25 Best Things to Do in Switzerland
Uncover the best things to do in Switzerland and get planning the trip of a lifetime!
Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful and magical places in Europe. This small yet mighty country is known for its huge mountains, delicious chocolate, and of course for being notoriously VERY expensive.
I have spent months in Switzerland exploring all the different regions and hot spots around the country. My husband is from Switzerland and has been a great guide over the years!
Keep reading to uncover the 25 best things to do in Switzerland.
You might also be interested in:
- 4 Days in Switzerland
- Switzerland in Summer
- Switzerland in Winter
- Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland
- Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland
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In This Post
25 Best Things to Do in Switzerland
Short on time? Here is everything you need to know!
5 Things you CANNOT MISS while in Switzerland
➡️ Visit Matterhorn
➡️ Take a Scenic Train Ride
➡️ Go on a hike (Oeschienesee / Appenzell Alps)
➡️ Eat Fondue on a Mountain
➡️ Visit Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald
➡️ Click Here to book Switzerland’s top-rated experience – paragliding!
🚂 Best way to get around Switzerland: The Swiss Travel Pass
🏡 Three best hotels options in Switzerland
➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Zurich!
➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Interlaken!
Explore the Matterhorn
Exploring the Matterhorn is an iconic and must-do experience in Switzerland. This majestic mountain, standing at 4,478 meters, is renowned for its pyramid shape – it is actually the mountain Toblerone chocolate is molded after!
The Matterhorn is a symbol of Switzerland’s natural beauty and visiting is one of the best things to do in Switzerland.
Experience the Jungfraujoch
Visiting Jungfraujoch is easily one of the best things to do in Switzerland for adventure and beauty seekers.
To reach the top of the Jungfrau you will board the famous Jungfrau Railway, one of Switzerland’s most impressive trains. Aboard this train, you will venture through tunnels carved into the Eiger and Mönch mountains.
Once at the top, you will officially reach the “Top of Europe” the highest accessible point in Europe. Here you will be welcomed by panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
➡️ Read More: Best Places to Visit in Europe in November
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Going on a scenic train ride in Switzerland offers a journey that allows you to witness the country’s stunning landscapes in the best way possible. Switzerland has some of the most beautiful and picturesque train routes in the world.
Whether winding through mountain passes, crossing iconic bridges, or passing by vivid blue lakes each scenic train ride in Switzerland is the perfect combination of nature and engineering.
Read More: 7 Best Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland
Here are five of the top scenic train rides in Switzerland:
➡️ Glacier Express: Connect Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, while enjoying unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps.
➡️ Bernina Express: Journey from Chur to Tirano, Italy, crossing the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct and climbing to the Ospizio Bernina, providing breathtaking views of the Bernina Range.
➡️ GoldenPass Line: Linking Lucerne and Montreux, this route takes you through the heart of Switzerland, passing by Lake Lucerne, the Brunig Pass, and offering panoramic views of the Swiss Riviera.
➡️ Gotthard Panorama Express: Combining a boat and train journey, this route takes you from Lucerne to Lugano, passing through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest railway tunnel.
➡️ Jungfraujoch Railway: Ascend to the “Top of Europe” from Interlaken, reaching Jungfraujoch, where the train journey is a marvel, surrounded by glaciers, snowfields, and iconic peaks like the Eiger.
Wander through Lucerne’s Old Town
Wandering through Lucerne’s Old Town is one of the best things to do in Switzerland to soak up the beauty and culture of one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Roaming the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Tower.
Lucerne’s Old Town offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty, and is one of my favourite cities in Switzerland.
Read More: Things to do in Lucerne
Explore Saint-Saphorin
Exploring Saint-Saphorin is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the charm of the French part of Switzerland in the perfect Swiss wine village.
Walk around the narrow streets with traditional vine-covered houses that reflect the village’s medieval heritage. The village is renowned for its local wines, so make sure to visit a winery or wine cellar to indulge in a tasting session of the region’s amazing wines.
Saint-Saphorin is the epitome of Swiss tranquility, blending history, natural beauty, and the pleasures of fine wine in a serene setting. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Switzerland that’s a little off the beaten track!
