Federer, cheese, chocolates, cakes, watches, knives, banks, romantic childhood fantasies – if there is one word that can prefix all of these, it’s Swiss. Switzerland, to be clearer. Splendid alpine frames oozing out from storybook villages, glittering turquoise lakes and picturesque hamlets – the dreamland Switzerland is a metaphor for all the fairy tales one could ever fancy. Have a look at the top Switzerland tourist attractions. These attractions are full of natural wonders that showcase a wide variety of green shades. Switzerland is a truly remarkable destination.
35 Places To Visit In Switzerland
With such grandeur and glamour in stock, a Swiss trip is generally confusing to itinerate. Hence, to help you zero down on the major and must-visit Switzerland tourist attractions here is a list to answer all your questions.
- Lucerne
- Interlaken
- Jungfraujoch
- Lake Geneva
- The Matterhorn
- Zurich
- Swiss National Park
- Chateau De Chillon, Montreux
- St Moritz
- Bern
- The Rhine Falls
- Lake Lugano And Ticino
- Oberhofen Castle
- Grindelwald
- Swiss Grand Canyon
- Creux du Van
- Le Locle & La Chaux-de-Fonds
- Rhaetian Railway
- Abbey of St. Gall
- Aletsch Glacier
- Fortress of Bellinzona
- Schaffhausen
- The Convent of St. John
- Lavaux
- The Works of Le Corbusier
- Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve
- Monte San Giorgio
- Prehistoric Pile Dwellings
- Lausanne
- Lauterbrunnen
- Locarno
- Basel
- Geneva
- Titlis
- Vallemaggia
1. Lucerne
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A turquoise-blue lake surrounded by mountains, covered bridges, frescoed historic buildings, waterfront promenades, and sun-splashed plazas – Lucerne is a stunning city in Switzerland. A car-free mediaeval old town with bubbling fountains, Lucerne is one of the famous places to visit in Switzerland to start your tour of the country.
It hosts music festivals and concerts, unlike any other place in the world. Lucerne is called the city of music and you will hear jazz, R&B, contemporary, and even classical music in the heartbeats of the city. From Archaeology to history and entertainment to infotainment, it is a complete package with many places to visit in Lucerne.
Location: Lucerne Canton, Central Switzerland
Duration: 2 days
Highlight: The music festival in Lucerne is one of the biggest premiere festivals in Switzerland and hosts artists from all over the world.
Things To Do: Chapel Bridge, Lion monument, annual International music festival, Swiss Transport museum with extensive exhibits on all forms of transport, including railroad locomotives.
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2. Interlaken
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Interlaken rests between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east. This beautiful city hosts some of the best summer holiday resorts in Switzerland. Höhematte, a marvel of urban planning with 35 acres of open space boasts of flower gardens, hotels, and cafés in the middle of the town and provides scenic vistas to be framed in memories forever. It is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Switzerland.
Interlaken is considered the adventure capital of Switzerland with opportunities for Skiing and snowboarding, hiking trails leading to Alpine meadows and gorgeous glaciers, and some good ol’ Switzerland paragliding.
Location: Interlaken, Bern Canton, Switzerland
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlight: Take in the scenic views of the city and the Alps with a cable car ride or go on a quick sightseeing journey on the mountain railways.
Things To Do: Railways, ski lifts, chairlifts and cable cars; snowboarding, cross country skiing, paragliding over snow, paddle steamer cruise around the lakes
3. Jungfraujoch
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Jungfraujoch hosts the UNESCO World Heritage site of Great Aletsch Glacier, beautiful train journeys to the Bernese Oberland and an enriching observation terrace with a scientific observatory. While the Great Aletsch Glacier is the largest one in Europe, the highest railway station in Europe is also located here, and the train journey is one of the unique experiences on rails in Europe.
It is also a base for famous treks to the surrounding mountains and houses some of the oldest Swiss resorts in history. This is what makes it one of the must-visit Switzerland tourist attractions on your 5-day trip to the country.
Location: 3801 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: In winter, the region excites aesthetic pleasure, and feelings of awe and sublime upon seeing the great quantities of snow covering the landscape.
Things To Do: The scenic beauties, walks till Panorama Way to the sunny, south-facing First slope; the Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Gorge); and Öpfelchüechliwäg – the high-altitude trail from Holenstein to Brandegg through fields of flowers, alpine pastures, and woodlands
Related Post: Street Food In Zurich
4. Lake Geneva
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Europe’s largest Alpine lake – Lake Geneva lies on the Swiss/French border. Geneva, the city headquarters of the United Nations, lies between snow-capped peaks with promenades, parks, and gardens that surround the lake. The old town has its own rustic charm that makes it a lovely spot to stroll among the historic buildings.
