last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Switzerland
Location Map of Switzerland
Switzerland
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Switzerland has 11 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Saint Gall Abbey (1983)
This 7th-century Benedictine abbey, along with its library, was one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in Europe for several centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This 7th-century Benedictine abbey, along with its library, was one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in Europe for several centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jungfrau-Aletsch (2001)
A mountain range (the Jungfrau) and a glacier (the Aletsch), among the largest in Europe, located in the Swiss Alps. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers various hikes in its surroundings.
A mountain range (the Jungfrau) and a glacier (the Aletsch), among the largest in Europe, located in the Swiss Alps. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers various hikes in its surroundings.
Sardona (2008)
Officially known as the "Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona," this is a mountainous natural site around Piz Sardona, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its geological value.
Officially known as the "Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona," this is a mountainous natural site around Piz Sardona, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its geological value.
Old Town of Bern (1983)
The historic centre of Bern remains one of the finest examples of medieval urban planning in Europe. This is why it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The historic centre of Bern remains one of the finest examples of medieval urban planning in Europe. This is why it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
La Chaux-de-Fonds (2009)
A town in the Jura Mountains at the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Along with its neighbor Le Locle, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its 19th-century "watchmaking urbanism," characterized by a collection of workers' districts and workshops.
A town in the Jura Mountains at the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Along with its neighbor Le Locle, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its 19th-century "watchmaking urbanism," characterized by a collection of workers' districts and workshops.
Lavaux
This small region in the canton of Vaud is renowned for its UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards along the shores of Lake Geneva. You can explore the various wines through walking or driving routes.
This small region in the canton of Vaud is renowned for its UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards along the shores of Lake Geneva. You can explore the various wines through walking or driving routes.
Prehistoric Lake Dwelling Sites (2011)
These remains are spread across six Alpine countries. Of the thousand or so that exist, a hundred are UNESCO-listed, with over half in Switzerland, particularly around Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel (including Gletterens and other sites).
These remains are spread across six Alpine countries. Of the thousand or so that exist, a hundred are UNESCO-listed, with over half in Switzerland, particularly around Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel (including Gletterens and other sites).
Italian and/or Romansh Switzerland:
St. John's Convent (1983)
This Benedictine abbey in the Grisons, built in the municipality of Müstair, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Carolingian frescoes.
This Benedictine abbey in the Grisons, built in the municipality of Müstair, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Carolingian frescoes.
Albula and Bernina Railway (2008)
Two stunning "historic" Italo-Swiss train lines through the Alps. Beyond the landscapes, they are UNESCO-listed for their numerous engineering works, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels.
Two stunning "historic" Italo-Swiss train lines through the Alps. Beyond the landscapes, they are UNESCO-listed for their numerous engineering works, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels.
Monte San Giorgio
A small mountain by the lakes in Ticino, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many fossils.
A small mountain by the lakes in Ticino, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many fossils.
Three Castles of Bellinzona (2000)
These are three medieval castles and their ramparts located in the city of Bellinzona. They are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These are three medieval castles and their ramparts located in the city of Bellinzona. They are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
German-speaking Switzerland
This is the German-speaking part of the country, with 17 out of 26 cantons (plus parts of four others).
Basel
On the borders with France and Germany, Basel is Switzerland's third-largest city. It boasts an old historic centre, several museums, and a well-known carnival.
On the borders with France and Germany, Basel is Switzerland's third-largest city. It boasts an old historic centre, several museums, and a well-known carnival.
Biel/Bienne
At the foot of the Jura mountains and on the shores of Lake Biel, the city has a charming old town centre.
At the foot of the Jura mountains and on the shores of Lake Biel, the city has a charming old town centre.
Hünegg Castle
In the locality of Hilterfingen, a small 19th-century lakeside castle that also serves as an Art Nouveau museum.
In the locality of Hilterfingen, a small 19th-century lakeside castle that also serves as an Art Nouveau museum.
Lenzburg Castle
One of the oldest castles in the country, perched on a hill in the eponymous municipality.
One of the oldest castles in the country, perched on a hill in the eponymous municipality.
Jungfrau Railway
Ending its journey at nearly 3,500 m, this short tourist train line is the highest in Europe. It travels about ten kilometres through stunning landscapes to Jungfraujoch station.
Ending its journey at nearly 3,500 m, this short tourist train line is the highest in Europe. It travels about ten kilometres through stunning landscapes to Jungfraujoch station.
Gimmelwald
This small mountain village is only accessible on foot or by cable car, just like its neighbour Mürren. Naturally, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the surrounding area.