Boat Cruise on Lake Lucerne
Going on a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne is a magical experience that showcases the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland. Located among the surrounding Swiss Alps, the lake offers the perfect setting for a relaxing boat ride.
Board one of the many cruises available and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Alps, charming lakeside villages, and lush greenery.
Whether you opt for a daytime cruise to appreciate the stunning scenery or an evening cruise to witness the sunset, a Lake Lucerne cruise is a quintessential Swiss experience you cannot miss.
Hike Oeschinensee
Hiking around Oeschinensee is easily one of the best things to do in Switzerland which takes you through some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes.
The trail offers mesmerizing views of the turquoise-blue Oeschinensee and the surrounding Bernese Alps.
This is seriously one of the most beautiful hikes in the WORLD! If you have to pick just one hike to do while in Switzerland then I suggest you do this one!
Discover the Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls are a set of waterfalls that are not only the largest in Europe but also a natural wonder of Switzerland. Located near the town of Schaffhausen, witnessing the power and beauty of the Rhine Falls is a must-do activity.
Eat Fondue on a Mountain
Eating fondue on a mountain is a quintessentially Swiss experience, combining stunning alpine scenery with a delicious traditional dish. Head to a mountain chalet or restaurant with panoramic views, where you can savor this iconic Swiss culinary delight.
EVERYWHERE in Switzerland has Fondue on their menu. The top places to visit for the ultimate swiss experience are Zermatt, Verbier, or Jungfrau – all of which have many mountain resorts that offer fondue evenings or lunch options.
Fondue is not just a meal; it’s an immersive cultural experience that allows you to indulge in the best of Swiss hospitality and cuisine while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss mountains.
Rent a Chalet in the Swiss Alps
Renting a chalet in the Swiss Alps is an enchanting experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and cozy mountain culture of Switzerland.
Whether nestled in Zermatt, Verbier, or Grindelwald, renting a chalet provides a private and intimate retreat with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Wake up to the crisp mountain air, surrounded by alpine meadows and majestic landscapes. Enjoy the warmth of a traditional chalet with its wooden interiors, fireplace, and perhaps even a hot tub or sauna.
Visit Lake Thun
Visiting Lake Thun offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming lakeside towns. Enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Whether you’re into water activities, exploring historic sites, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the Swiss countryside, a visit to Lake Thun promises a memorable and diverse experience.
Try Paragliding
Trying paragliding is one of the top things to do in Switzerland for an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure. Head to one of the many paragliding locations, such as Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, or Engelberg, where experienced instructors provide a safe and thrilling experience.
➡️ Click Here to book Switzerland’s top-rated experience – paragliding!
Explore Lauterbrunnen Valley
Exploring Lauterbrunnen Valley is a mesmerizing experience, immersing you in the enchanting beauty of the Swiss Alps. Located between steep rock faces, this valley is complete with stunning waterfalls, alpine meadows, and charming villages.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, hiker, or simply seeking tranquility, exploring Lauterbrunnen Valley provides an unforgettable journey through Switzerland’s alpine wonders.
Read More: Best Things to do in Lauterbrunnen
Go Skiing in Zermatt
Going skiing in Zermatt is an iconic experience and one of the best things to do in Switzerland.
Zermatt is located at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a charming car-free village atmosphere. The resort town is home to extensive ski areas, including the Gornergrat and Schwarzsee paradise, with a variety of slopes catering to all skill levels.
The region is renowned for its reliable snow conditions, and the ski season often extends into the spring.
Take a Cable Car to Mount Pilatus
Taking a cable car to Mount Pilatus is a must-do activity, offering breathtaking views and a memorable mountain experience in Switzerland. In summer, you can engage in hiking, while winter offers opportunities for snow sports.
A cable car journey to Mount Pilatus promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and Swiss mountain charm.
Venture to St. Moritz
Venturing to St. Moritz is a must-do experience that takes you to one of the world’s most glamorous and iconic alpine destinations. Located in the Engadin Valley, St. Moritz is renowned for its luxurious resorts, world-class skiing, and a plethora of winter and summer activities.