It is one of the most spell-binding Switzerland tourist attractions, with villages and castles on one side, and views of the Alps on the other side. La Fourchette is a special attraction that is loved by Swiss folks and that tourists love visiting in the lakeside town of Vevey. The stainless steel fork sculpture is 29 feet tall and weighs more than 900 pounds.
Location: Lake Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 3-4 hours
Highlight: The fork sculpture in Vevey in Lake Geneva is a beloved spot in Switzerland.
Things To Do: The pristine lake, gardens, Opera House, Grand Theatre, cute cafes, and the Montreux Jazz Festival in June/July
5. The Matterhorn
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Matterhorn – the iconic Swiss peak hosts the charming village of Zermatt, a top international resort with horse-drawn carriage rides, quaint chalets, and world-class restaurants and hotels. Sharing the border with Italy, the peak is 4,478 meters high, and the four steep faces of the peak lie in the direction of the compass points.
What is striking is that the village has banned motored vehicles to preserve the air quality and peaceful ambience. Thus, Matterhorn Mountain is one of the top tourist attractions in Switzerland with travellers seeking to conquer the difficult climb.
Location: 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: Zermatt is wildly popular as an adventure destination, a haven for skiers and snowboarders.
Things To Do: Skiing in winter on a slope of 300 kilometres, swimming and tennis as well as hiking, biking, and climbing in the surrounding mountains.
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6. Zurich
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The largest city and a major transportation hub, Zurich lies at the northwestern end of Lake Zurich. This name among the Switzerland tourist attractions boasts of a rich lineup of cultural treasures like quaint heritage shops, galleries, cafes, and colourful streets.
The city is a blend of old and new. It is the biggest urban metropolis in Switzerland, founded by the Romans, and at the same time houses relics of its medieval past, places like Limmatquai and 17th-century Town Hall. The city is quaint and idyllic at the same time modern and contemporary. Life has a certain charm here that is unique and characteristic of the Swiss culture. Visit all the places to see in Zurich and witness the charm for yourself.
Location: Zurich, North-Central Switzerland
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlight: The zoo here is a special attraction among the families which boasts of an exclusive Elephant Park and Madagascar pavilion.
Things To Do: Kunsthaus Zurich – the museum of fine arts, shopping at Bahnhofstrasse, Gothic chateau, penguin parade
7. Swiss National Park
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The Swiss National Park, founded in 1914, is the largest and oldest reserve in the Alps of Engadine Valley and one of the most famous places to observe the wildlife in Switzerland. Spread over 170 sq km of pine forest in the mountains, the place is recognised as a World UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The mountains and valleys are covered in a thick carpet of snow in winter when many of the animals hibernate and lie low. A visitor centre is located in Zernez. The rules for visiting are quite a few and strictly enforced to ensure the safety of the animals, so plan ahead and ensure permissions.
Location: 7530 Zernez, canton of Graubünden, Switzerland
Duration: 4-6 hours
Highlight: The park invites nature lovers to explore the wildlife of more than 5,000 species including marmot, red deer, chamois, ibex, and fox.
Things To Do: Flower-dotted hollows, shrubs and streams, limestone crags, mountain treks
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8. Chateau De Chillon, Montreux
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Lord Byron, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Mary Shelley – the likes of these artists have written about this architectural treasure. By the shores of Lake Geneva, in the Vaud canton of Switzerland, lies the Chateau de Chillon (‘Chillon Castle’) where it said that these artists stayed and worked.
The complex encompasses about 25 buildings clustered around three courtyards. The Romantic poet Lord Byron wrote his poem The Prisoner of Chillon after being inspired by the use of the castle as a prison. It is one of the most historic & exotic Switzerland attractions.
Location: Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland
Duration: 2-3 hours
Highlight: A statue today stands in the Chillon Castle complex – an interpretation of Shelley’s Creature from her novel Frankenstein.
Things To Do: The gothic underground rooms, heritage architecture, great halls, the Chapel adorned with 14th-century paintings and several medieval murals.
9. St Moritz
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Crystal-clear lakes, glaciers, snow-washed peaks, alpine forests, and days full of sunshine – St Moritz is one of the world’s top mountain destinations. Named after the Egyptian Christian Saint, Saint Maurice, the town is ancient and finds mentions in texts as old as the 11th century.
This destination is also a sportsperson haven. Having hosted two Winter Olympics, once in 1928 and once in 1948, the same stadium still stands. The town also hosts golf tournaments, snow polo tournaments, skiing and sleighing championships, and even a tournament of Cricket on Ice. If you want to indulge in adventure sports in Switzerland, particularly ones that involve snow and ice, this is the place you need to visit.
Location: St Moritz, 7500 Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: This small town with a rich history overlooks the turquoise Lake of St Moritz.
Thinsg To Do: Health resorts, lake, hiking, biking, glacier skiing, skating and snowboarding, bobsledding and tobogganing on the famous 1.2 km long Cresta run.
