observation deck, where you’ll find panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding mountain ranges.
Bern
Step into Switzerland’s charming capital when you visit Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with medieval architecture and winding cobblestone streets. The city’s Old Town takes you back in time with its 15th-century covered arcades and the famous Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower that puts on a show every hour. Take a stroll along the Aare River, where locals spend summer days swimming and floating in the crystal-clear waters. For the best views of the historic center, head to the Rose Garden, a peaceful park where you can relax with a coffee while overlooking the red-tiled roofs below. Don’t miss the Bear Park, home to the city’s mascot, where you can watch these fascinating creatures play and swim in their natural-style habitat.
St. Moritz
Many travelers flock to St. Moritz for its reputation as a luxury winter playground, but this Swiss resort town offers much more than just skiing and snowboarding. The area sits in the Engadin valley, where pristine lakes and mountain peaks create perfect conditions for both winter and summer activities. In winter, visitors can try their hand at bobsledding on the world’s oldest natural ice track or watch horse races on the frozen lake, while summer brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and sailing. Though St. Moritz is known for its high-end hotels and designer boutiques, the real draw is its natural setting, which has twice hosted the Winter Olympics and continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe.
Mount Pilatus
Rising above Lake Lucerne like a guardian of the Swiss Alps, Mount Pilatus has been drawing visitors to its peaks for centuries. The mountain’s unique railway system – the steepest cogwheel train in the world – carries passengers up impossibly steep tracks at angles reaching 48 degrees. It’s more than just getting to the top though; the journey itself is an adventure that lets you watch the landscape change from green meadows to rocky peaks. Once you reach the summit at 7,000 feet, the views stretch across central Switzerland, with a patchwork of lakes, forests, and distant snow-capped mountains laid out before you. While some folks come just for the day, I’d recommend staying until sunset in one of the mountain hotels – there’s something special about having the mountaintop almost to yourself as the day winds down.
Grindelwald
Located in the heart of the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald feels like it was plucked straight from a storybook. This charming mountain village sits at the base of the imposing Eiger Mountain, where traditional Swiss chalets dot the green meadows against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. It’s a place that draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round – from skiers carving through fresh powder in winter to hikers exploring the network of alpine trails when the snow melts. The famous cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” departs from here, taking visitors through tunnels carved into the mountain face. While it’s become increasingly popular with tourists over the years, Grindelwald still maintains that authentic Swiss mountain town feel, where you can sip hot chocolate in a family-run café while cowbells echo across the valley.
Lausanne
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne draws visitors with its beautiful lakefront promenade and Olympic heritage, but the city is equally known as a cultural hotspot. The steep, medieval streets of the Old Town lead to impressive Gothic architecture and museums, while the Olympic Museum celebrates the city’s role as the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. Students from the renowned university add energy to the city’s cafes and nightlife, and the surrounding Lavaux wine region offers pleasant day trips through terraced vineyards. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums, enjoying water sports on the lake, or sampling Swiss cuisine at local restaurants, Lausanne provides plenty of options throughout the year.
Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano caught my eye during my first Swiss adventure in 2019. Nestled between steep mountains along the Italian border, this glacial lake weaves through valleys like a blue ribbon caught between two countries. Small villages dot the shoreline, their red-roofed houses and church spires reflected in the calm waters. The promenade in Lugano city offers a perfect spot for people-watching, with locals and tourists mixing at waterfront cafes and gelato shops. What makes this place special is how it blends Swiss precision with Italian flair – you’ll hear both German and Italian floating through the air as boats cruise across the water. The Monte San Salvatore cable car takes you up for views that make you feel like you’re floating above both Switzerland and Italy, with the lake spreading out below like a mirror catching the alpine light.
Montreux
Ever wondered where Freddie Mercury found inspiration for some of Queen’s greatest hits? Look no further than Montreux, a peaceful town nestled along Lake Geneva’s shoreline where mountains meet water. This Swiss gem, famous for its summer Jazz Festival, drew not just Mercury but countless musicians to its tranquil shores. A bronze statue of the legendary singer still watches over the lakefront promenade, where you can stroll past belle époque buildings and colorful flower gardens. Take a wine-tasting tour through the nearby Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or hop aboard a paddle steamer for a cruise on the crystal-clear waters. And if you visit in December, you’ll find yourself in the middle of one of Switzerland’s largest Christmas markets, complete with mulled wine and local cheese specialties.
Rhine Falls
Have you ever heard the thunderous roar of Europe’s largest waterfall? That’s what awaits at Rhine Falls, where 600,000 liters of water crash down every second over a 150-meter-wide cliff face. Located near the town of Schaffhausen, this natural wonder draws visitors year-round to witness its raw power. You can take boat rides right up to the falls, climb the medieval Laufen Castle for panoramic views, or walk the viewing platforms that stretch out over the rushing water. The falls are especially magical at night when colorful lights illuminate the cascading water, creating an otherworldly scene that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Matterhorn
If Switzerland had a celebrity mountain, it would be the Matterhorn. Rising 14,692 feet above sea level near the Swiss-Italian border, this iconic pyramid-shaped peak has become the unofficial symbol of the Swiss Alps. You can spot its distinctive silhouette from the charming village of Zermatt, where cars are banned and electric buses shuttle visitors through narrow streets. The mountain draws climbers and photographers year-round, while the surrounding area offers some of Switzerland’s best skiing and hiking trails.
Appenzell
Step into a Swiss fairytale when you visit Appenzell, a charming town nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Switzerland. The streets are lined with colorful traditional buildings painted with folk art and patterns that tell stories of local heritage. Take a walk through the car-free town center, where you can sample local cheeses at family-run dairies or sip coffee at cozy cafes that have been serving locals for generations. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding Alpstein mountains offer plenty of hiking trails, with the Ebenalp peak and the cliff-hugging Aescher restaurant just a short cable car ride away. Don’t miss trying the famous Appenzeller cheese or stopping by the Löwen brewery to taste some of Switzerland’s finest beers.
Mount Titlis
Anyone dreaming of a Swiss mountain adventure needs to visit Mount Titlis. Rising 10,000 feet above sea level in central Switzerland, this snow-covered peak offers year-round glacier access and the world’s first revolving cable car. As you climb higher in the TITLIS Rotair gondola, you’ll get 360-degree views of the surrounding Alps, deep valleys, and bright blue glaciers. Once at the top, you can walk through the glacier cave, cross Europe’s highest suspension bridge, or hit the slopes – there’s skiing available even in summer.
Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve stepped into a postcard. Nestled between steep mountain slopes in the Bernese Oberland region, this turquoise-colored lake stretches for nearly 9 miles, offering visitors a perfect mix of peaceful water views and Swiss mountain scenery. You can hop on a vintage paddle steamer for a cruise, explore the charming villages of Brienz and Iseltwald along its shores, or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters during summer months.
Glacier Express
Ever wondered what it’s like to ride through the Swiss Alps in a glass-topped train? The Glacier Express takes you on an 8-hour journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz, rolling past snow-capped peaks and through 91 tunnels along the way. Known as Europe’s slowest express train, this rail adventure crosses 291 bridges and climbs the scenic Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters. You can sip Swiss wine and enjoy a three-course meal while watching alpine meadows, traditional mountain villages, and deep valleys drift by your panoramic window. The trip is especially magical in winter when the landscape transforms into a white wonderland, though the train runs year-round, offering different views with each season.