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.
15 Best Switzerland Tourist Attractions
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 – Land Of Concerts
- Interlaken – Home To Flower Gardens
- Jungfraujoch – Best Train Journey
- Lake Geneva – Serenity All-Around
- The Matterhorn – Charming Village
- Zurich – Transportation Hub
- Swiss National Park – Oldest Reserve
- Chateau De Chillon, Montreux – An Architectural Treasure
- St Moritz – Skiing Spot
- Bern – Ancient Town
- The Rhine Falls – Largest Falls
- Lake Lugano And Ticino – Fairytale Land
- Oberhofen Castle – Blended Styles
- Grindelwald – Best Ski Resort Town
- Swiss Grand Canyon – Standing Since Ice Age
1. Lucerne – Land Of Concerts
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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 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, Lucerne is a complete package.
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.
Major attractions: 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 – Home To Flower Gardens
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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 gorgeous Switzerland tourist attractions.
Interlaken is considered the adventure capital of Switzerland with opportunities for Skiing and snowboarding, hiking trails leading to Alpine meadows and gorgeous glaciers.
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.
Major attractions: Railways, ski lifts, chairlifts and cable cars; snowboarding, cross country skiing, paragliding over snow, paddle steamer cruise around the lakes
3. Jungfraujoch – The Top Of Europe
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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.
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.
Major attractions: 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
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4. Lake Geneva – Serenity All-Around
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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.
Major attractions: The pristine lake, gardens, Opera House, Grand Theatre, cute cafes, and the Montreux Jazz Festival in June/July
5. The Matterhorn – Charming Village
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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. It 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.
Major attractions: 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 – Transportation Hub
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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.
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.
Major attractions: Kunsthaus Zurich – the museum of fine arts, shopping at Bahnhofstrasse, Gothic chateau, penguin parade
7. Swiss National Park – Oldest Reserve
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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 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.
Major attractions: Flower-dotted hollows, shrubs and streams, limestone crags, mountain treks
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8. Chateau De Chillon, Montreux – An Architectural Treasure
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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.
Major attractions: The gothic underground rooms, heritage architecture, great halls, the Chapel adorned with 14th-century paintings and several medieval murals.
9. St Moritz – Skiing Spot
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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. This small town with a rich history overlooks the turquoise Lake of St Moritz.
Location: St Moritz, 7500 Switzerland
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlight: If you love adventure sports, particularly ones that involve snow and ice, this is the place you need to visit.
Major attractions: 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 – Ancient Town
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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.
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.
Major attractions: Tallest cathedral, Zytglogge medieval clock, Rose garden, Bern Museum of Art, Bear Park
11. The Rhine Falls – Largest 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 Falls in Switzerland is perhaps the most powerful waterfall in Europe – it spans 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.
Major attractions: Boat trips up to the falls, scenic vistas as seen from the falls
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12. Lake Lugano And Ticino – Fairytale Land
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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.
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.
Major Attractions: Boating, views of Monte San Salvatore, true summer resort vibes, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lake Maggiore, Locarno
13. Oberhofen Castle – Blended Styles
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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.
Major Attractions: Live Museum, perfectly blended architectural styles
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14. Grindelwald – Best Ski Resort Town
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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. However, if you are a skiing enthusiast, visit Grindelwald in winter for an exhilarating experience.
Location: Grindelwald, 3818 Switzerland
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Major Attractions: Hiking, natural landscapes, skiing, tobogganing
15. Swiss Grand Canyon – Standing Since Ice Age
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Also known as the Ruinaulta, the Swiss Grand Canyon is a deep meadow that is full of different shades of green. Created around 10,000 years ago during the Ice Age, this Canyon offers views that make it look right out of a storybook. The beauty of this destination with its vast green land, clear blue river, forest-clad mountains, and tiny houses is something totally unmatchable. It is one of the most breathtaking tourist places in Switzerland.
Location: Ruinaulta, 7104 Versam, Switzerland
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Major Attractions: Hiking, bird watching, natural landscapes, kayaking, views of Rhine Valley
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From a buckload of Switzerland 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.
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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 the month of 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?
In order 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.
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