This small mountain village is only accessible on foot or by cable car, just like its neighbour Mürren. Naturally, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the surrounding area.
Gstaad
This mountain village is internationally renowned as one of the most exclusive winter sports resorts in the Alps.
This mountain village is internationally renowned as one of the most exclusive winter sports resorts in the Alps.
Interlaken
This long-established tourist resort in the canton of Bern is nestled between two lakes. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding mountain ranges and enjoying a wide range of outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, mountain biking, water sports, climbing, rafting, canyoning...).
This long-established tourist resort in the canton of Bern is nestled between two lakes. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding mountain ranges and enjoying a wide range of outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, mountain biking, water sports, climbing, rafting, canyoning...).
Kandersteg
A family-friendly ski resort south of Bern with interesting hiking opportunities as well.
A family-friendly ski resort south of Bern with interesting hiking opportunities as well.
Lauterbrunnen
This locality in the canton of Bern is renowned for "base jumping". Mountain biking, skiing, and hiking are also popular here. Several waterfalls can be seen in the valley around the village.
This locality in the canton of Bern is renowned for "base jumping". Mountain biking, skiing, and hiking are also popular here. Several waterfalls can be seen in the valley around the village.
Lucerne
Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the city has preserved a very pretty old town and is popular with tourists. It’s also a great base for exploring the lake and its surroundings.
Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the city has preserved a very pretty old town and is popular with tourists. It’s also a great base for exploring the lake and its surroundings.
Murten
A small town with an old centre surrounded by ramparts and built on the shore of the lake of the same name.
A small town with an old centre surrounded by ramparts and built on the shore of the lake of the same name.
Saas-Fee
This village, where traditional rural architecture endures, is nestled at the foot of several glaciers and Alpine peaks. It is renowned for snowboarding, and you can also enjoy beautiful hikes in the surrounding area.
This village, where traditional rural architecture endures, is nestled at the foot of several glaciers and Alpine peaks. It is renowned for snowboarding, and you can also enjoy beautiful hikes in the surrounding area.
St. Gallen
A fairly large city in northeastern Switzerland with an old town center and a UNESCO-listed abbey.
A fairly large city in northeastern Switzerland with an old town center and a UNESCO-listed abbey.
Sargans
In the east of the country, not far from Liechtenstein, Sargans has a hilltop castle and a set of iron mines to visit on its outskirts.
In the east of the country, not far from Liechtenstein, Sargans has a hilltop castle and a set of iron mines to visit on its outskirts.
Schaffhausen
This small town on the banks of the Rhine has preserved its old quarters in medieval and Renaissance styles. It's also a starting point for visiting the Rhine Falls right next door.
This small town on the banks of the Rhine has preserved its old quarters in medieval and Renaissance styles. It's also a starting point for visiting the Rhine Falls right next door.
Spiez
This picturesque town, set in a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Thun, boasts a charming 16th-century castle. There are plenty of outdoor sports activities in the area (boating, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, etc.).
This picturesque town, set in a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Thun, boasts a charming 16th-century castle. There are plenty of outdoor sports activities in the area (boating, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, etc.).
Thun
A small town on the shores of the lake of the same name, with several castles and opportunities for outdoor sports in the surrounding area (boating, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, etc.).
A small town on the shores of the lake of the same name, with several castles and opportunities for outdoor sports in the surrounding area (boating, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, etc.).
Wengen
A ski resort in the Bernese Alps, also offering a great selection of hiking and cycling trails in season.
A ski resort in the Bernese Alps, also offering a great selection of hiking and cycling trails in season.
Zermatt
One of Switzerland’s most renowned resorts. Beyond skiing, it offers excellent opportunities for mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in a stunning setting.
One of Switzerland’s most renowned resorts. Beyond skiing, it offers excellent opportunities for mountaineering, climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in a stunning setting.
Natural Heritage
Rhine Falls
These falls are among the largest in Europe and are impressive in their own right. You can get close to them by boat.
These falls are among the largest in Europe and are impressive in their own right. You can get close to them by boat.
Aar Gorge
This is a beautiful natural site, 1,400 metres long, located just outside the village of Meiringen.
This is a beautiful natural site, 1,400 metres long, located just outside the village of Meiringen.
Jungfrau-Aletsch
A mountain range (the Jungfrau) and a glacier (the Aletsch), among the largest in Europe, located in the Swiss Alps. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers various hikes in its surroundings.
A mountain range (the Jungfrau) and a glacier (the Aletsch), among the largest in Europe, located in the Swiss Alps. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers various hikes in its surroundings.
