The Best Switzerland Tourist Spots to Visit in Each State
From picturesque lakes to snow-capped mountain peaks, Switzerland offers visitors overwhelming sights and experiences. Whether it’s a summer hiking adventure in Grindelwald or shopping for watches at Geneva’s luxury malls, this country seduces travelers with its natural beauty and delicious food.
Take the Gornergrat railway to the top of Grindelwald to see the Martinsloch rock window and test your climbing skills, or visit Zermatt in winter for year-round skiing and panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
Lucerne
The charming city of Lucerne has much more to offer than the cliche Swiss mountain views. It’s a pedestrian-friendly mecca with a cozy Old Town and scenic Chapel Trail, a winding path up a sacred mountain dotted with 10 tiny historic chapels. It’s also a hiker’s paradise with flat lakeside paths and challenging day-long hikes in steeper terrain.
Those interested in art can check out the Sammlung Rosengart Museum, which displays an impressive collection of Post-Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne. Nature lovers will want to head to the Lucerne Natural History Museum, which has kid-friendly exhibits focusing on everything from bugs to solar systems.
For a breathtaking natural spectacle, look no further than the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, the largest waterfall in Europe. At nearly 4,000 feet, the Rhine Falls are nothing short of spectacular, and it’s worth a stop on any Switzerland itinerary. The falls were created by tectonic shifts during the Ice Age and are a popular attraction year-round, but they’re especially spectacular in spring when they’re at their fullest flow. The area is also home to many historic castles, including the storied Château de Chillon. This 16th-century palace was once a favorite spot for writers such as Lord Byron and the Shelleys. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features an enchanting lake, ornate cathedral, and outdoor markets.
Interlaken
The enchanting mountain town of Interlaken offers a blend of scenic beauty and adventure. Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this picturesque Swiss haven offers a dazzling array of experiences. The soaring peaks of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains, the pristine lakes glistening with Alpine beauty, and the serene boat rides on the lakes are breathtaking.
Interlaken’s two most popular experiences are a trip to Harder Kulm and paragliding. Harder Kulm is a mountaintop viewpoint that overlooks the beautiful twin lakes of Thun and Brienz. You can reach the viewpoint by hiking trails or a funicular ride. Hiking is more economical and environmentally friendly, but it takes about four hours to reach the top.
Another popular attraction is the ruins of the Schynige Platte castle. A short bus ride from the Interlaken Ost train station, this ruined castle is a fascinating site with a sweeping view of the peaks and lakes. It’s best to visit this attraction in the morning before it gets too busy.
Interlaken is also home to the Ballenberg, a large open-air museum that features traditional Swiss chalets and wooded paths. This museum is a great place to discover the origins of Swiss culture and lifestyle. The Ballenberg is also a good spot to learn about the history of Switzerland’s railways with its extensive collection of train models.
The Swiss Alps
The soaring, snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps have drawn legions of skiers for decades. A winter trip to Switzerland allows you to schuss down slopes, dine in glimmering chalets, and explore the ice-carved Gornergrat. The Matterhorn, the mountain that pierces the Alps’ center and is instantly recognizable, draws tens of thousands of knowledgeable climbers annually.
At the base of these soaring peaks are emerald valleys that teem with tingling bell-wearing cows and sheep, and classic villages that look like they sprung from the pages of a fairytale storybook. One of the country’s most scenic rail trips, the Jungfrau train ride, takes you from the Kleine Scheidegg to the top of the Eiger and Monch Mountains. At the top, you can peer into glaciers and take in the sweeping views from a 360-degree cinematic experience room.
Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in the Swiss Alps, thanks to its medieval Old Town with warm-red, red-roofed sandstone buildings and covered bridges. Its imposing Gothic Bern Cathedral and the 13th-century Zytglogge Clock Tower are must-sees in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a revitalizing dip in the lake, stroll around its picturesque riverbanks, or try something more adventurous—like a zipline tour of Europe’s tallest waterfall. The Rhine Falls, located near the budget-friendly city of Schaffhausen, is another must-visit. It’s the perfect way to see Switzerland in a new light.
