16 Top-Rated Landmarks and Attractions in Switzerland

 

It's hard to beat Switzerland for its charming alpine scenery and quaint villages that exude a storybook charm. Soaring snow-capped peaks of the Alps, sparkling blue lakes, emerald valleys, glaciers, and picturesque lakeside hamlets give this landlocked nation a fairytale beauty. 

Amidst mountain valleys and lakes are world-class international resorts and a long list of things to do, including hiking, biking, climbing, paragliding, skiing and tobogganing.

Travelers come here for the stunning scenery but are fascinated by the many cultural attractions. 

Steeped in history, cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne offer excellent museums and galleries, historic buildings, and famous music festivals. The capital, Bern, with its splendid medieval old town, hugs the rapids. 

Germany, Italy, Austria and France border Switzerland, and their languages ​​and customs give this country a multicultural development.

From the palm-studded Italian architecture of Ticino to the Swiss-German and Romansh dialects derived from Latin, Switzerland can sometimes feel like several countries in one - but all have the exquisite packaging and punctuality for which it is known.

Explore this amazing country with our list of top attractions and best places to visit in Switzerland.

1. The Matterhorn

Matterhorn, Switzerland's iconic pointed peak is one of the highest mountains in the Alps. On the border with Italy, this legendary peak rises to 4478 meters, its four steep faces are located in the direction of the compass points. 

The first encounter in 1865 ended tragically when four climbers fell to their death while descending. Today, thousands of experienced climbers come here every summer.

At the foot of this mighty peak lies the charming village of Zermatt, one of the best international resorts offering horse-drawn carriage rides, quaint chalets, and world-class restaurants and hotels. 

To maintain the air quality and calm atmosphere, motorized vehicles have been banned in the village.

In the winter, skiers can trek over more than 300 kilometers of slopes. In summer, swimming and tennis are popular activities, as well as hiking, biking, and climbing in the surrounding mountains. Ice skating is also available in summer.

2. Jungfraujoch: The Top of Europe

One of the most popular things to do in the beautiful Bernese Oberland is a train trip to the Jungfraujoch, "the summit of Europe", with its gazebo and science observatory at an altitude of 3,454 metres. 

The longest glacier in Europe, the Great Aletsch Glacier begins in Jungfraujoch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Eiger Trail from the Eiger Glacier Station to the Albiglin clings to the rocks at the foot of the North Face.

Other popular hiking trails include the Panorama Trail to the sunny, south-facing first slope; the Gletscherschlucht (Icy Fjord); and Öpfelchüechliwäg, the elevated pass from Holenstein to Brandegg through flower fields, alpine pastures, and forests. 

Less active people can ride gondolas and cable cars to reach stunning views over the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Picturesque Grindelwald is a glacier village in the Jungfrau region, making it a great base for adventures in the surrounding mountains. It is located at the base of snow-capped mountains and is one of the oldest and most famous resorts in Switzerland. 

Towering above this alpine valley is the crown-shaped Waterhorn and the absolute north face of the Eiger, one of the most dramatic and challenging climbs on the planet. 

Nestled between the mountains are two sparkling glaciers in Grindelwald. For the best views, Faulhorn, at 2,681 metres, offers stunning panoramic views of the giant peaks.

3. Interlaken

Located between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, Interlaken is one of the most popular summer holiday resorts in Switzerland. In the center of town, Höhematte is an urban planning marvel with 35 acres of open space. Flower gardens, hotels, and cafés surround Höheweg, the main street from here with stunning mountain views.

The mighty peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau above the city provide excellent opportunities for alpine adventures. Hiking, climbing, abseiling, and kayaking are the main activities.

More than 45 mountain railways, cable cars, lifts, and ski lifts transport visitors into the surrounding countryside and provide plenty of opportunities for sightseeing from above.

In winter, skiers and snowboarders can choose from surrounding resorts and cross-country ski along the extensive network of trails. In summer, paragliding departs from Beatenberg-Niederhorn. To enjoy the views from the lower elevations, hop aboard a paddle steamer for a cruise around the lakes.

4. Lucerne

Imagine a sparkling blue lake surrounded by mountains, a car-free medieval old town, covered bridges, waterfront promenades, historic buildings adorned with murals, and sun-drenched plazas with bubbling fountains. No wonder Lucerne (in German Lucerne) is the best place for tourists.

Famous for its concerts, this Swiss city has famous soloists, conductors and orchestras attending its annual international music festival. The Culture and Convention Center is home to one of the world's leading concert halls.

One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge, which was built in the 14th century. In a small park is the famous Lion Memorial, a poignant statue of a dying lion, honoring the heroic death of the Swiss Guard during the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution. 

History buffs will enjoy the Swiss Transportation Museum with its extensive exhibits on all forms of transportation, including air and space travel, railroad locomotives, and a planetarium.