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10. Bern
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A perfect amalgamation of old and not so old – Bern is one place that exudes old-world charm along with the freshness of the new changed world. Cobbled streets leading to the cathedrals, panoramic vistas to frame in the memories, and 16th-century fountains – all conspire simultaneously to keep their admirers stuck for long.
Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland, with the historic old town in the centre of the city being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has existed for a very long time but it was properly founded in its medieval glory by the ruling Zahringer family. It is a must-visit Switzerland tourist attraction. Bern to Sion is one of the most picturesque road trips in Switzerland you can undertake.
Location: Bern, Switzerland
Duration: 2 days
Highlight: The River Aare flows in a gorgeous wide loop around the city, making it a delightfully charming place to be.
Things To Do: Tallest cathedral, Zytglogge medieval clock, Rose garden, Bern Museum of Art, Bear Park
11. The Rhine Falls
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The Rhine is one of the most majestic rivers in Europe, flowing through France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The river is the lifeblood of Central Europe with much of the trade, economy, and tourism depending on it.
The Rhine waterfalls in Switzerland are perhaps the most powerful waterfalls in Europe – spanning over 150 meters at Schaffhausen. During June and July, the falls spill over a 21 m high edge of Jurassic limestones. There are viewing platforms accessible to tourists which are built on both sides of the Rhine so that you can gaze far and wide on the scenic beauty of the landscape.
Location: Laufengasse, Neuhausen am Rheinfall 8212 Switzerland
Duration: 1 day
Highlight: Visitors can take boat tours and take in the spectacular views of the river, the Worth Castle, the Laufen Castle, and the city overlooking the waterfall.
Things To Do: Boat trips up to the falls, scenic vistas as seen from the falls
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12. Lake Lugano And Ticino
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One of the popular tourist attractions in Switzerland for sightseeing, Lake Lugano is a pristine blue water body that sits on the Swiss-Italian border of Ticino. Famed for ever-so-fresh citrus, figs, palms, and pomegranates, this destination oozes charming vibes.
With an Italian aura spread all around, Ticino is home to some magnificent architecture, the piazzas, and the locals with a love of fine food. The architecture and cuisine are indicative of the amalgamation of Swiss and Mediterranian cultures. This spot is also surrounded by some beautiful snow-clad mountains that are a true view of this town. Take walking tours of the Swiss cities to really introduce yourself to the culture.
Location: Lake Lugano, Canton of Ticino, Switzerland
Duration: 1 day
Highlight: In winter, the surface of the lake freezes over, making it an ice rink, picnic spot, and hang-out destination for locals and tourists.
Things To Do: Boating, views of Monte San Salvatore, true summer resort vibes, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lake Maggiore, Locarno
13. Oberhofen Castle
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Castles and villas in Switzerland are abundant. One of the major tourist attractions in Switzerland, Oberhofen Castle sits on the shore of Lake Thun and is neighbored by a 2.5-hectare park on one side. Originally, the castle was constructed in the early 13th century but has been a part of numerous renovations since then.
In the present day, one can witness the finely blended architectural styles of Bernes Baroque, Romantic facades, Prussian style, and more. The water tower is rebuilt with Disney-esque spires that are sure to bring out the child in you and nourish it with fancies of imagination. A Turkish smoking room and a library were added to the upper floors adding decadence and glamour to the place.
Location: Schloss 4, 3653 Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland
Duration: 3-4 hours
Highlight: This is also a living museum that showcases the ancient times of the families.
Things To Do: Live Museum, perfectly blended architectural styles
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14. Grindelwald
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Situated in the Jungfrau Region, Grindelwald is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland. Surrounded by fascinating landscapes and natural wonders, this place is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.
While you are here, make sure to visit the Martinsloch or Martin’s Hole. It is a rock window that lets the sunlight flow on a sunny day. If you are visiting in summer go mountain rock climbing and hiking in the Swiss hills & valleys. However, if you are a skiing enthusiast, visit Grindelwald in winter for an exhilarating experience.
Location: Grindelwald, 3818 Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: Grindelwald is an Eigen Village, a resort town behind the Alps. As such many tourist activities are perenially available here.
Things To Do: Hiking, natural landscapes, skiing, tobogganing
15. Swiss Grand Canyon
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As the ice age was retreating, ten thousand years ago, rock weighing hundreds of billions of pounds thundered down in a rockslide which created a massive depression in this region in the country we now call Switzerland. The Swiss Grand Canyon is a gorge formed in the anterior Rhine Valley which the natives also call the Ruinalta, meaning a high heap of rubble.
The canyon is a deep meadow with different shades of green plants and grey rock. The beauty of this destination with its sweeping vistas of zagged terrain, clear blue rivers fit for rafting, forest-clad mountains, and tiny houses is something entirely unmatchable. It is one of the most breathtaking tourist places to take hiking tours in Switzerland.
