Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

Switzerland features an abundance of breathtaking locations beyond just the Alps, including the enchanting Lake Lugano, which shares its border with Italy. Moreover, the stunning Lake Maggiore radiates Mediterranean vibes with picturesque towns and attractive lakeside living. We fell in love with beautiful Basel and the sophisticated city of Zurich. Appenzell captivates visitors with its hand-made cheeses and rolling green pastures, making it a must-see destination. Choosing where to visit in Switzerland can be challenging; hence, we will highlight the most beautiful destinations to aid your selection. Or better yet, explore them all as we did!

1. Swiss Alps

Despite mentioning there’s more to Switzerland than the Alps, the snow-capped mountains indeed house some of the most spectacular locations in the country, positioning them as our top choice. The Alpine Region is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reasons. It represents the pinnacle of scenic landscapes, making it our #1 recommendation for the best places to visit in Switzerland. Furthermore, the Swiss have brilliantly engineered accessibility to their stunning mountain peaks.

2. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and lives up to its reputation as one of Switzerland’s top tourist attractions. Nestled in the Bernese Alps, a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site leads you to the highest train ride in Europe, ascending to an impressive elevation of 3,454 meters (11,332 feet). This viewpoint offers unmatched vistas of snow-capped peaks like Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch.

3. Aletsch Glacier

After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, explore the Aletsch Glacier’s ice palace, which comprises a labyrinth of tunnels. Our experience at Jungfraujoch was so enjoyable that we ranked it highly not just for the beauty but also for the overall experience.

4. Gornergrat

Surpassing Jungfraujoch seemed improbable until we boarded the train to Gornergrat. Nestled at 3,089 meters, this location offers breathtaking views, including the majestic Matterhorn. This site has dazzled visitors for over a century.

5. Grindelwald-First

Grindelwald-First is one of the premier destinations in Switzerland, located in the Interlaken-Oberhasli region. The stunning Bachalpsee (Lake Alpsee) is known for its beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains, creating a picture-perfect landscape.

6. First Cliffwalk and Adventures

The First Cliffwalk, offering splendid valley views and free entry, is a must-do experience. With adventure activities like Trottibiking and mountain carting, alongside a thrilling cliff walk, this area is perfect for an exciting day out.

7. Zermatt Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is among Switzerland’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most photographed mountains globally, making Zermatt an essential visit for tourists.

8. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt’s stunning destination, features breathtaking views and the opportunity to ski year-round, making it a top spot for ski enthusiasts.

9. St. Moritz

Famous as the birthplace of winter tourism, St. Moritz is renowned for its winter sports and exceptional outdoor experiences throughout the year.

10. Harder Kulm Interlaken

Interlaken serves as a central hub for exploring the Jungfrau Region. A cogwheel train takes you to Harder Kulm, standing at 1322 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views over Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

11. Zurich

As Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich is a perfect place for cultural exploration and outdoor adventures, situated beautifully by Lake Zurich.

12. Basel on the Rhine River

Basel is noted for its exceptional architecture and vibrant cultural scene, perfectly nestled along the Rhine River, making it a delightful city to explore.

13. Ticino Region – Italian Switzerland

Contrary to what most think, Ticino showcases a unique Mediterranean ambiance, attributed to its proximity to Italy. Picturesque towns along Lake Maggiore exude charm and warmth, perfect for outdoor activities.

14. Lugano in Ticino

Lugano, known as the “Little Rio of Switzerland,” is a captivating destination surrounded by magnificent mountains and serene beaches.

15. Verzasca Valley

The Verzasca Valley, with its extraordinary emerald green waters, offers stunning backdrops for swimming and hiking, making it one of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland.

16. Castles of Bellinzona

Bellinzona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring three well-preserved castles, making it an essential visit for history lovers.

17. Leukerbad

Renowned for its thermal baths dating back to Roman times, Leukerbad is a wellness retreat known for its natural hot springs.

18. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

As the ultimate luxury spa retreat, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is known for its historical hot springs and impressive amenities.

19. Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, surrounded by stunning landscapes, is one of the most romantic places, offering spectacular views and outdoor activities.

20. Chateau de Chillon Montreux

Chateau de Chillon, renowned for its enchanting setting on Lake Geneva, dates back to the 12th century and stands as a striking historical site.

21. Geneva

A treasure trove of culture and history, Geneva showcases a plethora of attractions like the Grand Theatre and the Opera House, alongside captivating natural views.

22. Bern – The Capital City

Bern boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site old town rich in history and stunning architectural features, including its famed medieval clock tower.

23. Lucerne

Lucerne enchants visitors with its scenic beauty with its iconic Chapel Bridge and the backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

24. Swiss National Park

This park is the only national park in Switzerland, offering an incredible network of trails set amidst breathtaking natural landscapes.

25. Swiss Grand Canyon

The Rhine Gorge, often called the Swiss Grand Canyon, offers stunning landscapes best appreciated from the scenic train routes.

Best Way to Get Around Switzerland

Switzerland features an extensive rail system making it easy to travel across the country. A Swiss Travel Pass grants unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats, including public transportation in over 90 cities.

• A Swiss Travel Pass includes:
• Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat
• Access to over 500 museums throughout Switzerland

Switzerland presents a wealth of stunning locations, and although we haven’t seen them all yet, each visit reveals even more enchanting beauty. What are your favorite places to visit in Switzerland?