For beautiful views of Lucerne, the Alps, and the lake, take the funicular to Dietschiberg on the north side of Lake Lucerne; cruise up Mount Pilatus on the cable car; Or head to Rigi, the famous lookout point.

5. Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, the largest alpine lake in Europe, lies on the Swiss/French border, and is found on the shores of some of Switzerland's most famous cities. 

Geneva (French Geneva; German Genf) lies among beautiful snow-capped peaks at the point where the Rhone River flows into Lake Geneva.

This French-speaking "Capital of Peace" is the European headquarters of the United Nations and exudes a delightful blend of joy in French life and Swiss architecture. 

Parks, promenades, and gardens surround the lake, and the old town is a great place to stroll among the historic buildings. 

The Jet d'Eau, a fountain in Lake Geneva that shoots water into the air at 150 metres, is a popular landmark. Cultural attractions include the Opera and the Grand Théâtre, which organizes international acts.

Also on the lake, about 62 kilometers from Geneva, Lausanne boasts beautiful views of the surrounding area and the lake, with the Alps rising in the distance. 

Stroll through the medieval old town with its great cafés and boutiques, and the stunning Gothic cathedral. At the foot of the Alps, on Lake Geneva, Montreux hosts the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in June/July.

6. Chateau de Chillon, Montreux

On the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux, the Château de Chillon (Chilon Castle) has been a source of inspiration for artists and writers for centuries. 

Lord Byron, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Victor Hugo were among the notable figures who wrote about this architectural treasure.

Once a stronghold of the Counts and Dukes of Savoy from the 12th century, the complex includes about 25 buildings clustered around three courtyards. 

Highlights include the grand halls with stunning views of Lake Geneva; Gothic underground rooms; the chapel decorated with 14th-century paintings; and Cam Domini, a bedroom occupied by the Duke of Savoy decorated with medieval murals.

7. St. Moritz

Mirror-like lakes, glaciers, jagged peaks, alpine forests, and sunshine make St. Moritz one of the world's top mountain destinations and a must-visit on your list of things to do in Switzerland. 

Luxury hotels and pricey restaurants are on par with the course in this elegant resort town, which has hosted two Winter Olympics.

Located in an alpine valley at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level, the city is divided into two parts: St. Moritz Dorf sits on a sunny terrace overlooking Lake St. Moritz. The other part of town, on the banks of Lake St. Moritz Bad in the valley land, is a spa with less expensive lodging. 

Winter sports run the gamut, from skiing, snowboarding, snowboarding and snowboarding to skating on the famous 1.2 kilometer Cresta Run.

In summer, hiking, biking and water sports abound. Ice skating is also available in the summer.

In addition to all these breathtaking mountain scenery, St. Moritz is a cultural crossroads. Romansh, German, Italian, French and English are spoken in the surrounding areas - not to mention the different languages ​​of the many affluent international visitors and expats.

8. Bren

In a stunning location, perched on the peninsula of the Aare River, the Swiss capital Bern exudes old-world charm, and the medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strolling along the cobbled streets, visitors can explore Switzerland's tallest cathedral, with panoramic views from its tower; 16th Century Fountains Medieval Zytglogge Clock Tower with Muppets; and six kilometers of shopping arcade, which the locals call "Lubin". 

The Rose Garden (Rosengarten) offers beautiful views of the old town centre.

Bern has many attractions waiting to be explored, including excellent museums. Art lovers will appreciate the wonderful exhibitions, including the Zentrum Paul Klee, the world's largest collection of this famous artist's work, and the Berne Art Museum (Kunstmuseum).

Don't miss the markets at the Bundesplatz (Parliament Square) with views of the elegant Renaissance-style Parliament Building (Bundeshaus). Families will also enjoy visiting Bear Park.

9. Lake Lugano and Ticino

Located on the Swiss/Italian border in Ticino, Switzerland's only official Italian-speaking canton, Lake Lugano offers a great taste of the Mediterranean. Citruses, figs, palms, and pomegranates thrive in the temperate climate here—even with snow-capped peaks appearing in the distance.

In the towns surrounding Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore to the west, don't mistake the sense of Italy in architecture, squares, and the passion for fine dining that stretches across the Italian borders to the south, east, and west.

Visitors can explore the area by touring the lake on one of the whitewashed steamers or renting a boat. For a panoramic overview, Monte San Salvatore offers one of the most spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, lake, and snow-capped peaks.

Lugano, the financial center and the largest and most important city in Ticino, is a popular summer resort. 

Northwest of Lugano, in sunny Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Swiss lakeside life takes on a subtropical touch with warm days, thriving gardens, and palm-studded estates. In Bellinzona, the capital of the canton, there are three magnificent castles among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

10. Zurich

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, a major transport hub, and a major departure point for travelers. The city is located at the northwest end of Lake Zurich on the banks of the Limmatt River. 