Location: Ruinaulta, 7104 Versam, Switzerland
Duration: 1 day
Highlight: The debris scattered from the rockslides eventually settled down and hardened and rivers, lakes, forests, animals, and birds have now made their homes in it which is a sight to see.
Things To Do: Hiking, bird watching, natural landscapes, kayaking, views of Rhine Valley
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16. Creux du Van
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This giant rocky abyss will make you feel as if you’re standing on the edge of the world. Creux du Van means “rocky hole” in Celtic. The 160-meter-long vertical wall of rock faces a valley 4 km long and over 1 km wide. Located in Noiraigue, this rocky structure forms an arena-like space of great proportions.
The region is folded and shaped by the glaciers and rivers that have lived here for a hundred thousand years. The rock is formed of lime deposits from millions of years ago when the earth was just a big ball of water even before the Jurassic era. This is one of the most pristine Switzerland tourist attractions that tourists can either hike to from Noiraigue or take a car to from Travers. A freshwater sprung is also located in the centre of the Creux du Van arena.
Location: Creux du Van, Val-de-Travers, 2108 Provence, Switzerland
Duration: 4-6 hours
Highlight: The region is rich in montane flora and fauna including ibexes, lynxes, and chamois.
Things To Do: Bike rides at Creux du Van, Absinthe House, and Hiking at Noiraigue.
17. Le Locle & La Chaux-de-Fonds
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The twin cities of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds are popular destinations among tourists. Located next to each other in the Neuchâtel canton of Switzerland, these towns are popular for their watches. The watchmaking towns came up with the growth of the watch industries. The quaint sister towns were planned around the industries and the architecture too counts under some of the most efficient & picturesque town planning. UNESCO has recognised both towns as heritage sites and you must visit them on your 9-day & 8-night tour of Switzerland.
Tourists come from far and wide to visit the watch museums and workshops of the town. As the clockmaker theory in philosophy suggests intelligent design must come from an intelligent creator, i.e. god must exist, come visit Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds and understand how gears and cogs are made to turn in order to capture time.
Location: Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Duration: 1 day
Highlight: Swiss watches that are renowned across the world as some of the most accurate, efficient & luxury watches are made here.
Things To Do: Watchmaking town planning guided tours, food tour La Chaux-de-Fonds, tourist train in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Art Nouveau guided city tour, wine tastings.
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18. Rhaetian Railway
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Imagine a train ride. You have the windows to see the world through and the journey takes you on one of the most beautiful routes you ever imagined. The Rhaetian Railway line between Albula and Bernina takes you on a 130 km ride that will have your heart jumping out of your throat at the otherworldly beauty of the Swiss countryside, valleys, mountains and snowy peaks.
Listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, this train takes you across 196 bridges, 55 tunnels and 20 towns. Switzerland train journeys will make you feel as if you’re in a dream or a fictional fairytale world as you travel through curvy tracks through the mountains
Location: Albula, Graubünden, Switzerland
Duration: 3-4 hours
Highlight: The train ride is an opportunity to get to know Switzerland intimately, not just its cities and landmarks, or the popular tourist attractions, but the rugged farms, the villages, the rivers and the Alps.
Things To Do: Guided city tours at Chur, the train ride at Graubünden, winter excursions
19. Abbey of St. Gall
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St. Gallen is an idyllic municipality and the capital of the Canton of St Gallen in Switzerland. The city developed around the pilgrimage of St. Gall. The most significant landmark therefore is also the Convent of St Gall with its magnificent baroque cathedral. The Abbey and its library were declared a Unesco Heritage Site in 1983.
The library is the most stunning non-religious hall and contains more than a hundred fifty thousand books, manuscripts and monastery archives. The city is equally exciting with its old 17th-century houses with brightly painted walls and windows, and many quaint street cafes and the best Swiss restaurants. The town is also a great starting point for many hikes to the mountains in the region.
Location: Klosterhof 6B, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland
Duration: 2 to 4 hours (half day)
Highlight: In the same baroque library hall, a 2500-year-old Egyptian mummy named Shepenese is also housed. The collections of the abbey and the library are exhibited from time to time.
Things To Do: Old town walking tour, Library & Cathedral guided tours, St Gallen Beer History, Art & architecture tour, Medicinal history tour, Art In Advent museum tour
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20. Aletsch Glacier
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Aletsch is the largest glacier in the Alps, but to quantify its size – the glacier contains 11 billion tons of ice at the present moment, which flows into the river Rhone (not to be confused with the river Rhine which also flows through Switzerland). The region is a UNESCO site, not just because of its size, the Aletsch forest is also a habitat for rare plant & animal species.
Go skiing, hiking or just gaze into the vast unknowns at the various vantage points located along the glacier. You can also take a cable car and see the magnificent glacier up close. Lake Marjelen formed by the glacier’s melting snow is also located at a close distance and is one of the most glorious places to visit in Switzerland in December. The Glacier Express runs through Aletsch, a train journey that will make your heart go pitter-patter.
