20 Must-See Sights to Visit in Switzerland

Switzerland may be small in size, but don’t let its mass fool you. In an area that’s one-tenth the size of California, Switzerland hides a wealth of depth, beauty, and adventure that’s hard to beat. There’s a reason why it’s known as the “Playground of Europe,” after all. Beautiful castles? Check. Sweeping mountain ranges? Check. Serene Lakes—too many to count? Check and check. And enchanting towns bursting with cheese, chocolate, and charm? Check, check, and check. Switzerland overachieves in every aspect. Everywhere you look, there’s a photo waiting to be snapped, a city waiting to be explored, and a mountain waiting to be conquered. So if you’re ready to dive into beauty and adventure, here are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland.

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Lake Geneva

Nestled between Switzerland and France, the iconic Lake Geneva stands out as a microcosm of everything there is to love about Europe: fairy-tale châteaux, sprawling vineyards, gorgeous beaches, and charming lakeside towns. And that makes it the epicenter for epic Swiss adventures.

Visit Chillon Castle, perched on the lake’s edge, before sinking into history amidst the preserved medieval town of Yvoire Village. Wander among the terraced vines of Lavaux with the sprawling lake and the towering Alps as a backdrop, the perfect view to pair with a delicious glass of wine. Go on a scenic ride around the lake and sail into the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. Whatever adventure you’re in the mood for, Lake Geneva delivers, while also delivering a snapshot of everything whimsical and magical about Europe.

Lucerne

If there’s one thing you can be sure of in Switzerland, it’s that wherever you go, the drama follows, and Lucerne is a perfect example. This picturesque city takes dramatic views to new heights—quite literally. Seated at the foot of the Alps, on the shores of the lovely Lake Lucerne, the city is one of the most charming you’ll come across in Switzerland, and that’s saying something.

From the winding River Reuss cutting through Old Town to the quaint covered Chapel Bridge zigzaging across the water, everywhere you look is a striking portrait of beauty. Marvel at the Baroque elegance of the Jesuit Church, take in the somber serenity of the Lion Monument, and journey to the top of Mount Pilatus for incredible views of the city. Between walking the pedestrian-only streets and cruising over the water on an old steamer, visitors should leave no corner of Lucerne uncovered.

Swiss National Park

Switzerland’s cities shine, and rightfully so for their many charms, but its natural splendor is not to be overlooked. And where better to appreciate just that than the only national park in the country? Established in 1914, the Swiss National Park is the oldest in the Alps, and when it comes to alpine scenery, few places do it better. On top of the snow-dusted alps, think fields bursting with colorful wildflowers, verdant forests stretching as far as the eye can see, and waterfalls and lakes glittering like gems.

Switzerland’s environment-minded approach has left the park largely untouched. In a place where little has changed in over a century, exploring Swiss National Park is a journey through time and nature alike, from the high alpine shores of Lake Macun to the staggering beauty of Alp Trupchun. With plenty of wildlife and more stunning views than one can count, this is, without a doubt, one of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.

Bern

Seemingly one of the few Swiss towns not surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Bern is hugged on three sides by the Aare River. But don’t let the lack of alpine views fool you. What the city lacks in mountain majesty, it makes up for with medieval magic. Bern’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with old architecture, ancient fountains, and quaint cobblestone streets.

Pay a visit to the Zytglogge, the astronomical clock that puts on a delightful “animated” performance every hour. Take in the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, a Gothic masterpiece offering sweeping views of the entire city. And wander the nearly four miles of arcade that houses one of Europe’s longest covered shopping promenades. Bern may be small, but it oozes endless charm and little knooks and crannies to keep you occupied.

The Matterhorn

Believed to be 50-60 million years old, the Matterhorn may not be the tallest mountain in Switzerland, but it’s undeniably the most famous. The Matterhorn stands at an impressive 14,692 feet, just rounding out the top ten tallest Swiss peaks, making it a big draw for experienced mountaineers and tourists wishing to test their mettle. But it’s not just the challenge that entices: it’s the dramatic scenery.

The Matterhorn is believed to be the most photographed mountain in the world, with millions of pictures taken of it each year. That number cuts quite an impressive figure, but not nearly as impressive as the one cut by the Matterhorn itself. Rising up to pierce the clouds, the Matterhorn is a truly unmatched beauty, and whether you get a peek from up close, while hiking to its peak, or from one of the accessible viewpoints surrounding the mountain, it’s not to be missed on your tour of the best places in Switzerland.

Zurich

Zurich has a reputation for being all business, but behind the banks and hefty price tag, it’s a surprisingly laid-back city. Instead of the harried frenzy of many fast-paced metropolises like New York or São Paulo, Zurich has a more relaxed atmosphere that still maintains a sense of punctuality. Don’t expect to run into a bunch of tourist attractions here. Zurich’s low-key vibe means it’s best to enjoy as an experience rather than a checklist.

