This landlocked European nation is crammed with engaging cities, superb ski-resorts, and famously idyllic mountain surroundings dotted with cuckoo-clock homes and bell-adorned cows. From my many visits to this breathtaking nation, listed here are my all-time favorite locations…
1. Lake Geneva
Switzerland is usually known as the nation of mountains and lakes – it harbours round 1500 lakes, and I believe all are lovely! My favorite, although (and lots of others!), is Lake Geneva, the biggest lake within the Swiss Alps and the second-largest freshwater physique in Central Europe.
It fascinates with its pristine magnificence and obvious waters and has even been in contrast with a mirror! This pure mirror displays picture-postcard mountain peaks, vineyards, tall spruces, buildings, and medieval castles scattered throughout the slopes.
You may even go on a seashore vacation right here, the place you sunbathe while admiring snow-capped mountains!
Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (to get pleasure from boat excursions, swimming, and the lakeside promenades).
Actions on supply: Boat excursions, swimming, strolling alongside lakeside promenades, and wine tasting at close by vineyards.
Lodging: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, Grand Lodge du Lac, and Lodge d’Angleterre Geneva.
We are able to e book your journey hopping round Switzerland’s lovely locations via our free, top-rated journey planning service!
2. Zurich
Positioned on the northern shores of an enormous crystal-clear lake, Zurich wins hearts with a powerful panorama of the snow-covered Alps on the horizon.
The town centre is bristling with vacationer sights, sights, and thrilling issues to do – greater than 50 museums, 100 artwork galleries, boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife will maintain you fairly busy.
Structure lovers will recognize centuries-old buildings adorned with fresco work and crops in flowerpots. When visiting the Previous City of Zurich, I counsel wanting carefully at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Europe’s most distinguished clock face!
Should you desire leisure actions outdoors of metropolis confines, you may boat on the lake or hike alongside the scenic Uetliberg Mountain trails.
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for delicate climate and fewer crowds, good for metropolis exploration).
Actions on supply: Visiting museums, exploring the previous city, procuring alongside Bahnhofstrasse, and boat journeys on Lake Zurich.
Lodging: Baur au Lac, The Dolder Grand, and 25hours Lodge Zurich West.
Lucerne, situated on the foothills of picture-perfect Mount Pilatus, is a quintessentially Swiss metropolis beloved by many guests. I’m an enormous fan of is conventional city squares, historic buildings, painted facades, and slim cobbled streets lined with outlets promoting conventional items.
The beautiful metropolis can be well-known for its superbly preserved medieval bridges, one among which dates again to 1333. There are a lot of issues to see and do in Lucerne; add further visiting time for the picturesque Lake Lucerne.
It’s an enormous, irregularly formed lake encircled by towering mountains – an space usually stated to be just like Norway’s well-known fjords.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for boat rides and climbing round Mount Pilatus and Rigi).
Actions on supply: Boat cruises, climbing Mount Pilatus or Rigi, visiting the Swiss Transport Museum, and exploring the Chapel Bridge.
Lodging: Lodge des Balances, Lodge Schweizerhof Luzern, and Artwork Deco Lodge Montana.
Switzerland has just one nationwide park, however this one is fairly particular, and I’m an enormous fan! It’s situated within the Western Rhaetian Alps in jap Switzerland and is a part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve.
It’s residence to lovely surroundings, wildlife, and 80 kilometres of paths that enable guests to discover the rigorously preserved alpine surroundings. Anticipate to see winding, wild, azure rivers, gorgeous peaks, and dense areas of gorgeous alpine forest.
Location: Jap a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (to discover climbing trails and expertise the park’s biodiversity).
Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, wildlife viewing, nature pictures, and exploring alpine meadows.
Lodging: Lodge Parc Naziunal Il Fuorn (contained in the park), Lodge Piz Buin Zernez, and Lodge Crusch Alba.
Lake Geneva is likely one of the world’s most famously lovely lakes, however if you wish to crank up the fairytale issue, head for Chateau de Chillon.
This medieval citadel lords over Lake Geneva from its rock island, providing beautiful views inside and outside.