Location: The Bernese Alps of south-central Switzerland
Duration: 1 day
Highlight: The glacier is also one of the most accessible ones for tourists and is situated at an ideal location for long hikes, snow sports and nature walks.
Things To Do: Aletsch Snowpark, Blatten – Belalp Cable Car, Pro Natura Zentrum Aletsch, Snowli’s Bunny Land, Holzji Treasure Hunt
21. Fortress of Bellinzona
The forts at Bellinzona are some of the most excellent architecture exemplifying the late-medieval Alpine style. Used as defensive structures, and located at a strategic location on the mountain pass, these castles in Switzerland are a marvel to behold with one’s own eyes. Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro are the three forts which control the trade and commercial traffic through the valley of the river Ticino.
The fortresses have been restored and reconstructed in most parts to preserve the originality of the structure. Tourists flock to this popular location and temporary collections and exhibitions are held at the forts Castelgrande and Sasso Corbaro to introduce the visitors to the history and culture of the region.
Location: Bellinzona e Valli Turismo, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
Duration: 3-4 hours
Highlight: The Castelgrande Museum is situated on two floors of the south wing of the fort which has an archaeology section and an artistic history section that showcases the life of the hills here ever since the neolithic times.
Things To Do: Visit the forts and accompanying museum, hiking, wine tasting, guided tours of the city
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22. Schaffhausen
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The northernmost corner of Switzerland, on the border of Germany, is the captivating town of Schaffhausen. With the Rhine passing through the town and the Rhine Falls a major attraction, it is a place popular for its surreal & sublime natural beauty.
The old town of Schaffhausen is another vehicle-free area, in which still stand the houses of merchants and guildsmen, as gothic & baroque buildings from the 16th century. The All Saints Monastery and the Munot Fortress are landmark sites in the area. The fortress is a town emblem and can be seen from miles away.
Location: Schaffhausen, 8200 Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: The riverside area is a great place for picnics, biking, strolling, and boating. You can see the locals also hanging out at the same spots.
Things To Do: Munot Fortress, The Rhine Falls, Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen, River cruise to Stein am Rhein, IWC Museum
23. The Convent of St. John
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The paintings in the Sistine Chapel in Rome created by Michelangelo and patronised by the Medici family are old and culturally significant. The frescoes in the Benedictine Convent of St John in Müstair are twice as old and just as important, not to say incredibly beautiful.
The convent dates back to the 8th century CE and its medieval frescoes are marvellous works of art from the Carolingian period. The church owing to its art & architecture is another landmark site in Switzerland included among World Heritage Sites. This is the oldest castle in the alpine region and one of the best Switzerland tourist attractions you must not miss out on. You can feel the thousands of years of history and culture breathe here.
Location: 7537 Val Müstair, Switzerland
Duration: 2-4 hours
Highlight: The Planta Tower at the convent has been turned into a museum and the nuns from the convent guide you back in time to relay 1200 years of history & monastic knowledge.
Things To Do: Val Mustair Biosphere, Llama trekking tour, mountain hikes, astronomic observatory at Lu
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24. Lavaux
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Spread over an area of more than 2200 acres, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux are the largest contiguous crop of wine-yielding plants in Switzerland. Terrace after terrace is cut into the hills of Lavaux in the Vaud canton of the country, on which fresh produce is grown. The slopes help the crops get direct sunlight for most of the day. The scenery is astounding. Standing on a terrace overlooking the sloping hills with greenery everywhere, it is an experience like no other.
Different villages in Switzerland have names that you will recognize from internationally renowned wine labels. You will find farmhouses and small to large-scale industries as well. You can experience wine tastings, and buy authentic wine straight from the source. The vineyards of Lavaux are included among top Switzerland tourist attractions.
Location: Lavaux-Oron, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Highlight: Take a walk through the vineyards and visit the cellars where this nectar fit for the gods is stored for decades and decades to make it rich and delicious.
Things To Do: Castle Champ-Pittet, Patinoire de Vevey, Snow Bus ride on the glacier, Lausanne Golf Club, Ice Rinks of the Vaudoise arena
25. The Works of Le Corbusier
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One of the most significant contributors to the modernist movement in architecture was the Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Born in the watchmaking town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, known popularly by his pseudonym Le Corbusier, was a genius & visionary when it came to experimenting with style and technique.
He made great works of architecture come alive across the world, and 17 such buildings located in Switzerland, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, France, India and Japan were collectively recognized as World Heritage Sites. Two of these buildings are the Villa Le Lac Le Corbusier in Corseaux and the L’Immeuble Clarté located in Geneva. His concept of a house as a machine for living & functional furniture and his ideas regarding urban planning made him a key figure globally.