In the winter, go skiing on the pristine slopes, experience the exhilaration of snowboarding, or engage in thrilling winter sports like bobsledding. In the summer, explore hiking and mountain biking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Visit the Swiss Chocolate and Cheese factories
Go on a tasty journey through Switzerland by visiting renowned chocolate and cheese factories.
➡️ Tour the Maison Cailler in Broc or the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Kilchberg to witness the art of chocolate-making, indulging in tastings along the way.
➡️ Explore Swiss Chocolate Chalets in picturesque locations like Interlaken and Zurich for unique chocolate experiences.
➡️ Immerse yourself in the world of Swiss cheese at the Maison du Gruyère in Gruyères or the Appenzeller Schaukäserei in Appenzell, learning about traditional cheese production.
This is one of the best things to do in Switzerland for travelers of all kinds!
Explore the Medieval Town of Gruyères
Explore the medieval town of Gruyères, a charming Swiss destination known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and cultural richness.
Wander through cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings, including the iconic Gruyères Castle, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Go wine tasting in the Lavaux Vineyards
Going wine tasting in the Lavaux Vineyards is one of the best things to do in Switzerland for a bucket list experience. The Lavaux Vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking Lake Geneva.
Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the Alps as you savor the flavors of the Lavaux region.
Explore the Italian Part
Explore the Italian part of Switzerland, known as the canton of Ticino, for a unique blend of Switzerland and Italy.
Wander through Lugano, the largest city in the region, and enjoy its scenic lakeside promenade, vibrant piazzas, and cultural attractions. Visit the town of Bellinzona, home to three medieval castles recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With its unique blend of Swiss and Italian influences, exploring the Italian part of Switzerland promises a delightful cultural and scenic experience.
Explore Grindelwald
Exploring Grindelwald, a charming Swiss village, is one of the best things to do in Switzerland for many reasons. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps with a range of outdoor activities:
➡️ Hiking: Discover scenic trails like the First Flyer or take a challenging hike to the Eiger North Face.
➡️ Skiing: Enjoy world-class skiing in the winter months with access to the Jungfrau ski region.
➡️ First Flyer: Experience an adrenaline rush on the First Flyer, a zip line providing panoramic views.
➡️ Jungfraujoch: Take a cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” for breathtaking views.
➡️ Grindelwald First: Explore the First summit with activities like the First Flyer, First Glider, and the Cliff Walk.
With its alpine landscapes and numerous outdoor pursuits, Grindelwald offers an unforgettable Swiss mountain experience.
Explore the City of Basel
Exploring Basel is one of the top things to do in Switzerland to see a captivating Swiss city brimming with cultural treasures and scenic wonders. Basel’s fusion of historic charm, contemporary art, and natural beauty ensures a memorable exploration of the heart of Switzerland.
Take a Boat Tour of Lake Thun
Embark on a scenic boat tour of Lake Thun, a stunning freshwater lake located in the picturesque Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. Cruise along the crystal-clear waters surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Whether enjoying the journey from the open deck or the comfort of the cabin, a boat tour on Lake Thun promises a tranquil and visually enchanting experience amid Switzerland’s alpine splendor.
Visit Lake Geneva
Visit Lake Geneva where pristine natural beauty meets vibrant cultural attractions. Stroll along the picturesque lakeside promenades in cities like Geneva, Montreux, and Lausanne, framed by the majestic Alps and the Jura Mountains.
Explore the Chillon Castle, perched on the lake’s edge near Montreux, or take a boat cruise to appreciate the stunning scenery from the water. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or relax in lakeside parks such as Parc La Perle du Lac in Geneva.
With a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, charming towns, and a wealth of recreational activities, Lake Geneva offers an exquisite blend of natural wonders and cultural delights.
Hike in the Appenzell Alps
Embark on a hiking adventure in the Appenzell Alps, a beautiful mountain range in northeastern Switzerland known for its idyllic landscapes and traditional Swiss charm.
Explore a network of well-marked trails that lead through lush meadows, dense forests, and alpine pastures, offering panoramic views of rolling hills and snow-capped peaks. Popular hiking destinations include the Alpstein region, where iconic peaks like Säntis and Ebenalp beckon avid hikers.
The Appenzell Alps provide a diverse and rewarding hiking experience amidst Switzerland’s alpine beauty.
Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
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