The remarkably well-preserved citadel shows over a thousand years of historical past, and the constructing has impressed the works of famed writers Denims-Jacque Rosseau and Lord Byron—in case you go to, you’ll see why!
Customer Heart Handle: Av. de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux
Finest time to go to: Summer season (to get pleasure from lake views and guided excursions in nice climate).
Actions on supply: Guided excursions, exploring historic displays, pictures, and strolling alongside Lake Geneva.
Lodging: Lodge Victoria in Montreux, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, and Lodge Bon Rivage.
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6. Zermatt and the Matterhorn
That is Switzerland’s highest ski resort in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton. Zermatt is a car-free Alpine village well-known for its picture-postcard prettiness and shut location to the imposing Matterhorn.
The steep slopes of this well-known mountain as soon as intimidated hikers from even making an attempt to scale it. Because the first profitable try in 1865, many extra courageous mountaineers have reached the highest of the famed mountain.
I like this place, however this sort of surroundings comes at a worth – lodging in Zermatt is among the many most costly within the nation!
Location: Southern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Winter and Summer season (for snowboarding in winter and climbing in summer season).
Actions on supply: Snowboarding, snowboarding, climbing, mountaineering, and exploring the Matterhorn Museum.
Lodging: The Omnia, Lodge Monte Rosa, and Mont Cervin Palace.
There are a lot of gorgeous cities on this nation, however I personally suppose Bern, which is situated close to the nation’s centre, stands out! It’s Switzerland’s capital however one among Europe’s smallest capitals. Bern’s Previous City’s medieval streets are notably scenic and have earned them a UNESCO World Heritage standing.
It’s a compact, relaxed metropolis the place time strikes slowly, and the locals don’t appear almost as busy as in different cities.
Anticipate to see coated arcades, whimsical fountains, cobbled streets, world-class galleries, improbable city swimming, and conventional structure, all framed by rolling hills and the glacial Aare River.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (to benefit from the historic previous city and outside occasions).
Actions on supply: Strolling excursions of the previous city, visiting the Zytglogge clock tower, exploring museums, and attending festivals.
The Alpine village within the Bernese Oberland area is significantly picturesque! Wengen is an impossibly good instance of an Alpine village the place conventional timber chalets cling to the slopes of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
It’s been developed right into a car-free resort city with an unique upscale really feel and a superb assortment of belle époque resorts. In winter, the excessive altitude and lovely surroundings entice a discerning snowboarding crowd; actually, Wengen has so many skiers at the moment that its inhabitants has elevated virtually tenfold.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and the annual Lauberhorn downhill race).
Actions on supply: Snowboarding, climbing, paragliding, and using the Wengen-Männlichen cable automotive.
Lodging: Lodge Regina Wengen, Lodge Belvédère, and Beausite Park Lodge.
Positioned in Switzerland’s Kander Valley, this gorgeous lake is fed by the glacial brooks of three surrounding mountains.
It’s a fantastic and tranquil spot the place nature lovers come to swim, row, hike, and – in winter – trip the three.5-kilometer-long toboggan run, which travels from the lake to the gondola station.
The encompassing space can be identified for its wealthy natural world – orchids, gentian, edelweiss, and herds of grazing sheep and cows all name this place residence.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for climbing, swimming, and boat rides on the clear waters).
Actions on supply: Swimming, fishing, climbing, tobogganing, and boat leases.
Lodging: Berghotel Oeschinensee, Blümlisalp Lodge, and Chalet-Lodge Adler in Kandersteg.
This can be a conventional resort city situated between two Alpine Lakes. Nonetheless, it’s not a lot the city that has earned itself a spot on this checklist as the encompassing space—Interlaken follows the footsteps of probably the most lovely alpine vary within the nation and arguably the entire world.
The surroundings is breathtaking, with snowcapped mountains sprinkled with waterfalls, glacial lakes, and plush inexperienced alpine meadows. It’s additionally the principle transport gateway to the area’s mountains and lakes, making it a wonderful base for exploring.
Anticipate gorgeous mountains, dense forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers, that are nice for climbing and snowboarding.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for journey sports activities like paragliding, climbing, and boat journeys).