Location: Corseaux, Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland and Geneva, Switzerland.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Highlight: Sanskar Kendra Museum in Ahmedabad and Governor’s Palace in Chandigarh were Corbusier’s brainchild.
Things To Do: Villa Le Lac Le Corbusier, L’Immeuble Clarté, guided e-bike tour of Lavaux
Related Post: Hill Stations In Switzerland
26. Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve
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Often called the Wild West of Lucerne, Entlebuch is Switzerland’s first biosphere reserve. With sweeping moorlands, uneven limestone fixtures, and water streaming downhill from mountains, the reserve is one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions.
Full of nature’s treasures and limitless amounts of beauty and somberness, the reserve is spread over an area of 400 km square. Diverse flora and fauna find a home here. Visitors can go on an ibex trek to see those majestic goats with giant curved horns. This is an unspoilt, idyllic land that brings peace and relaxation to its tourists. Take a day trip from Lucerne to this green haven.
Location: Chlosterbüel 28, 6170 Schüpfheim, Switzerland
Duration: 4-8 hours (1 day)
Highlight: One can also go on a moorlands trail, go mountain biking, pan for gold in the stream, enjoy mud baths, and do field trips.
Things To Do: Horse riding in the wild west of Lucerne, moorlands guided trek & tour, ibex trek, mud baths, satellite-guided hiking.
27. Monte San Giorgio
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This Unesco world heritage site is a transnational treasure. Mount San Giorgio is located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Hike to the peak and you get to see scenic views of the expansive landscape dotted with vineyards. The mountain is special. Archaeologists and Paleontologists have found objects of interest in the mountain soil.
Fossils of mammals, fish and marine dinosaurs up to 6 meters in length from the Triassic period have been found here. About 250 million years ago, this mountain used to be a 100-meter-deep basin in the ocean, and the evidence of marine life from that age surfaces with the eager effort of palaeontologists today. San Georgio is one of the unique places to visit in Switzerland.
Location: Bernardo Peyer 9, 6866 Meride, Switzerland
Duration: 4-6 hours
Highlight: A fossil museum dedicated to the research and findings of such evidence from the mountain was established in Meride where a selection of the dug-up fossils is displayed.
Things To Do: A visit to the Fossil Museum, trekking, e-bike guided tours, wine tasting in the vineyards of Meride
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28. Prehistoric Pile Dwellings
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One of the best Switzerland tourist attractions, the prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps are a series of 111 excavations and digital renderings of prehistoric pile dwelling settlements buried with time in the earth from 5000 BC onwards in the 6 Alpine countries – Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, Slovenia, and Austria.
Many of these settlements still lay buried beneath layers of sediment, but they can be viewed using screens through wave detection and ranging. These prehistoric houses are found underwater, by the side of rivers & lakes throughout Switzerland, and organic material and fossils have often been found along with them as the houses help with preservation. Visitors can engage in the history and life of a generation of humans long lost in time.
Location: Hauterive, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Duration: 2-3 hours
Highlight: Some museums and exhibits showcase reconstructions of these pile dwellings.
Things To Do: A tour of civilizations from prehistoric times, an excursion to the reconstruction of the pile dwellings, and a food & wine tour in Hauterive.
29. Lausanne
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Lausanne, the seat of the International Olympic Committee, is another city in Switzerland situated on Lake Geneva. All the fun & excitement is here, so come visit this top Switzerland tourist attraction, which is half commercial town and half holiday resort. The city has a little bit of everything – luxury resorts yes, but also the Savoy Alps next to it, the Old Town with its medieval buildings, infinite charm and a no cars policy, its vineyard-covered outskirts, and Lake Geneva in all its grace passing through it.
The city is chock-full of charming little cafes and kiosks and the central landmark is the Notre Dame Cathedral, a gothic edifice dating back to the 13th century. There are plenty of cool things to do in Lausanne, you are sure to have a great time.
Location: Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlight: Many museums such as The Collection of Marginal Art in Beaulieu Castle, the Fondation de l’Hermitage, and the Musée de l’Elysée photo museum preserve the culture and art in the city and give the intellectual crowd something to take back home.
Things To Do: Aquatis (the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe), Fondation de l’Hermitage Art Museum, Shopping in the Flon quarter, Sauvabelin Park, Old town: Place de la Palud and Rue de Bourg
Related Post: Canyoning in Switzerland
30. Lauterbrunnen
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This offbeat rural destination in Switzerland has our heart and it will surely capture yours too! It has all the trademark Swiss speciality collected in one place – the Alpine backdrop, natural beauty, hiking trails up gorgeous Swiss mountains, and winter sports in snowy meadows. The village is located between Interlaken and Jungfrau and is a starting point for excursions to the Alps.
