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Switzerland is a beautiful, small country bordered by Germany, Austria, Italy and France. It has the most scenic view of the Alps, beautiful lush valleys, turquoise lakes and some very impressive cities. Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva are the cities that offer beautiful museums, galleries, renowned music festivals and historical buildings. The capital of the country is Bern and it has four national languages. The country is famous for its ski resorts, hiking trails, Swiss watches and chocolate. Wondering where to go in Switzerland? We have got you covered, below are our top 10 recommended places to visit in Switzerland.
List of Top 10 Places to Visit in Switzerland :
1. Matterhorn, Zermatt
The Matterhorn in Zermatt is a pyramid-shaped giant and Switzerland’s most famous Alpine peak that stands at 4,478 meters high and draws mountaineers from all over the world to conquer its ascent. You will find cable cars frequently running through the mountain station in Zermatt, which is the highest cable car station in the Alps. You are offered skiing and snowboarding here during the winter and hiking in the summer. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the charming village of Zermatt, to preserve its air quality and peaceful ambience.
2. Chillon Castle, Montreux and Lake Geneva
Chillon castle is an island castle which is located in the heart of the Swiss Riviera on the bank of Lake Geneva. It is a 4th century old water fort. You can just hang out at the lakeside as Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Europe, or can go see the fort from inside if you are interested in history. The fort has paintings, towers, vaults, bedrooms, weapons, and furniture from the 14th century kept and preserved in their original form. You can reach there by boat, bus or walking through the beautiful town of Montreux. This historical building is a must visit place if you are in Switzerland.
The Jet d’Eau is a famous fountain in Lake Geneva as it shoots the water 150 meters into the air. There are cultural attractions such as the Opera House and the Grand Theater, which stages international acts. Also, every year, in June or July, Montreux hosts the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival at the foot of the Alps, on Lake Geneva.
3. Interlaken and The Jungfrau Region
Interlaken is located beautifully between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The place is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Switzerland. It is a rustic town that has become a popular starting point for travelers in the region. Jungfraujoch’s four towns of Grindelwald, Murren, Wengen, and Lauterbrunnen can be visited around. Every year, millions of people from around the globe come for hiking at the peaks of Kleine Scheidegg, Grindelwald-First, Schynigge Platte or Schilthorn. But you can totally take a train trip if hiking is not your cup of soup. You will not forget the place and its panoramic views soon. You can also take woodcarving classes if you want to try your hands on it.
The Jungfraujoch is an Alpine wonderland and definitely one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. Whether it is summer or winter, it has a lot to offer adventure seekers and those looking for a quieter retreat. Around a century ago, there were only a few hard-core travelers and adventure seekers who used to visit this place as the place was not remotely accessible. But not it is easily accessible by rail and road. The Jungfrau Region consists of the big three glacial mountains- Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger, tower over rolling green meadows and winding mountain paths that give the most enchanting views when you take a rail trip.
4. Bern
The medieval city of Bern is the capital of Switzerland. The history of the city dates back to 12th century and once you enter the city; you can witness it in every corner, especially in its Old Town, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous attraction of the city is Zytglogge, an ancient clock tower with moving puppets. Archaic towers appear over Bern’s sandstone facades, hundreds of fountains and entrenchments, bars, cafes and cabaret stages the city is just amazing. Other popular sites in Bern comprise the Munster, a Gothic cathedral that rises from the old town, and its town hall. You will definitely not want to miss the old town market, which is one of the longest covered shopping areas in Europe. The city also offers a stunningly beautiful botanical garden.
5. Lucerne
Lucerne is located in the German-speaking area of Switzerland. The place has a lot to offer, the sparkling blue lake surrounded by mountains, covered bridges, waterfront promenades, historical monuments, and sun-kissed large open area with bubbling fountains. And all this collectively make this city one of the world’s prettiest cities. The most famous landmarks of the city are its 14th century Chapel Bridge and Water tower and the monument of Dying Lion, which was carved out of the rock to honor the heroic death of Swiss Guards during the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution. The place is also famous for its music concerts and organizes an annual International Music Festival which attracts hundreds of tourist from around the world.
6. Lake Lugano and Ticino
Lake Lugano is located in Italian speaking area of Switzerland, on the border of Swiss and Italy. You can enjoy the mild climate here with a snow-covered mountain peaks at a distance. Ticino, being close to Italy, has a strong Mediterranean feel and the people here mostly speak Italian. Even the flora and fauna, and architecture gives you Italian feel when you get to Ticino. In the city of Bellinzona, capital of the canton, three castles and the remains of the old fortification wall are declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place is also famous for the food and drink, and pasta along with an abundance of locally produced wines.
7. The Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls, located near the town of Schaffhausen, is a bewitching natural wonder as it stands tall at 23 meters, and is Europe’s largest waterfall. You can rent a boat up the Rhine to near the base of the falls to see those mighty falls from close. You can also follow guided tours and travel to nearby castles Schloss Laufen and Schloss Wörth. On 1st of August every year, the Swiss National Day, the Rhine fall flaunts an astounding firework display that is a must watch if you are around.
8. Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and a major transportation hub. Having more than 50 museums and over 100 art galleries, the city boasts a rich line-up of cultural treasures. Some of the favorite picks are the Kunsthaus Zürich, the museum of fine arts, with an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages, the Rietberg Museum, museum of non-European art with many works from China, India, and Africa, the Swiss National Museum, focusing on Swiss cultural history, and Zurich Zoo with an elephant park, penguin parade, and Madagascar pavilion. You can also take a boat ride on Lake Zurich or go hiking in the nearby mountains.
9. St. Moritz
St. Moritz is one of the world’s best mountain destinations. Mirror-like lakes, glaciers, jagged peaks, alpine forests, and plenty of sunshine, you name it and it has it. The town has hosted two winter Olympics. Located in an alpine valley at 1,800 meters above the sea level, St. Moritz is divided into two parts: One is St. Moritz Dorf(Village) and another one is Bad(Spa). If you are there in winters, you can enjoy sports like skiing, snowboarding, skating, and bobsledding.
The town also offers sports for summers like hiking, biking, and water sports. Glacier skiing is also available in the summer. Roman, German, Italian, French, and English are all spoken in the surrounding areas.
10. Swiss National Park
Founded in 1914, Swiss National Park is Switzerland’s only national park. It is the oldest reserve in the Alps and features 172 square kilometers of the untouched scenery of mountain pine forest, snow-encrusted glaciers, flower-dotted hollows, verdant pastures, fast flowing waterfalls and lush woodlands. A total of 21 hiking routes go through the park, on which you can take a glimpse of the park’s magnificent flora and fauna as more than 5,000 species of wildlife make their home here including marmot, red deer, chamois, ibex, fox, and more than 100 species of birds.
Switzerland is famous for its picturesque landscapes, snow-covered peaks and beautiful flora and fauna. People from all over the world go there to rejuvenate themselves and the country never disappoints anyone as it holds something for everyone. If you have been to Switzerland before, do tell us your favorite place there.