Lake Constance
Straddling Switzerland, Germany and Austria, it is one of Europe’s largest lakes. Visitors come for boating, ferry rides, or cycling along its many bike paths.
Straddling Switzerland, Germany and Austria, it is one of Europe’s largest lakes. Visitors come for boating, ferry rides, or cycling along its many bike paths.
Lake Lucerne
A lovely lake (also sometimes called Lake Lucerne) located in the heart of Switzerland. A hiking trail, the "Swiss Path," partly circles it.
A lovely lake (also sometimes called Lake Lucerne) located in the heart of Switzerland. A hiking trail, the "Swiss Path," partly circles it.
Lake Thune
A pretty alpine lake on the edge of the town of the same name. Several small castles and villages around its shores are worth seeing.
A pretty alpine lake on the edge of the town of the same name. Several small castles and villages around its shores are worth seeing.
Lötschental
One of Switzerland’s most beautiful valleys, offering stunning landscapes and opportunities for skiing or hiking. It is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of Switzerland’s most beautiful valleys, offering stunning landscapes and opportunities for skiing or hiking. It is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sardona
Officially known as the "Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona," this is a mountainous natural site around Piz Sardona, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its geological value.
Officially known as the "Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona," this is a mountainous natural site around Piz Sardona, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its geological value.
French-speaking Switzerland
This is the French-speaking part of the country, with the cantons of Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Vaud, plus parts of Fribourg, Bern, and Valais.
Aigle
Close to winter sports resorts, this small town offers several historic districts and a castle now converted into a wine museum.
Close to winter sports resorts, this small town offers several historic districts and a castle now converted into a wine museum.
Anzère
A ski and holiday resort in Valais. In addition to skiing, you can go hiking and mountain biking here.
A ski and holiday resort in Valais. In addition to skiing, you can go hiking and mountain biking here.
Avenches
These are the remains of what was once the capital of Roman Helvetia. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland.
These are the remains of what was once the capital of Roman Helvetia. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland.
Château-d'Oex
This municipality is a ski resort and outdoor activity hub (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canyoning, etc.), as well as one of Europe’s hotspots for hot-air ballooning.
This municipality is a ski resort and outdoor activity hub (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canyoning, etc.), as well as one of Europe’s hotspots for hot-air ballooning.
Chillon Castle
A lovely lakeside fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux. With its romantic setting, it is one of Switzerland’s most visited landmarks.
A lovely lakeside fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux. With its romantic setting, it is one of Switzerland’s most visited landmarks.
Grandson Castle
A medieval castle-museum located in the municipality of the same name, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.
A medieval castle-museum located in the municipality of the same name, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.
Rolle Castle
This is a medieval building on the shores of Lake Geneva located in the municipality of the same name.
This is a medieval building on the shores of Lake Geneva located in the municipality of the same name.
Coppet
A few kilometres north of Geneva, on the lake, this locality stands out for its 16th-century arcaded houses, its Gothic church, and its 18th-century château.
A few kilometres north of Geneva, on the lake, this locality stands out for its 16th-century arcaded houses, its Gothic church, and its 18th-century château.
Fribourg
A pleasant capital of its canton, the city boasts an old town showcasing a stunning example of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
A pleasant capital of its canton, the city boasts an old town showcasing a stunning example of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
Geneva
With its iconic Jet d'Eau and old town, the city on Lake Geneva attracts tourists, business travelers, and representatives of international organizations alike.
With its iconic Jet d'Eau and old town, the city on Lake Geneva attracts tourists, business travelers, and representatives of international organizations alike.
Gruyères
This large perched village near Fribourg boasts a charming medieval heritage and a 13th-century castle. It’s also the birthplace of the famous cheese of the same name.
This large perched village near Fribourg boasts a charming medieval heritage and a 13th-century castle. It’s also the birthplace of the famous cheese of the same name.
La Chaux-de-Fonds
A town in the Jura Mountains at the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Along with its neighbor Le Locle, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its 19th-century "watchmaking urbanism," characterized by a collection of workers' districts and workshops.
A town in the Jura Mountains at the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Along with its neighbor Le Locle, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its 19th-century "watchmaking urbanism," characterized by a collection of workers' districts and workshops.
Lausanne
The capital of the canton of Vaud is best known as the home of the International Olympic Committee. Its old town overlooks Lake Geneva. Lausanne is also home to quite a few museums.
The capital of the canton of Vaud is best known as the home of the International Olympic Committee. Its old town overlooks Lake Geneva. Lausanne is also home to quite a few museums.
