For those looking for some truly breathtaking and sweepingly dramatic landscapes, this landlocked country is an ideal destination. As you might expect from somewhere nestled in the Alps, it has a picture-perfect appearance.
One moment you’re riding a cogwheel train up a mountain, and the next you’re visiting mediaeval enclaves perched on lakes. Take in the stunning views of snow-capped peaks from Swiss mountain towns, meander through historic neighbourhoods set against glistening lakes, and take in the majestic alpine meadows that surround them. Here are some of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations.
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Lucerne
Swiss canton Lucerne is a city that has it all: a lake, mountains, and a city life all in one. Attracting tourists from around the world, the 14th-century Chapel Bridge and Water Tower in Lucerne are among Switzerland’s most photographed landmarks. To honour Swiss mercenaries who perished in France in 1792, the Dying Lion, which was carved out of rock, is another well-known landmark. Local delicacy Luzerner Chügelipastete is a puff pastry, veal and mushroom dish smothered in a creamy sauce for hungry visitors.
Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and a major financial centre in Europe. Visitors to Zurich, regardless of whether or not they work in the city, will find a lot to interest them. Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, Zurich is a great place to start. You can get some exercise by walking or riding a bike around the lake’s perimeter. You can also rent a boat and explore the water, or you can visit one of the lake’s many man-made beaches and take a refreshing lake swim.
Aside from historic churches and world-class museums, Zurich is also home to some of the world’s best architecture. The Swiss National Museum, housed in a fairytale castle, is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural heritage of Switzerland. A funicular dating from the 19th century is an excellent way to see as much of Zurich as possible at once, and the cafe at the top of the Polybahn is a lovely place to relax and enjoy a meal.
Interlaken
While Interlaken was once known for its watchmaking, it is now primarily a tourist destination. Interlaken was first visited by tourists in the early 1800s, when they came to enjoy the mountain air and take advantage of the town’s numerous spas. Since that time, its popularity has only increased. The city of Thun is sandwiched between the larger of the two major Alpine lakes, Brienz and Thun. As a result, you’ll never be too far from the opportunity to go swimming, boating, or bicycling around the lakes in your neighbourhood.
As a gateway to the surrounding Bernese Oberland Alps, the city offers stunning views of the Eiger, the Jungfrau, and the Monch mountains, as well as a wide range of outdoor activities. Attending classes at a woodcarving school might be an interesting option for tourists looking for something new to do. Raclette, a traditional Swiss dish made from cheese, is a popular choice for hungry tourists.
Geneva
Geneva is a city where the influence of other countries is clearly evident. In addition to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the International Red Cross, it also houses 20 other international organisations. A “green” city, Geneva has 20 percent of its land dedicated to parks, earning it the nickname “city of park.” Environmental tourists will appreciate this.
In Geneva, the iconic Jet d’Eau, an enormous fountain seen from the Lake Léman waterfront that shoots water into the sky, is an absolute must-see. St. Pierre Cathedral’s towers are some of the tallest in the Old Town, so be sure to stop for some photos and a tour of the interior. Cycling through the city or taking a boat ride on Lake Geneva are also great ways to explore Geneva.
Lausanne
The city of Lausanne sits on the shores of Lake Geneva, with stunning views of both the Swiss and French Alps. Lausanne’s universal appeal can be attributed to its proximity to a major ski area and the presence of two major universities.
The Cité district is by far the most important for tourists when visiting the city. Cité’s Old Town, which includes cathedrals and castles, can be explored, as can some of the city’s other architectural treasures. If you have only a few hours in Lausanne, make sure to visit the Palais de Rumine. Five museums are housed in this Italian Renaissance-style building, making it a great place to learn about the history, art, and culture of the area.
In addition to the likes of Lord Byron, the Shelleys, and Ernest Hemingway, Lausanne has long been a favourite of writers. Lausanne, Switzerland’s French-speaking region’s capital, is home to a stunning cathedral and a plethora of delightful outdoor markets.
Zermatt
Because of its proximity to Switzerland’s highest peak, the Matterhorn, the small town of Zermatt has become a mecca for skiers and climbers alike. In the winter, cable cars transport skiers to the nearby mountains, while in the summer, they transport hikers. Zermatt is a great place to walk to various attractions because gasoline-powered vehicles are banned from the city limits. As a bonus for visitors, it takes less than 30 minutes to walk between the various attractions. There are numerous scenic train routes that connect the town to the rest of the country.
The Jungfrau region
In both summer and winter, the Jungfrau Region is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations. About a century ago, the only people who came to this part of the Alps were extreme adventurers looking to go skiing or rock climbing through the mountains. The area is now accessible to a wider range of travellers thanks to an extensive rail network and well-maintained foot and bike paths.
Eiger, Mönch (and) Jungfrau are the three imposing mountains that make up the Jungfrau Region: Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Wengen. The Jungfraubahn is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful rail journeys, taking visitors from the Kleine Scheidegg mountain to the Jungfraujoch.
Lugano
Celebrities are flocking to Lugano, which has been dubbed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland.” Lake Lugano, in the Italian-speaking region of this Alpine country, is the city’s location. Lugano, which enjoys long, balmy summers, has its origins in the ninth century.
Outdoor recreation is a big draw in Lugano, and there are lots of options for staying active while visiting. Alternatively, you could go for a swim at the Lido di Lugano, which is just a short walk from the city centre and is clearly marked. After exploring the Old Town and taking in the architecture, stop by the charming and fascinating Swiss Miniature Village for an entirely different perspective.
Lake Geneva
Located on the Rhone River’s course between France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva is one of Europe’s largest lakes. With the exception of Geneva, the Lake Geneva region is primarily divided between the cantons of Vaud, Switzerland, and Haute-Savoie, France. Located in the north are the Jura mountains, a hilly plain in the middle, and the Alps in the southwest. The lake, the mountain ranges that surround it, and the beautiful towns and cities that surround it are the main attractions here.
Bern
With a history that dates back to the 12th century, Bern is a picturesque mediaeval city that was only admitted to the Swiss Confederacy in the 16th century. Bern, the country’s capital, is a small town in the canton of Bern. The Zytglogge, an ancient clock tower with moving puppets, is its most popular tourist attraction. Bern’s town hall and Gothic-style Munster cathedral are among the city’s other well-known landmarks.
Bern’s emblem is the bear, which is kept in an open-air zoo. With four miles of covered shopping arcades, the old town is Europe’s longest covered shopping area.