Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Switzerland - Switzerland Travel Guide

You're probably thinking about Swiss chocolate, Swiss cheese, and Swiss timepieces. These are some of the facts about Switzerland that you are already aware of. However, this landlocked country is a haven for anyone looking for truly picturesque and sweepingly dramatic landscapes. It's in the Alps, so how could it not have the picture-perfect appearance that it does?

You could be riding a cogwheel railway up a mountain one minute and visiting medieval heritage sites nestled on lakes the next. Prepare for breathtaking views of craggy peaks from Swiss mountain towns, exploring historic districts against a crisp backdrop of sparkling water, and marveling at majestic alpine meadows ringed by snowy mountains. Here's a look at the top 10 best places to visit in Switzerland.  

Number 10 - The Matterhorn

One of the tallest Alps mountains is the Matterhorn, Switzerland's famous pointy peak. This fabled mountain's four steep faces are located in the directions of the compass points, and it has a height of 4,478 meters. It is located on the Italian border. Four climbers died on the descent after the first summit attempt in 1865, which was tragically ended. Numerous professional climbers now visit here every summer the thousands.

The small community of Zermatt, a premier international resort with horse-drawn carriage rides, adorable chalets, and top-notch restaurants and hotels, is located at the base of this powerful peak. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the community to maintain the clean air and tranquil atmosphere.

More than 300 kilometers of slopes are available for skiing in the winter. Tennis, swimming, and mountain biking are popular summertime activities, as are mountain climbing, hiking, and biking. Skiing on summer glaciers is also an option.

Number 9 - The Albula

In the center of Graubünden, the Albula valley is surrounded by mountains that are over 3,000 meters high and is covered in woods.

Between Tiefencastel, where the valley begins, and Preda, where the Albula Pass starts, there is a height difference of 1000 m. The railway and the lone road in the valley are therefore noteworthy in several locations. The trains can climb by means of a number of spiral loops and tunnels. This railroad is utilized by the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express.

Number 8 - Interlaken

As a tourist destination, Interlaken is now more well-known than it was as a hub for the manufacture of watches. Early in the nineteenth century, travelers began flocking to Interlaken to enjoy the spa services and fresh mountain air. From there, its appeal only expanded. Thun and Brienz, two significant Alpine lakes, are located directly between the Swiss city. You won't have to travel far to enjoy the opportunity to go boating, swimming, or bicycling among the lakes.

The city is a popular starting point for outdoor activities in the nearby Bernese Oberland Alps because it offers breathtaking views of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch, three iconic Swiss mountains. Take a class or two at a woodcarving school if you're a traveler seeking for something unique to do. The traditional Swiss cuisine of raclette, which is made of cheese, might appeal to travelers who are hungry.

 

Number 7 - Lucerne

In the German-speaking region of Switzerland, Lucerne is a city that offers everything: urban life, a lake, and mountains. Lucerne, one of the finest cities on earth, is most known for its Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, which was built in the 14th century and is thought to be the most photographed structure in Switzerland. 

The Dying Lion, a well-known monument made of rock in memory of Swiss mercenaries who perished in France in 1792, is another such memorial. Visitors in need of food would like to sample the Luzerner Chügelipastete, a regional specialty prepared with puff pastry, veal, and mushrooms smothered in a cream sauce.

Number 6 - Lake Geneva

The Rhone river runs along the border between France and Switzerland, where one of Europe's greatest lakes, Lake Geneva, is located. Most places in the Lake Geneva region, excluding Geneva itself, are either in the French department of Haute Savoie or the Swiss canton of Vaud. 

With the Jura mountains in the north, a hilly plain in the middle, and the Alps in the southwest, the topography is diverse. The lake itself, as well as the upscale towns and cities that surround it as well as the skiing and hiking opportunities in both mountain ranges, are the key draws in this area. 

Number 5 - Bern

Although it joined the Swiss Confederacy in the 16th century, Bern is a charming medieval city with a history that stretches back to the 12th century. Bern is Switzerland's capital, despite not being its biggest city. Its most well-known landmark is the Zytglogge, an old clock tower with puppets that can move. Bern's town hall and the Gothic Munster cathedral, which rises from the old town, are among the city's other well-known attractions.

Bern's official animal is the bear, which is housed in an outdoor pit. The four miles of arcades in the old town, one of the longest-covered retail districts in Europe, will be appreciated by shoppers.

Number 4 - Lake Lugano

One of Switzerland's only official cantons that speaks Italian offers a tantalizing taste of the Mediterranean at Lake Lugano, which is located on the Swiss/Italian border. In spite of the nearby snow-capped peaks' alluring appearance, citrus, figs, palms, and pomegranates thrive in this area's temperate climate.

The feel of Italy is palpable in the cities around Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore to the west, as seen by the architecture, the piazzas, and the enthusiasm for excellent cuisine that reaches beyond the Italian borders from the south, east, and west.

By taking a trip on one of the white steamers or by renting a boat, visitors can explore the area. The surrounding landscape, lake, and snow-capped peaks are some of the most magnificently viewed from Monte San Salvatore, which provides a bird's-eye view.

A well-liked summer getaway is Lugano, a financial hub and the largest and most significant town in Ticino. Swiss lakeside living takes on a subtropical touch at sun-drenched Locarno on Lake Maggiore, northwest of Lugano, with sunny days, blossoming gardens, and palm-studded estates. Three majestic castles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bellinzona, the canton's capital. 

Number 3 - Zurich

The largest city in Switzerland and one of the most important financial centers in Europe in Zurich. There are many things to do in Zurich even if you're not in the corporate sphere. In the first place, Zurich is situated directly on Lake Zurich's edge. You can get some exercise by hiking or cycling around the lake's edge, renting a boat and cruising the water, or visiting some of the artificial beaches and swimming in the cool lake.

A multitude of old churches, top-notch museums, and well-known buildings can be found in Zurich. The Swiss National Museum, housed in a beautiful castle and devoted to the history of Switzerland's culture, is not to be missed. 

A 19th-century funicular that offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to eat at the top-level cafe terrace, the Polybahn is a great way to see as much of Zurich as you can at once.

Number 2 - Oberhofen Castle

One of Switzerland's most stunning castles, dating back to the 13th century, is located directly on the coast of Lake Thun and is encircled by a 2.5-hectare park. Oberhofen Castle's wonderful fusion of several architectural forms includes Bernese Baroque structures, a Romantic-style façade, and exotic new parts with Prussian influences as a result of the castle's numerous ownership changes throughout the ages (including a library and a smoking room).

Another feature of the castle is a living museum that depicts the lifestyles and eras of the feudal communities that lived there from the 16th to the 19th centuries. 

Number 1 - Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls is among the top things to do in Switzerland because it is Europe's most powerful waterfall. There are various viewing platforms from which visitors can admire the waterfall, which is close to the town of Schaffhausen in the north. 

You might even hire a canoe and explore some of the neighboring castles from the water if you're feeling particularly daring. The falls hold a magnificent fireworks display as part of Switzerland's National Day celebrations every August, drawing tourists from all around the nation.