Lavaux
This small region in the canton of Vaud is renowned for its UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards along the shores of Lake Geneva. You can explore the various wines through walking or driving routes.
This small region in the canton of Vaud is renowned for its UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards along the shores of Lake Geneva. You can explore the various wines through walking or driving routes.
Leysin
A ski resort and holiday destination near Montreux in the Vaud Alps. Leysin is also home to several international schools that contribute to its reputation.
A ski resort and holiday destination near Montreux in the Vaud Alps. Leysin is also home to several international schools that contribute to its reputation.
Montreux
The lakeside town is world-famous for its jazz festival. Beyond the event, Montreux also offers several small castles and a few beautiful historic villas and hotels.
The lakeside town is world-famous for its jazz festival. Beyond the event, Montreux also offers several small castles and a few beautiful historic villas and hotels.
Morges
The small town on Lake Geneva has preserved an old town center. It offers several museums as well as prehistoric pile-dwelling sites (remains of lakeside settlements).
The small town on Lake Geneva has preserved an old town center. It offers several museums as well as prehistoric pile-dwelling sites (remains of lakeside settlements).
Neuchâtel
On the shores of its lake and at the foot of the mountains, Neuchâtel is a university city with an old town centre and a castle.
On the shores of its lake and at the foot of the mountains, Neuchâtel is a university city with an old town centre and a castle.
Nyon
Small town on Lake Geneva with a Roman past, still visible in some remains, as well as a small 12th-century castle. Nyon is also home to UEFA’s headquarters and the Lake Geneva Museum.
Small town on Lake Geneva with a Roman past, still visible in some remains, as well as a small 12th-century castle. Nyon is also home to UEFA’s headquarters and the Lake Geneva Museum.
Vaud Riviera
This is the lakeside part of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, stretching from Vevey to beyond Montreux. It offers a beautiful panorama between lake and mountains.
This is the lakeside part of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, stretching from Vevey to beyond Montreux. It offers a beautiful panorama between lake and mountains.
Saint-Maurice
This town southeast of Lake Geneva is home to an ancient abbey, the cliffside chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Scex, and a 15th-century fortress.
This town southeast of Lake Geneva is home to an ancient abbey, the cliffside chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Scex, and a 15th-century fortress.
Saint-Ursanne
A village in the Swiss Jura that has preserved its abbey and bourgeois houses from the 14th–16th centuries.
A village in the Swiss Jura that has preserved its abbey and bourgeois houses from the 14th–16th centuries.
Sion
It is the capital of Valais, home to the fortified Valère Basilica and the ruins of Tourbillon Castle.
It is the capital of Valais, home to the fortified Valère Basilica and the ruins of Tourbillon Castle.
Prehistoric Lake Dwelling Sites
These remains are spread across six Alpine countries. Of the thousand or so that exist, a hundred are UNESCO-listed, with over half in Switzerland, particularly around Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel (including Gletterens and other sites).
These remains are spread across six Alpine countries. Of the thousand or so that exist, a hundred are UNESCO-listed, with over half in Switzerland, particularly around Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel (including Gletterens and other sites).
Vevey
It's one of the main towns on the Vaud Riviera, on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering a lovely panorama of the lake from the city.
It's one of the main towns on the Vaud Riviera, on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering a lovely panorama of the lake from the city.
Yverdon
A spa town near Neuchâtel with various traces of its past (menhirs, Roman ruins, medieval castle...) and several small museums.
A spa town near Neuchâtel with various traces of its past (menhirs, Roman ruins, medieval castle...) and several small museums.
4 Valleys
Switzerland's largest ski area and one of Europe's major ones. It links six resorts and offers over 400 km of pistes.
Switzerland's largest ski area and one of Europe's major ones. It links six resorts and offers over 400 km of pistes.
Natural Heritage
Great St Bernard Pass
One of the highest passes in the Alps (between Switzerland and Italy), highly popular with cyclists and lovers of stunning landscapes and hikes. The pass is also famous for its hospice at the summit and, above all, the St Bernard rescue dogs.
One of the highest passes in the Alps (between Switzerland and Italy), highly popular with cyclists and lovers of stunning landscapes and hikes. The pass is also famous for its hospice at the summit and, above all, the St Bernard rescue dogs.
Lake Geneva
Between France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva is one of Europe's largest lakes. It’s also a tourist destination with renowned cities (Geneva, Vevey, Montreux...), its vineyards (Lavaux region), nearby ski resorts, and, incidentally, lake cruises or water sports.