The defining feature of the village however is its waterfalls – as many as 72 – after which it is also named, Lauter Brunnen (loud rumbling springs). The Staubbachfall Falls, one of the highest falls in Europe, from a height of 300 meters over a vertical cliff face and is no less than a supernatural phenomenon to observe. Further, you can enjoy a ride on the cogwheel trains or the cable car. Lauterbrunnen is one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions.
Location: Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken-Oberhasli district, Bern, Switzerland
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlight: Bring your camera along and take loads of pictures in this picturesque hamlet which is one of the best Switzerland tourist attractions.
Things To Do: Switzerland’s waterfalls: Staub, Mürrenbach and Trümmelbach Falls, Wengen Viewpoint, Mürren: a Car-free village, Schilthorn: Piz Gloria, Swiss skyline with the revolving restaurant
31. Locarno
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A sunny little town with a population of a few thousand is Locarno. It is the warmest town in the snowy country and has a very pleasing climate that reminds you of Disney films set in summery beach towns. Southern plants like lemon trees and palm trees flourish here. The central Plazza Grande is the main attraction where the Locarno film festival takes place annually, and where the Visconteo castle is located.
The old town of the town like all other cities in Switzerland preserves the glory of the medieval days in its original splendour. A light stroll during the day here can make one nostalgic and appreciative of the wonders of natural beauty and human ingenuity. One is reminded that this is one of the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland.
Location: Locarno, Lake Maggiore, Canton of Ticino, Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: Various churches, libraries, museums, and art houses are located along the promenade that leads to the lake.
Things To Do: Cardada Cimetta, Visconteo Castle, Lido Locarno, Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso, Verzasca Valley, Piazza Grande, Lake Promenade
Related Post: Homestays In Switzerland
32. Basel
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Basel is an impressive city. It can be a model European city – with its universities, its glorious old town, its small boutiques, and shops of antiques, it has everything and more to offer. The city is a city of museums with an impressive total of 40 museums, the most in any city in Switzerland. They are also the best museums in Switzerland – dedicated to medieval art, contemporary art, swiss architecture, urban planning, Jewish identity & heritage, kinetic artists, and much more.
Symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras and musical theatre also have a strong foothold in Basel. Moreover, the city is a green city with numerous botanical gardens, parks and a green zoo. It is one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions to visit with your family.
Location: Basel, Northwestern Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: The city also sees an annual carnival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm across the city.
Things To Do: Museum Tinguely, Museum del Kulturen Basel, Rhine cruises, Basel Zoo, Shopping in the Spallenberg, Autumn Fair in Basel
33. Geneva
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Geneva is the beating heart of Switzerland. The international headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross Organisation and its humanitarian campaigns, the city is located on the banks of Lake Geneva. The most cosmopolitan city in the country and probably the world’s smallest metropolis, this city is a global city in the truest sense & one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions.
This gorgeous township has an old town quarter, a business quarter, many quays, countless parks, lakeside promenades, cute cafes, chic restaurants, and a district dedicated to shopping in Switzerland. As far as places of cultural interest go, the Grand Théâtre, Geneva Opera House, the International Museum of the Red Cross, and Musée International de l’horlogerie (a museum dedicated to watches & jewellery) hold special significance.
Location: Geneva, Genève, Switzerland
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlight: Geneva is one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions to get a taste of urban Swiss life, lifestyle and culture.
Things To Do: Cathedral of Saint Pierre, Jet d’Eau, E-bike tour in the Geneva vineyards, Musée international de la Réforme, Fondation Martin Bodmer, CERN Science Gateway, Mamco, Musée d’art moderne et contemporain.
Related Post: Cruises In Switzerland
34. Titlis
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If you also fancy yourself a daredevil or you’re looking for an adventure that is going to excite you and challenge you, you need to visit Titlis. One of the best Switzerland tourist attractions, Mount Titlis is a mountain in the Uri Alps located between the cantons of Bern and Obwalden, one of the top tourist places to visit in Switzerland.
The journey up to Titlis is one to remember – you need to take a gondola up to the middle station and then continue ahead in the Titlis Rotair, a rotating cable car ride that gives you 360-degree panoramic views of the Engelberg Valley of Switzerland and the snowy Alpine mountains. Make sure to layer up in multiple layers of insulating thermal wear as the temperatures here never come to the positive side of zero.
Location: Titlis, 6390 Engelberg, Switzerland
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlight: Fun activities like sledging in the glacier park and visiting the glacier caves are accompanied by a thrilling selection of adventure sports like Titlis Cliffwalk, mountain biking, ziplining, and hiking.
Things To Do: Suspension bridge, Titlis Rotair, Trübsee snow park, rowing boats on the Trübsee lake, scooters from Gerschnialp, four-lakes hike to Engstlenalp and Melchsee Frutt
35. Vallemaggia
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A magical place stretching from Lake Maggiore in Locarno all the way to the Alps – the Vallemaggia translates to ‘the Magic Valley’. This is the place to discover the lost ways, the traditional flavours of mountain living, in harmony with nature, and the local culture and indigenous ways of life of this rural Italian-speaking region. It is the perfect place to get lost forever. The villages are a quaint collection of charming cottages built out of wood and stone.
