Best Tourist Spots in Switzerland
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Switzerland most captivating tourist spots. From the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps to the charming lakeside towns, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of this picturesque destination.
Whether you want to ski in the winter, hike in the summer, or relax by the lake in the fall, Switzerland has something for everyone. Its stunning natural beauty is a sight to behold all year round.
Lucerne is famous for its quaint covered bridge and medieval architecture. You can also explore the scenic waterfront area of Lake Geneva.
Zermatt
From its storybook mountain town to its iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is Switzerland at its most picturesque. Its quaint old quarters are lined with larch-timber chalets, and its car-free streets add to its charm. It’s a popular summertime base for hiking, climbing, and biking in the mountains, but even in winter, the views are breathtaking.
The Matterhorn is a symbol of Switzerland and is unmissable, whether you admire it from the village or take the Gornergrat Railway for a closer look. You can also visit the Matterhorn Museum or head to the Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest railway station for views of the Aletsch glacier and surrounding peaks.
A trip to Zermatt isn’t complete without trying one of its signature dishes: crepes. Head to Stephanie’s for a filling savory cheese crepe, or go sweet and indulge in chocolate, strawberries, and icing sugar. There’s always a long queue at this popular eatery, but it’s worth the wait for the delicious treats.
Zermatt is also a car-free village, so make sure you book accommodation with a pickup service if you plan to drive. Otherwise, you’ll need to park at the large multi-story car parks in Tasch and hop on a train to the village.
The Upper Engadine Lakes region is a fairy-tale plateau surrounded by classic Swiss peaks. In summer, hikers explore its emerald lakes, while water and wind sports enthusiasts flock to Silvaplana Lake for kayaking and sailing. In winter, the area comes alive with heli-skiing, high-altitude ski tours, and snowshoe trails as well as the White Turf, a frozen lake horse race.
Chur
Chur is Switzerland’s oldest city and a true gem. The car-free mountain city offers a wide range of cultural and gastronomic highlights. A cableway takes you from the city center straight into the mountain experience. The historic old town offers a lot of shopping opportunities, department stores and cozy cafes.
A highlight is the historic walking street called Obertor. Here, you will find beautiful historical buildings with brightly colored shutters and pretty fountains that provide drinking water. You will also find some of Chur’s most famous restaurants and shops. In addition to that, the street is characterized by a charming atmosphere.
It is easy to see why people fall in love with Lucerne. The city is a fairy tale of enchanting streets, castles, and alpine vistas. Its medieval old town, covered bridges and waterfront promenades have been attracting visitors for generations. The city also has a thriving cultural scene and offers many restaurants with Italian influence.
Another top tourist destination is Interlaken. It is a popular skiing destination, where celebrities and skiers from all over the world come to enjoy the luxury and the special atmosphere. It is also known for its spectacular lakes and its unique natural beauty.
If you are looking for something a little bit more exotic, then you can take the train to the nearby canton Graubunden to explore some of its most beautiful and wild landscapes. There is the snowcapped massif of Matterhorn, some spectacular glaciers, and the awe-inspiring Swiss National Park, which is home to marmots, ibexes, and golden eagles. There is also the palm-lined lakeside resort of Montreux, which is famous for its jazz festival and gorgeous vistas.
Lake Oeschinen
One of Switzerland’s most scenic lakes, Lake Oeschinen is a pristine alpine gem surrounded by the Bluemlisalp massif. Visitors can enjoy spending the day relaxing by the lakeshore, dipping in its refreshing waters, or soaking in the breathtaking views. Unlike many of Switzerland’s most popular destinations, Lake Oeschinen is largely untouched by the throngs of tourists. It’s the perfect place to connect with nature and re-discover the true beauty of Switzerland.
The crystalline water of Lake Oeschinen is a sight to behold, and this gorgeous lake is a must-see on your Switzerland itinerary. Its pristine waters are as blue as the sky, and its backdrop of mountain peaks creates a scene that feels straight out of a fairy tale. You can swim in the lake, rent a boat, or simply soak in its beauty from one of the nearby restaurants and cafés.
Another must-see is the magnificent Jet d’Eau, a stunning fountain that shoots a torrent of water high into the air. The water is so powerful that it can be seen from several miles away, and it creates a spectacular display of light and sound.
Lucerne is a Swiss city that’s filled with history and charm. It’s home to a gorgeous old-world bridge called Chapel Bridge, which is decorated with roses and hedges and is a must-see for anyone who loves Old World architecture. Lucerne is also home to the massive Mt Pilatus, which overlooks the city and offers incredible views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
One of the best things to do in Switzerland is to hike around the lakes in the Alps. The trails are well-marked and incredibly picturesque, and you can also see some of the country’s wildlife, including ibex, foxes, and red deer. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try glacier skiing or tobogganing.
Sion
Sion is a hidden gem in Switzerland that boasts some of the best neighborhoods to explore, new foods to try, and impressive castles. It’s also home to some of the best wines in the country, and it would be a shame to leave without trying it.
Sion’s Old Town is full of medieval streets and impressive castles. One of the best castles in Sion is Tourbillon Castle, which once served as a tactical military outpost but now serves as a beautiful museum and offers incredible views of the city.
Another great spot to visit is the Parc des Princes, which is a large park filled with many interesting sculptures and even hosts live concerts. Another must-see is the Place la Planta, which is a large square that is surrounded by Swiss Government buildings and is a great place to relax or shop.
Wine lovers will love exploring the vineyards of Valere, a neighborhood in Sion that is known for its award-winning wines. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine at one of the area’s many restaurants or stay at one of the region’s vineyard hotels for an authentic Swiss experience.
Getting around Sion is easy with its excellent public transportation system. The city is well-connected by train, and you can purchase a Swiss Travel Pass to save on train tickets. If you prefer to drive, you can easily rent a car with Discover Cars.
The best time to visit Sion is in spring, summer, or fall. Winter is chilly but perfect for skiing, while spring and summer offer pleasant weather. If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit, autumn is an excellent choice as it isn’t as crowded as other seasons.
Lausanne
Often overlooked in favor of its glitzy neighbor Geneva, Lausanne is an underrated city that offers travelers a different type of Swiss experience. Here, a wealth of art and culture and a youthful spirit come together with gorgeous lakeside scenery and awe-inspiring mountain vistas to create a destination that’s sure to impress.
One of the best tourist spots in Lausanne is the Chillon Castle, a medieval-era castle that’s been open to visitors for over 1,000 years. The castle’s history is fascinating and it even inspired the English poet Lord Byron to write a poem called “The Prisoner of Chillon.”
For more great tourist attractions in Lausanne, make your way to the Plateforme 10 arts district to see some of the city’s top museums, including the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Applied Art (MUDAC) and the Photo Elysee. Then, if you’re looking for a cultural experience that’s a little more interactive, head to the Bejart Ballet, which tours around the world and combines dance with visual art.
If you’re a sports fan, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. This is a place that pays tribute to all the Olympic games and is an absolute joy for anyone who’s into sports.
Another fun thing to do in Lausanne is the Sauvabelin Tower. This 115-foot high double helix-shaped tower is located on the outskirts of Lausanne and boasts sweeping views of the city and Lake Geneva. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also climb to the top of this tower by taking a twisting staircase. The view is worth it!
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Switzerland most captivating tourist spots. From the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps to the charming lakeside towns, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of this picturesque destination. Whether you want to ski in the winter, hike in the summer, or relax by the lake…