Between France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva is one of Europe's largest lakes. It’s also a tourist destination with renowned cities (Geneva, Vevey, Montreux...), its vineyards (Lavaux region), nearby ski resorts, and, incidentally, lake cruises or water sports.
Lake Neuchâtel
The second-largest Swiss lake above Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Jura Mountains. You can discover some interesting towns (including Neuchâtel) and vineyards, as well as enjoy various water activities.
The second-largest Swiss lake above Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Jura Mountains. You can discover some interesting towns (including Neuchâtel) and vineyards, as well as enjoy various water activities.
Diablerets Massif
Also known as Tsanfleuron for its glacier. Accessible by cable car, it offers skiing—even off-season—in a stunning setting ideal for hiking.
Also known as Tsanfleuron for its glacier. Accessible by cable car, it offers skiing—even off-season—in a stunning setting ideal for hiking.
Italian and/or Romansh Switzerland
This is the Italian- and/or Romansh-speaking part of Switzerland, with the cantons of Ticino and Grisons.
St. John's Convent
This Benedictine abbey in the Grisons, built in the municipality of Müstair, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Carolingian frescoes.
This Benedictine abbey in the Grisons, built in the municipality of Müstair, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Carolingian frescoes.
Arosa Lenzerheide
One of the main ski resorts in Graubünden, not far from Chur and the highly popular Lake Heidsee in summer.
One of the main ski resorts in Graubünden, not far from Chur and the highly popular Lake Heidsee in summer.
Ascona
On the shores of Lake Maggiore, Ascona is a charming small town highly popular with holidaymakers for its setting. It is designated an "artistic town.".
On the shores of Lake Maggiore, Ascona is a charming small town highly popular with holidaymakers for its setting. It is designated an "artistic town.".
Bellinzona
It is the capital of Ticino with an old urban center. Its three medieval castles and their ramparts are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is the capital of Ticino with an old urban center. Its three medieval castles and their ramparts are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Albula and Bernina Railway (2008)
Two stunning "historic" Italo-Swiss train lines through the Alps. Beyond the landscapes, they are UNESCO-listed for their numerous engineering works, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels.
Two stunning "historic" Italo-Swiss train lines through the Alps. Beyond the landscapes, they are UNESCO-listed for their numerous engineering works, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels.
Chiasso
Its position on the Italian border along the route to Milan makes it an important transit and commercial hub.
Its position on the Italian border along the route to Milan makes it an important transit and commercial hub.
Chur
One of Switzerland's oldest cities and the capital of Graubünden. It features a small old town and a cathedral, with several ski and hiking areas in the surrounding mountains.
One of Switzerland's oldest cities and the capital of Graubünden. It features a small old town and a cathedral, with several ski and hiking areas in the surrounding mountains.
Davos
This upscale winter sports resort in eastern Switzerland, in the Grisons, is best known for hosting the World Economic Forum each year.
This upscale winter sports resort in eastern Switzerland, in the Grisons, is best known for hosting the World Economic Forum each year.
Gandria
A stunning lakeside village on the shores of Lake Lugano, with its narrow alleys, stairways, and beautiful character houses.
A stunning lakeside village on the shores of Lake Lugano, with its narrow alleys, stairways, and beautiful character houses.
Locarno
Located on Lake Maggiore, the town is known for its climate, setting, and vegetation. It features an old center, a medieval castle, and on its heights, the beautiful church of Madonna del Sasso, an important pilgrimage site.
Located on Lake Maggiore, the town is known for its climate, setting, and vegetation. It features an old center, a medieval castle, and on its heights, the beautiful church of Madonna del Sasso, an important pilgrimage site.
Lugano
A tourist resort and financial hub, Lugano is nestled on the shores of its namesake lake in a stunning setting. With a pleasant climate, an old town, lake cruises, and hiking or cycling in the surrounding area, it’s a popular destination.
A tourist resort and financial hub, Lugano is nestled on the shores of its namesake lake in a stunning setting. With a pleasant climate, an old town, lake cruises, and hiking or cycling in the surrounding area, it’s a popular destination.
St. Moritz
One of the oldest and most exclusive winter sports resorts in the world, offering over 350 km of pistes in the Grisons.
One of the oldest and most exclusive winter sports resorts in the world, offering over 350 km of pistes in the Grisons.
Samnaun
This German-speaking municipality on the Austrian border is a ski resort and a duty-free shopping zone.
This German-speaking municipality on the Austrian border is a ski resort and a duty-free shopping zone.