Delicious food awaits you in Ticino, where you sit in ‘grottos’ and enjoy hearty and wholesome meals under a tree. Find accommodation in Alpine cabins or modern buildings and go sightseeing without a care. The churches in Switzerland are also quite majestic. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a town in the Italian countryside. Vallemaggia is simply one of the best tourist places to visit in Switzerland.
Location: Valle Maggia, 6678 Maggia, Ticino, Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: Go hiking or mountain biking, visit local churches and museums, enjoy your time at cafes and restaurants, and find a spot to picnic in on a sunny day (there is no shortage of these in the green mountains).
Things To Do: Primeval Beech forests, Didactic Trail on the Robiei Dam, Museo de Valmaggia, Avegno Village Walk.
How To Reach Switzerland
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The distance from India to Switzerland is about 6900 km. Therefore, the best way to reach Switzerland is by taking an India-to-Switzerland flight from any of the major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and the like. The International Airports at Zurich, Basel, and Geneva are some of the main airports in Switzerland. All of them are well connected to other parts of the country by bus or train. Therefore, transportation would not be an issue for the tourists once they reach one of these cities. India to Switzerland flight starting rate is about Rs. 50,000 which varies from one city to another, and it takes around 8 to 14 hours to travel from India to Switzerland by air depending on the number of layovers that a flight takes. It is one of the cheapest and the best ways to reach Switzerland from India.
Best Time To Visit Switzerland
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Summer: From June to August is the summer season in Switzerland. The temperature remains between 19 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius. The weather is dry and pleasant with no excessive heat or cold. Therefore, summer is the peak tourist season in Switzerland. It is a great time to indulge in some outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and boating. Head out to Lake Geneva for some fun & merriment. Visitors can explore the cities without a care and go sightseeing and city tours.
Autumn: The fall months of September to November are also pretty mild as far as weather goes. The temperature remains between 7 degrees to 20 degrees Celcius. The nights can get chilly so pack accordingly. It is a good time to visit the Alps, and go wine tasting in the country’s vineyards or cable car riding.
Winter: The snowy season is the perfect time to go adventuring in Switzerland. With snowfall on the Alpine slopes, you can go skiing, snowboarding, and sledging. The cities of Interlaken and Geneva see a heap of tourists in this season as well. With temperatures remaining between 0 degrees to 6 degrees Celsius, it can get very cold, but the season is also great for a picture-perfect honeymoon.
Spring: As the snow starts to melt away with the onset of the spring season, the landscape of Switzerland comes to life with fresh bloom. Accommodation is mostly cheaper than other seasons and the weather is usually clear. The average temperature is 11 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius.
You May Also Like To Read: Water Sports In Switzerland
From a buckload of Swiss tourist attractions, we have provided you with the best. All you need to do is pack up and embark upon the journey to live those Swiss dreams on your trip to Switzerland. These tourist attractions will be stuck in your head long after you have quit the country. It is not unusual for travellers to return to the country after visiting it once.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Switzerland Tourist Attractions
What is the most beautiful place in Switzerland?
There is no dearth of places to visit in Switzerland that are beautiful including Lucerne, Bern, Interlaken, Lake Geneva, and more.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Switzerland?
The cheapest month to pay a visit to Switzerland is in February.
Is Switzerland expensive to visit?
Yes. Switzerland is a pretty expensive country to visit. However, one can still plan a budget trip by cutting down expenses.
How many days are enough in Switzerland?
To witness the entire country at once, you should spend around 6 days.
What is the best month to go to Switzerland?
The best month to pay a visit to Switzerland is October.
Which are the best day trips in Switzerland?
The best ideas for day trips in Switzerland are - taking a tour of the Swiss villages, a visit to the Jungfrau region to see the Alps, Laterbrunnen, and enjoy cable car rides, a day visit to the Chamonix Valley, Mount Titlis, or exploring Zurich and Geneva.
What are the famous places to visit in Switzerland with family?
The famous Switzerland attractions to visit with family are - the charming old town of Lucerne, Lake Geneva, Europe's biggest waterfall - Rhine Falls, the cities of Interlaken and Zürich, the Matterhorn Mountain, and the Castle Chillon.
What are the best places to visit in Switzerland for couples?
The best romantic places for honeymoon in Switzerland are - Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich, Geneva, Lugano, Lausanne, St. Moritz, and Montreux.
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An avid traveler, photographer, and writer, he can be spotted in a remote Indian destination twice every month. A true believer of “live like there’s no tomorrow”, Pushkar is out to strike all places off his bucket list before others have even made one!
