The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best places to visit in switzerland"
Named by 6 of 71. Jungfrau RegionPart of the Bernese Highlands, a top skiing area with hiking, biking and water sports around Interlaken in warmer months.The Jungfraujoch has Europe's highest railway station, and the Peak Walk at Glacier 3000 is a well-known hike.
Named by 5 of 72. Zermatt and the MatterhornThe Matterhorn is a pyramid-shaped peak on the Italian border, about 4,478 meters high and widely photographed.From Zermatt, a cable car or cogwheel train reaches Gornergrat or Klein Matterhorn for views without climbing.
Named by 4 of 73. Lake GenevaA crescent-shaped alpine lake with mountains around it; boat cruises leave from Lausanne, Evian and Geneva.Chillon Castle on the lake is the most visited historical monument in Switzerland.
Named by 3 of 74. LucerneThe small city has a wooden Chapel Bridge that is lit at night, and Mount Pilatus is a 20-minute drive south.Lake Lucerne can be explored by kayak or on the 35 km Swiss Path, with Rigi nearby by boat and cogwheel railway.Named by 3 of 75. ZurichThe Old Town spans both banks of the Limmat river, with guild houses, Bahnhofstrasse and the Niederdorf alleys.A good first-day city: Old Town, Lindenhofplatz views and the Grossmunster.Best time to visit Zurich
Named by 3 of 76. BernCapital since the 19th century, with a UNESCO medieval Old Town and the Zytglogge clock tower.A sophisticated capital with sandstone buildings and ornate fountains; the Bernese Oberland lies to the south.
Named by 3 of 77. Rhine FallsCalled the most powerful waterfall in Europe; a 45-minute walking trail gives the best views.About a 45-minute drive from Zurich, with boat rides toward the falls.
Named by 2 of 78. St. MoritzKnown for skiing, with hundreds of kilometres of pistes.Beyond skiing there are glacial hikes, mineral springs and the country's only national park; the Glacier Express is a scenic way in.Named by 2 of 79. GenevaSits at the southern end of Lake Geneva, with more than 30 museums.Listed with Basel and Zurich as a city for festivals, arts and dining.
Named by 2 of 710. Aletsch GlacierA UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, best seen from the Jungfraujoch and the Aletsch Arena.Named with the Matterhorn and Jungfraujoch among the best-known outdoor attractions.
Named by 2 of 711. Swiss National ParkListed as a day-out option for nature lovers.The country's only national park, reachable for hiking from St. Moritz.
12. OeschinenseeA bright blue mountain lake in the Bernese Oberland that is lesser known and has fewer crowds.The best months to hike to it are May to October, since it freezes over in winter.
13. BachalpseeA mountain lake at about 2,200 m, reached by a 3 km easy hike from Grindelwald First.Best in summer, around May to June, when the flowers are out and crowds are thinner.14. BaselListed as a city for festivals, arts and dining.
15. Ascona and Lake MaggioreHas a Mediterranean climate and Italian influences, unlike St. Moritz, about a 160-minute drive away.
16. GelmerseeReached by one of the steepest funiculars in Switzerland.
17. Creux du VanA natural rock amphitheatre with 200-metre-high rock faces in the Neuchatel Jura.
18. Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta)Can be seen from the Il Spir viewing platform, on foot along the Rhine, or by Rhaetian Railway.
19. Bernina Express routeA rail route from Chur to Tirano in Italy, partly on a UNESCO Rhaetian Railway line with 84 tunnels.
Fares from your city
Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
When to go
Travel guides most often name June to September as the best time to visit Switzerland.
Questions people ask
- Is Switzerland expensive to visit?
- Sources call it expensive, though one traveler says you get used to it. Prices run high around places like St. Moritz.
- What are some hidden gems in Switzerland?
- Oeschinensee is a bright blue Bernese Oberland lake described as lesser known, with fewer crowds than the big-name spots.