Vals
The municipality of the beautiful Valser Valley is known for its thermal baths and traditional wooden houses. You can hike around the village.
The municipality of the beautiful Valser Valley is known for its thermal baths and traditional wooden houses. You can hike around the village.
Natural Heritage
Lake Lugano
Straddling Italy and Switzerland, the lake offers beautiful scenery. The resort of Lugano, as well as the charming village of Gandria on its shores, are well worth a visit, along with the rest of its "riviera".
Straddling Italy and Switzerland, the lake offers beautiful scenery. The resort of Lugano, as well as the charming village of Gandria on its shores, are well worth a visit, along with the rest of its "riviera".
Lake Maggiore
This large Italian-Swiss lake is a major tourist destination for its landscapes, its "seaside" resorts (particularly in Italy), and its islands (Borromean Islands and, on the Swiss side, Brissago).
This large Italian-Swiss lake is a major tourist destination for its landscapes, its "seaside" resorts (particularly in Italy), and its islands (Borromean Islands and, on the Swiss side, Brissago).
Monte San Giorgio
A small mountain by the lakes in Ticino, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many fossils.
A small mountain by the lakes in Ticino, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many fossils.
Swiss National Park
Switzerland's largest nature reserve, boasting rich alpine wildlife and flora. Bordering Italy's Stelvio National Park, it's a destination for stunning landscapes, lakes, and outdoor activities—especially hiking.
Switzerland's largest nature reserve, boasting rich alpine wildlife and flora. Bordering Italy's Stelvio National Park, it's a destination for stunning landscapes, lakes, and outdoor activities—especially hiking.
Must-see & highly recommended
Jungfrau-Aletsch
★★★★ A mountain range (the Jungfrau) and a glacier (the Aletsch), among the largest in Europe, located in the Swiss Alps. The area is a UNESCO…
Swiss National Park
★★★★ Switzerland's largest nature reserve, boasting rich alpine wildlife and flora. Bordering Italy's Stelvio National Park, it's a destination…
Recommended
Chillon Castle
★★★ A lovely lakeside fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux. With its romantic setting, it is one of Switzerland’s most…
Albula and Bernina Railway
★★★ Two stunning "historic" Italo-Swiss train lines through the Alps. Beyond the landscapes, they are UNESCO-listed for their numerous…
Great St Bernard Pass
★★★ One of the highest passes in the Alps (between Switzerland and Italy), highly popular with cyclists and lovers of stunning landscapes and…
Gandria
★★★ A stunning lakeside village on the shores of Lake Lugano, with its narrow alleys, stairways, and beautiful character houses.
Lake Lugano
★★★ Straddling Italy and Switzerland, the lake offers beautiful scenery. The resort of Lugano, as well as the charming village of Gandria on…
Lake Maggiore
★★★ This large Italian-Swiss lake is a major tourist destination for its landscapes, its "seaside" resorts (particularly in Italy), and its…
Lugano
★★★ A tourist resort and financial hub, Lugano is nestled on the shores of its namesake lake in a stunning setting. With a pleasant climate, an…
Lötschental
★★★ One of Switzerland’s most beautiful valleys, offering stunning landscapes and opportunities for skiing or hiking. It is part of the…
Diablerets Massif
★★★ Also known as Tsanfleuron for its glacier. Accessible by cable car, it offers skiing—even off-season—in a stunning setting…
Vaud Riviera
★★★ This is the lakeside part of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, stretching from Vevey to beyond Montreux. It offers a beautiful panorama…
Worth a look / Other
4 Valleys
★★ Switzerland's largest ski area and one of Europe's major ones. It links six resorts and offers over 400 km of pistes.
Ascona
★★ On the shores of Lake Maggiore, Ascona is a charming small town highly popular with holidaymakers for its setting. It is designated an…
Basel
★★ On the borders with France and Germany, Basel is Switzerland's third-largest city. It boasts an old historic centre, several museums, and a…
Bellinzona
★★ It is the capital of Ticino with an old urban center. Its three medieval castles and their ramparts are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage…
Bern
★★ It’s the capital of Switzerland. Its medieval-style old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Oberhofen Castle
★★ A charming, highly photogenic building constructed on the shores of Lake Thun.
Grandson Castle
★★ A medieval castle-museum located in the municipality of the same name, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.
Hünegg Castle
★★ In the locality of Hilterfingen, a small 19th-century lakeside castle that also serves as an Art Nouveau museum.
Jungfrau Railway
★★ Ending its journey at nearly 3,500 m, this short tourist train line is the highest in Europe. It travels about ten kilometres through…
Rhine Falls
★★ These falls are among the largest in Europe and are impressive in their own right. You can get close to them by boat.