Bern
Tucked into a loop of the Aare River in central Switzerland, laid-back Bern doesn’t feel like a capital city. But what it lacks in frenetic action, it makes up for with crooked streets that ooze history and plenty of cultural diversions. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, for example, is filled with warm red-roof sandstone buildings and charming bridges. It’s also home to the 13th-century Zytglogge Clock Tower, which greets every hour with a parade of mechanical bears.
A visit to the Federal Palace, where the Swiss government is based, offers grand views of the capital city and the distant Alps. Art lovers will appreciate the modern works and wavy architecture of the Kunstmuseum and Paul Klee Center. Meanwhile, history buffs can learn about the country’s past at the History Museum and Albert Einstein Museum. Or, they can take a ride on the Gurtenbahn funicular for a bird’s eye view of the city or watch Bern’s heraldic animals clamber around the Bear Park.
For a break from sightseeing, check out the Rosengarten, a public garden that opened in 1913 and is now home to 200 types of roses as well as rhododendrons, azaleas, and irises. It’s a popular spot with local families and even hosts a morning yoga class on its big lawn. But its most distinctive feature is the pond, which is dotted with gorgeous lilies in July.
Lausanne
A popular base for alpine adventures, the mountain-ringed city of Lausanne offers something for everyone. It’s a university town and home to world-class education and research facilities, but it’s also got “pretty streets lined with cafes, markets and independent boutiques” (Earth Trekkers).
Its lakeside location means that the city has some pretty amazing outdoor attractions too. On a summer weekend the center of Lausanne empties as locals decamp to beaches like Vidy, where you’ll find families set up with sun umbrellas, picnic blankets and grills. If you prefer a more peaceful option, head to Lutry, where the water is calm enough for swimming or paddleboarding.
The Alps are on the doorstep, making it easy to hop on a train to see three of Switzerland’s most famous mountains—the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau—or head up on one of the region’s many gondolas or cable cars. You can also hike trails to reach the tops of villages, or explore a glacier like the Aletsch.
In winter, the city’s attractions switch to include ice skating and skiing. There’s also a swanky casino for those who want to try their luck. It’s worth checking out the city’s old town, which is “picture-perfect” with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings and shops. And don’t miss a visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne. It’s “a lovely place to just wander without a plan”. The fountain in the middle is especially pretty.
Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls are the largest waterfall in Europe, and they are a must-visit on any Swiss trip. These raging waters are a breathtaking sight that will leave you speechless. Located in northern Switzerland, near Schaffhausen, the waterfall is one of the most unique and beautiful natural sceneries in the country.
The area is also home to two magnificent castles that overlook the mighty water. Schloss Laufen is a medieval castle that sits on the north bank of the river, and it houses a museum, a restaurant, and a youth hostel. There is also a lift and several observation platforms that offer stunning views of the waterfall. Schlossli Worth is a sandstone castle on an island in the middle of the river, and it dates back to the 14th century. It offers various restaurants, a lift, and an observation platform.
If you are a history buff, you can also visit the nearby town of Schaffhausen, which is full of medieval and Renaissance architecture. You can explore the town’s historic center and admire its colorful buildings, fountains, and murals. There are also many shops and restaurants in the town, so you can find something to eat and shop for souvenirs.
Another attraction in the area is the Munot Fortress, which is a circular fortress that was built in the 16th century. The fortress is open to the public, and you can tour its interior and climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
From picturesque lakes to snow-capped mountain peaks, Switzerland offers visitors overwhelming sights and experiences. Whether it’s a summer hiking adventure in Grindelwald or shopping for watches at Geneva’s luxury malls, this country seduces travelers with its natural beauty and delicious food. Take the Gornergrat railway to the top of Grindelwald to see the Martinsloch rock…