Head out on Lake Zurich for a scenic day on the water, or kick back on shore, relaxing among verdant trees and sipping on a delicious coffee. Take a stroll through Altstadt, Zurich’s Old Town and arguably the most beautiful part of the city, lined with medieval houses, stunning churches, and Switzerland’s highest concentration of clubs. And if the clubs aren’t your scene, Zurich also boasts over 50 museums to dive deep into art, culture, sports, and more. Come for the chocolate and the luxury, stay for the history and the serene beauty.

Oeschinen Lake

Touted as a natural paradise and one of the most beautiful jewels in all of Switzerland, the hype around Oeschinen Lake can seem, at times, far-fetched. But all that melts away when you see it for yourself. Then, the hype becomes reality. Oeschinen is a glittering turquoise lake fed by glaciers and surrounded by jagged peaks that tower over 14,000 feet. As you can expect, that makes for some incandescent views.

From sunny days that set the lake aglitter to cloudy days that add a moody serenity, the lake shines no matter the weather, creating some truly epic photo opportunities. But you don’t need your camera to enjoy this beauty. Several hikes take you on a journey around the Oeschinen to some truly jaw-dropping viewpoints that put the beauty of this lake into sharp perspective.

Château de Gruyères

Europe possesses an endless number of places that appear plucked straight from the pages of a storybook, and Switzerland is no different. Enter Château de Gruyères. Tucked away in the dreamy, medieval town of Gruyères—yes, the namesake of everyone’s favorite cheese—the Gruyères Castle is a mesmerizing daydream of turrets, towers, and timeworn elegance.

Once home to the counts of Gruyères, it’s now a museum that showcases the castle’s nearly 800 years of history. Discover treasures of the Middle Ages, marvel over ancient decor, and admire the amazing art decorating the castle walls. It’s a well-preserved, authentic step back in time that will make you think you’ve tripped and stumbled your way into a storybook of your own.

Lauterbrunnen

On paper, Lauterbrunnen seems like the stuff of fairy tales: a scenic town tucked in a valley framed by towering mountains with a picturesque waterfall as its backdrop. So, it’s no surprise that this fairy-tale town is just as stunning in person as it is on paper. The breathtaking Staubbach Falls might steal all the glory, but some 72 waterfalls dot the valley, and the town itself is a lovely little slice of paradise.

Wander the beautiful town with its chalet-style buildings, hike the valley to experience misting falls and take in the soaring Alps, and when you’ve had your fill, explore the towns surrounding Lauterbrunnen. Dotting the valley are small, car-free Swiss villages like Murren and Wengen that promise idyllic charm, beautiful alpine views, and fun excursions, from scenic flower trails to tasty cheese tours.

Bachalpsee Lake

Also called Lake Bachalp, Bachalpsee Lake is a picturesque alpine lake straight out of a daydream. Verdant hills, colorful wildflowers, and snow-dusted mountains dominate the scenery, just some of the picture-perfect ingredients that make this one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. And while it appears fairly remote, getting to the lake is easy: a scenic gondola ride from the town of Grindelwald, followed by an easy, one-hour hike.

The lake sits 7,431 feet above sea level and offers ever-changing views that make it worth the journey at any time. On misty days, mountains peek through a curtain of fog, giving the landscape a moody, dream-like quality. In contrast, when the sun is out, the distant peaks are reflected in the water, making them appear close enough to touch. It’s the perfect postcard moment to see the mountains reflected in the lake, and the waters glitter in a way that makes it easy to see how the lake earned its nickname as the “blue gem.”

Oberhofen Castle

With over 500 castles scattered throughout the country, Switzerland has no shortage of architectural masterpieces to explore. Yet, Oberhofen Castle still manages to stand out as a singular sight to see. Poised on the shores of Lake Thun, Oberhofen Castle was originally built in the 13th century with a classic medieval keep. But the years have only added to Oberhofen’s charms, with elements of French, Gothic, Renaissance, and Eastern styles woven into the building over the centuries, creating an enchanting tapestry of time in physical form.

Oberhofen’s museum offers a journey through that history with exhibits, paintings, and period artifacts. Wander through life in the 19th century, take a stroll in the garden, and admire the scenic views from the restaurant of Oberhofen Castle.

Zermatt

Nestled in the shadow of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free alpine paradise boasting epic views and adventure. As the gateway to the Matterhorn, Zermatt certainly sees its fair share of travelers. But there’s a lot more to this delightful town than the dramatic mountain in the distance. Come winter, Zermatt truly shines, taking on the magic of a gingerbread village come to life. Carriage rides through the snowy streets feel like riding around in a snowglobe. The cute shops lining the streets add to the display, filled with everything from fun souvenirs to sweet Swiss chocolates.

While skiing is the most obvious recreational activity here, it’s far from the only one. Take in the views along the Five Lakes Hike, soar above the city and the mountains on a paragliding adventure, and hop on the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic views of the mountain peaks. Zermatt’s stunning vistas are a photographer’s dream, where everything from the flower-dotted windows to the wandering sheep encourages a photo or two (dozen) to fill your camera roll.