Fribourg (Switzerland)
★★ A pleasant capital of its canton, the city boasts an old town showcasing a stunning example of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
Geneva
★★ With its iconic Jet d'Eau and old town, the city on Lake Geneva attracts tourists, business travelers, and representatives of international…
Gimmelwald
★★ This small mountain village is only accessible on foot or by cable car, just like its neighbour Mürren. Naturally, there are plenty of…
Aar Gorge
★★ This is a beautiful natural site, 1,400 metres long, located just outside the village of Meiringen.
Gruyères
★★ This large perched village near Fribourg boasts a charming medieval heritage and a 13th-century castle. It’s also the birthplace of…
Lake Constance
★★ Straddling Switzerland, Germany and Austria, it is one of Europe’s largest lakes. Visitors come for boating, ferry rides, or cycling…
Lake Neuchâtel
★★ The second-largest Swiss lake above Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Jura Mountains. You can discover some interesting towns (including…
Lake Thune
★★ A pretty alpine lake on the edge of the town of the same name. Several small castles and villages around its shores are worth seeing.
Lake Lucerne
★★ A lovely lake (also sometimes called Lake Lucerne) located in the heart of Switzerland. A hiking trail, the "Swiss Path," partly circles it.
Lake Geneva
★★ Between France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva is one of Europe's largest lakes. It’s also a tourist destination with renowned cities…
Lausanne
★★ The capital of the canton of Vaud is best known as the home of the International Olympic Committee. Its old town overlooks Lake Geneva…
Locarno
★★ Located on Lake Maggiore, the town is known for its climate, setting, and vegetation. It features an old center, a medieval castle, and on…
Lucerne
★★ Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the city has preserved a very pretty old town and is popular with tourists. It’s also a great…
Montreux
★★ The lakeside town is world-famous for its jazz festival. Beyond the event, Montreux also offers several small castles and a few beautiful…
Neuchâtel
★★ On the shores of its lake and at the foot of the mountains, Neuchâtel is a university city with an old town centre and a castle.
Saint-Ursanne
★★ A village in the Swiss Jura that has preserved its abbey and bourgeois houses from the 14th–16th centuries.
Schaffhausen
★★ This small town on the banks of the Rhine has preserved its old quarters in medieval and Renaissance styles. It's also a starting point for…
Sion
★★ It is the capital of Valais, home to the fortified Valère Basilica and the ruins of Tourbillon Castle.
Spiez
★★ This picturesque town, set in a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Thun, boasts a charming 16th-century castle. There are plenty of…
Stein am Rhein
★★ This well-preserved medieval town sits at the western edge of Lake Constance.
Three Castles of Bellinzona
★★ These are three medieval castles and their ramparts located in the city of Bellinzona. They are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Vals
★★ The municipality of the beautiful Valser Valley is known for its thermal baths and traditional wooden houses. You can hike around the…
Old Town of Bern
★★ The historic centre of Bern remains one of the finest examples of medieval urban planning in Europe. This is why it is listed as a UNESCO…
Yverdon
★★ A spa town near Neuchâtel with various traces of its past (menhirs, Roman ruins, medieval castle...) and several small museums.
Zermatt
★★ One of Switzerland’s most renowned resorts. Beyond skiing, it offers excellent opportunities for mountaineering, climbing, hiking…
Zurich
★★ Switzerland’s largest urban area, with a charming old town and plenty of museums.
Saint Gall Abbey
★ This 7th-century Benedictine abbey, along with its library, was one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in Europe for several…
St. John's Convent
★ This Benedictine abbey in the Grisons, built in the municipality of Müstair, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Carolingian frescoes.
Aigle
★ Close to winter sports resorts, this small town offers several historic districts and a castle now converted into a wine museum.
Anzère
★ A ski and holiday resort in Valais. In addition to skiing, you can go hiking and mountain biking here.
Arosa Lenzerheide
★ One of the main ski resorts in Graubünden, not far from Chur and the highly popular Lake Heidsee in summer.
Augusta Raurica
★ The archaeological remains of a major Roman city a few kilometres from Basel.
Avenches
★ These are the remains of what was once the capital of Roman Helvetia. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland.
Baden
★ A town with a small old centre between Zurich and the German border.
Bex
★ Salt mines and vineyards for this municipality in the canton of Vaud.
Biel/Bienne
★ At the foot of the Jura mountains and on the shores of Lake Biel, the city has a charming old town centre.