Actions on supply: Paragliding, climbing, boating on Lakes Thun and Brienz, and skydiving.
Lodging: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Lodge, Lindner Grand Lodge Beau Rivage, and Lodge Interlaken.
One of many oldest ski resorts on the planet, it’s the spotlight of the Engadin Valley and tends to draw a well-heeled crowd. Whereas its counterparts usually endure from unpredictable climate, St. Moriz boasts 322 sunny days yearly.
That is probably why royal dynasties, politicians, billionaires, and celebrities desire St. Moriz as a resort of their alternative. The excessive price places many individuals off St. Moritz, however those that get right here profit from a form of ski’ enterprise class’. Snowboarding (sledging, snowboarding, and cross-country snowboarding) is the very best purpose to go to these components, however not the one one.
St. Moritz-Unhealthy is a well-known well being resort with many spas, thermal swimming pools, therapeutic massage salons, magnificence parlours, mud baths, and saunas.
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Winter (for world-class snowboarding and luxurious resorts).
Actions on supply: Snowboarding, snowboarding, climbing, attending luxurious occasions, and having fun with spa resorts.
Lodging: Badrutt’s Palace Lodge, Kulm Lodge St. Moritz, and Suvretta Home.
Brienz is a standard village situated close to Interlaken, surrounded by towering mountains and on the shores of the sensible turquoise Lake Brienz. It deserves a particular point out.
For a contact of romance, head for Brunngasse, which was as soon as awarded the title of probably the most lovely avenue in Europe. Right here, many of the homes are wood-carved and date again to the 18th century, giving them a chocolate field prettiness.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for climbing and exploring the Brienz Rothorn railway).
Actions on supply: Boat journeys on Lake Brienz, visiting the Brienz Rothorn railway, wooden carving workshops, and climbing.
Lodging: Grandhotel Giessbach, Lodge Brienz, and Brienzerburli Lodge.
Sitting on the sunlit southern terrace within the Rhone Valley, the beautiful upscale resort city of Villars-sur-Ollon provides breathtaking views of the Dan du Midi, Mont Blanc massif, and Lake Geneva.
The world-famous ski resort boasts 25 kilometres of premier snow slopes and 44 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. Apart from that, it has three snowparks, a snow kindergarten, sledging hills, and quite a few winter climbing trails, to not point out the energetic après ski actions!
I’d additionally advocate making an attempt out one among my many wellness centres within the thermal spring space. In summer season, the principle actions of Villars-sur-Ollon are climbing, mountain biking, and golf.
You may discover over 300 km of marked trekking routes and 150 km of mountain bike trails. Some of the thrilling routes results in the gorgeous mountain lakes Lac de Chavonne, Lac de Bretaye, and Lac Noir.
Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and having fun with snow-covered landscapes).
Actions on supply: Snowboarding, snowshoeing, climbing, and visiting the close by Glacier 3000.
Lodging: Chalet RoyAlp Lodge & Spa, Alpe Fleurie, and Lodge du Golf.
One in every of Switzerland’s most well-known ski resorts, Grindelwald, sits within the shadow of three magnificent peaks: Jungfrau (4158 m above sea degree), Mönch (4099 m), and Eiger (3970 m).
Nature skillfully crafted this one-of-a-kind panorama consisting of steep rocks, neat plateaus, and mild slopes. No place in Central Europe has glaciers so near the valley, and they’re simply accessible for snow fans.
Apart from snowboarding, you may discover the mysterious Blue Ice Grotto and the elegant Glacial Canyon, only a stone’s throw from Grindelwald. Nonetheless, for my part, the principle spotlight of this place is the cogwheel railway nestling on the summit of the Kleine Scheidegg Mountain.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and ice-climbing, or Summer season for climbing and mountain biking).
Actions on supply: Snowboarding, mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking, and taking the Eiger Categorical gondola.
Divided in half by the Rhine River, Basel, the third-largest Swiss metropolis, proudly sits between Germany and France. It owes its cultural variety and weird combination of architectural kinds to this distinctive geographical place.
That is maybe the one place on Earth the place you may journey to a different nation (extra exactly, to 2 overseas nations) by tram!