Besides its ornate facade, this wealthy banking capital boasts a rich collection of cultural treasures.

A great place to start a walking tour is the cobbled streets of the Old Town with its quaint shops, cafés and galleries. The mile-long Bahnhofstrasse, one of Europe's finest shopping malls, beckons with designer boutiques selling fashion, watches and jewellery.

When venturing away from the boutiques, visitors will find more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries, as well as many other tourist attractions. 

The best pick is the Kunsthaus Zürich, the Museum of Fine Arts, with an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Another favorite is the Rietberg Museum, which focuses on non-European art with many works from China, India, and Africa.

The Swiss National Museum, in a Gothic palace, highlights Swiss cultural history, just a short stroll from Zurich's main station, the Swiss National Museum. Families will love Zurich Zoo with its elephant park, penguin walk and Madagascar Pavilion. From the city, take the train to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and countryside.

11. The Rhine Falls

The Rheinfall in Schaffhausen spans 150 metres, and is the largest in Central Europe. The best time to visit is during June and July when the mountain ice melts, and the falls swell to spread out over a 21-meter-high ledge of Jurassic limestone.

Boat trips over the Rhine provide excellent views of the falls, as well as viewing platforms on both sides of the river.

12. Swiss National Park

Founded in 1914, the Swiss National Park in the Engadin Valley is the oldest preserve in the Alps. The park is located right on the border with Italy and includes more than 170 square kilometers of flower-dotted alcoves, fast-flowing rivers, and limestone rocks. 

The scenery is especially exciting in winter, when the mountains are covered in a blanket of snow, and the views from the cross-country ski trails are stunning.

Nature lovers can explore the area on a large network of trails, although deviations from these trails are prohibited in an effort to preserve the natural ecosystems. 

More than 5,000 species of wildlife call the main park, including badgers, red deer, chamois, caribou, fox, and more than 100 species of birds.

13. The Albula/Bernina Railway Line

One of the very few railways in the world designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, the Albula/Bernina Line on the Rheatian Railway offers a fascinating journey not to be missed. 

The route stretches throughout the landscapes of Albula and Bernina, covering 122 kilometers and traversing nearly 200 bridges, the Graubünden Mountains, and a number of tunnels and bridges along the way.

A ride on this train means panoramic seats overlooking an unspoiled mountain landscape, including Piz Bernina, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps at just over 4,000 metres. The train runs all year, and the views are just as magical in the summer as they are in the winter.

14. Oberhofen Castle

Right on the shore of Lake Thun and surrounded by a 2.5-hectare park, this 13th-century castle is one of the most impressive castles in Switzerland. 

As Oberhofen Castle has changed hands many times over the centuries, and new owners keep adding rooms to it, the result is a magical mixture of many styles: Bernese Baroque buildings, Romantic facades, and quaint Prussian-inspired new quarters (including Including a library and a smoking room).

The castle also houses a living museum showcasing the times and life of the feudal societies that called the castle (and its surroundings) home from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

15. Swiss Grand Canyon

Ruinaulta (also known as "Swiss Grand Canyon") is a deep gorge surrounded by vast meadows and wooded cliffs. 

Located in eastern Switzerland, it was created more than 10,000 years ago - when the Rhine glacier retreated in the Ice Age, it triggered a chain of events that led to a massive rockslide in the Rhine Valley. As the Rhine was seeping through the rock walls, the gorge filled up with water.

Today, the Swiss Grand Canyon is not only one of the most beautiful areas in Switzerland but is also a favorite destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. 

It is possible to ride the slopes here between May and October, or rent a canoe or kayak for a gentle trail with stunning views of the steep slopes all around.

16. Gruyères

Even if you don't know anything about this small medieval town, you've probably heard of the hard yellow cheese that made its name famous. Today, this is one of the main attractions of the city. 

Visitors can tour the cheese factory, sample local specialties, and wave to the cows calling out to the green hills surrounding the house. If cheese isn't enough, the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory also operates in town.

Gruyères may be small - it covers just 28.4 square kilometers and is home to around 2,000 permanent residents - but it makes up for it with plenty of things to do, including the 13th-century Gruyères castle and its two small art and regional museums, as well as Saint-Germain Castle, which was purchased by the Swiss surrealist painter and sculptor HR Geiger, and now houses a museum dedicated to his work. The Tibet Museum, housed in an old church in the city, is also worth a visit.

Gruyères is surrounded by stunning scenery, including the Gorges de la Jogne (a favorite of hikers) and nearby Mont Molison, which is popular with climbers in the warmer months and home to skiing and snowshoe trails during the winter.

Source:  PlanetWare - Travel Guides by the Experts