Château-d'Oex
★ This municipality is a ski resort and outdoor activity hub (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canyoning, etc.), as well as one of…
Lenzburg Castle
★ One of the oldest castles in the country, perched on a hill in the eponymous municipality.
Rolle Castle
★ This is a medieval building on the shores of Lake Geneva located in the municipality of the same name.
Stockalper Castle
★ A grand 17th-century castle in Brig, in the canton of Valais.
Chiasso
★ Its position on the Italian border along the route to Milan makes it an important transit and commercial hub.
Chur
★ One of Switzerland's oldest cities and the capital of Graubünden. It features a small old town and a cathedral, with several ski and hiking…
Coppet
★ A few kilometres north of Geneva, on the lake, this locality stands out for its 16th-century arcaded houses, its Gothic church, and its…
Davos
★ This upscale winter sports resort in eastern Switzerland, in the Grisons, is best known for hosting the World Economic Forum each year.
Delémont
★ A large town not far from Basel. It offers a restored historic centre for visitors.
Disentis
★ A ski resort in Graubünden with a large and very old abbey.
Estavayer-le-Lac
★ A medieval town on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.
Grindelwald
★ A mountain resort set in a beautiful landscape, equally popular for skiing and hiking.
Gstaad
★ This mountain village is internationally renowned as one of the most exclusive winter sports resorts in the Alps.
Interlaken
★ This long-established tourist resort in the canton of Bern is nestled between two lakes. It’s a great base for exploring the…
Kandersteg
★ A family-friendly ski resort south of Bern with interesting hiking opportunities as well.
La Chaux-de-Fonds
★ A town in the Jura Mountains at the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Along with its neighbor Le Locle, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site for…
Laufenburg
★ The town straddling Switzerland and Germany has preserved an old centre along the Rhine.
Lauterbrunnen
★ This locality in the canton of Bern is renowned for "base jumping". Mountain biking, skiing, and hiking are also popular here. Several…
Lavaux
★ This small region in the canton of Vaud is renowned for its UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards along the shores of Lake Geneva. You can…
Leysin
★ A ski resort and holiday destination near Montreux in the Vaud Alps. Leysin is also home to several international schools that contribute…
Martigny
★ A town with some Roman ruins, a 13th-century castle tower, and several small museums.
Monte San Giorgio
★ A small mountain by the lakes in Ticino, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many fossils.
Murten
★ A small town with an old centre surrounded by ramparts and built on the shore of the lake of the same name.
Morges
★ The small town on Lake Geneva has preserved an old town center. It offers several museums as well as prehistoric pile-dwelling sites…
Nyon
★ Small town on Lake Geneva with a Roman past, still visible in some remains, as well as a small 12th-century castle. Nyon is also home to…
Rapperswil
★ A large town on Lake Zurich with a medieval castle and an old urban center.
Saas-Fee
★ This village, where traditional rural architecture endures, is nestled at the foot of several glaciers and Alpine peaks. It is renowned for…
St. Moritz
★ One of the oldest and most exclusive winter sports resorts in the world, offering over 350 km of pistes in the Grisons.
St. Gallen
★ A fairly large city in northeastern Switzerland with an old town center and a UNESCO-listed abbey.
Saint-Maurice (Switzerland)
★ This town southeast of Lake Geneva is home to an ancient abbey, the cliffside chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Scex, and a 15th-century fortress.
Samnaun
★ This German-speaking municipality on the Austrian border is a ski resort and a duty-free shopping zone.
Sardona
★ Officially known as the "Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona," this is a mountainous natural site around Piz Sardona, designated a UNESCO World…
Sargans
★ In the east of the country, not far from Liechtenstein, Sargans has a hilltop castle and a set of iron mines to visit on its outskirts.
Prehistoric Lake Dwelling Sites
★ These remains are spread across six Alpine countries. Of the thousand or so that exist, a hundred are UNESCO-listed, with over half in…
Solothurn
★ A small town north of Bern with an old town centre and a few museums.
Thun
★ A small town on the shores of the lake of the same name, with several castles and opportunities for outdoor sports in the surrounding area…
Vevey
★ It's one of the main towns on the Vaud Riviera, on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering a lovely panorama of the lake from the city.
Villars-sur-Ollon
★ It’s one of the winter sports resorts in the canton of Vaud.
Wengen
★ A ski resort in the Bernese Alps, also offering a great selection of hiking and cycling trails in season.
Winterthur
★ A large, non-touristy city near Zurich with several museums.
Zug
★ Located south of Zurich, it's a small lakeside town with old quarters.