Should you focus solely on Basel’s centre, you’ll have a lot to see and do. Head to the market sq. with its richly embellished authorities buildings and the Gothic cathedral to soak in historical past or go to one of many 40 native museums – concrete proof that Basel is a metropolis of arts.
Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for artwork festivals, delicate climate, and cultural occasions).
Actions on supply: Exploring museums, strolling alongside the Rhine River, visiting the Basel Zoo, and attending artwork festivals.
Lodging: Grand Lodge Les Trois Rois, Lodge Basel, and The Passage Lodge.
Located at 400 meters in northeastern Switzerland, this lake is named Lake Constance, Bodensee, and the Swabian Sea.
The huge reservoir, about 65 kilometres lengthy, is the third-largest lake in Europe. Because of its monumental dimension, it washes the shores of three nations – Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
The image-perfect panorama across the lake is a real paradise for outside fans. Water sports activities, climbing, roller-skating, and biking actions lure vacationers worldwide. While you’re right here, I extremely advocate cruising throughout the azure waters!
Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for boating, biking alongside the shores, and visiting close by cities).
Actions on supply: Boating, swimming, biking alongside the lake, and visiting close by cities like Konstanz.
Lodging: Lodge Unhealthy Horn, Seehotel Am Kaiserstrand, and Lodge Heiden.
The Seebergsee Lake, within the canton of Bern, appears virtually like a pond in comparison with different Swiss lakes. Nonetheless, whereas being inferior to its counterparts in dimension, it’s not faulty in magnificence.
This oasis of tranquillity provides a number of routes for cyclists and backpackers working throughout ravishing inexperienced foothills. Picturesque grassy landscapes framing the lake are perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and chilling out.
Be at liberty to plunge into these calm waters and swim throughout the lake (keep in mind to maintain secure!). Afterwards, you may climb cliffs, lending epic views of the Seebergee and the encompassing mountain terrains.
Location: Western a part of the nation
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for climbing and having fun with the gorgeous alpine surroundings).
Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, picnicking, pictures, and exploring the encompassing alpine trails.
Lodging: Close by choices embrace Lodge Landgasthof Schönbühl, Lodge Alpenblick in Bern, and Lodge Moosegg.
A journey to Jungfraujoch Mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise for many who love mountain peaks, clear air, crystal clear sky, and chilling wind. You will get there by the cog railway Jungfrau, working 9 km from the Kleine Scheidegg go to Jungfraujoch.
By the best way, the Jungfraujoch station, housed at 3454 meters above sea degree, is the best in Europe. It provides improbable panoramic views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain peaks and the longest glacier within the Alps.
Spend a couple of minutes having fun with these divine views after which plunge via a tunnel to succeed in the Ice Palace, which displays an intensive assortment of ice sculptures. Afterwards, you may climb the Sphinx remark terrace or stroll alongside the Alpine Sensation round underground stroll.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (to expertise the “High of Europe” viewpoint and glacier walks).
Actions on supply: Glacier walks, visiting the Ice Palace, using the Jungfrau Railway, and having fun with panoramic views.
Lodging: Eiger Guesthouse, Lodge Silberhorn Wengen, and Lodge Alpenruhe Kulm.
Spiez is a small city within the picturesque bay of Lake Thun. The town is charming in the summertime, crammed with lush greenery and flowers. In contrast to many different cities in Switzerland, Spiez doesn’t have an historic core—aside from an previous citadel dotted with small however beautiful low-rise buildings.
Nonetheless, the native nature is value visiting Spitz in your journey to Switzerland. The skyy waters of Lake Thun are surrounded by the towering Swiss Alps, which rigorously defend the lake from calm winds.
The gorgeous greenery of Swiss nature and vineyards complement the blue-ish color palette. I counsel making an attempt the native wineries’ merchandise—they’re scrumptious!
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Finest time to go to: Summer season (for boat rides, citadel visits, and winery excursions).
Actions on supply: Boat excursions, visiting Spiez Fort, wine tasting, and climbing via close by vineyards.
Lodging: Belvédère Strandhotel, Lodge Eden Spiez, and Strandhotel Seeblick.