Château d’Aigle

Between its French name, Swiss locale, and Savoy origins, Château d’Aigle is a fascinating blend of history wrapped up in prototypically beautiful Swiss packaging. Called the “heart of the vines,” Château d’Aigle is a charming castle ensconced in the rolling hills between the Alps and Lake Geneva.

Built in the 12th century as a watchtower fortress, it changed exponentially over the years as it traded hands, becoming a distinguished residence and, at one point, a prison. All that history lends a certain charm to what it is today: an impressive structure ensconced in a sprawling vineyard. Now officially the Vine and Wine Museum, the castle offers not just a look at history but also a peek at ancient wine-making tools and traditions. And the views of the vineyards? Perfectly sublime.

Lausanne

Medieval roots run deep in Switzerland, and Lausanne is no different. Called “little San Francisco,” the town of Lausanne predates the San Fran we all know and love by a few thousand years, yet still evokes thoughts of that iconic shore, some 6,000 miles away. Built on three hills rising 1,800 feet above the lake’s shoreline, Lausanne is undoubtedly a Swiss town.

But its heart is universal, from ancient Roman histories to San Mediterranean breezes, and, of course, its San Francisco-like hills. Lausanne’s levels add layers of charm to what is already an enchanting city. History buffs can dive into ancient medieval towns, cathedrals, and even a 13th-century wooden staircase. Art lovers can lose themselves in the museums of PLATEFORME 10, the art district. Lausanne’s restaurants and vineyards call to the foodies and wine connoisseurs looking for their next great bite or sip. Whether diving into the water or getting lost in the city streets, Lausanne invites you to explore its timeworn, eclectic soul.

Thun Castle

Oberhofen isn’t the only castle in Thun. Sitting on a hill and surrounded by apple trees that bloom white in the spring, Thun Castle looks out over Lake Thun like a king overlooking his subjects. Indeed, if there’s one word that comes to mind looking at this castle, it’s majestic. Thun Castle’s distinct, four white towers can be seen from all over, and set against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains, the view alone makes it worth a visit.

But step inside Thun Castle, and you’ll get swept away in the magic of old. Wander the knight’s hall that dates back to the Middle Ages, clamber to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views, and explore the perfectly preserved rooms and period pieces that recreate the lives of rural nobility. Thun Castle is a medieval fairy tale with a view, and one of those places you won’t regret visiting in Switzerland.

The Rhine Falls

The mighty Rhine Falls stand out as Europe’s largest waterfall, and a classic stop on a tour of the best places to visit in Switzerland. This natural beauty was formed during the last ice age, roughly 15,000 years ago, long before many people, let alone medieval towns, graced its shores.

Stretching 450 feet wide and 75 feet high, over 600,000 litres of water roar over the falls at their peak. That’s a lot of power tucked away in quite the enchanting package. And while there are plenty of viewpoints around the falls to take in their majestic might, the best way to experience it is on a boat tour. From quick crossings to the chance to disembark and enjoy 360° views of the falls, the Rhine Falls are a beauty to see, feel, and experience for yourself.

Riffelsee

If you’ve ever seen a list of the best places in Switzerland to snap a photo, then no doubt, you’ve seen Riffelsee listed among the places to be. Called the mirror of the Matterhorn, Riffelsee Lake is where light, mountains, and water make magic. The lake’s serene waters capture a perfect snapshot of the mighty Matterhorn, making this spot heaven for photographers and sightseers alike.

And the best part—after the view, of course—is how accessible it is to get here. Located above the town of Zermatt, the lake can be reached using the cogwheel train that runs from Zermatt to Gornergrat. Then, an easy, ten-minute hike takes you right to the shore. For a perfect view of the mirror lake in action, be sure to go on a clear day. Morning light offers some truly stunning views of Zermatt lit by a sunny alpine glow, and it’s also a good time to avoid the crowds.

Appenzell

As the historic heartland of Switzerland, Appenzell is famed for its natural beauty and its timeworn traditions. Bucolic hills give way to soaring mountains, and picturesque towns dot the spaces in between. Appenzell is both the name of one such charming village and the region as a whole, and you can’t go wrong with a visit to either.

In town, admire the colorful houses and traditional Swiss architecture, hunt for truly original souvenirs, and enjoy fun local festivals, like the procession of cattle to alpine pastures that takes place around early and late summer. In the larger region, there’s even more adventure and sightseeing to do, from hiking the Appenzell Alps to swimming in alpine gems like Seealpsee and Fälensee. Don’t miss a chance to visit the Aescher, the 175-year-old guesthouse built into the side of a cliff.

Brienz

Touted as the most beautiful village in the country, Brienz is a quintessential image of storybook Switzerland. Famed for its woodcarving traditions, the village bursts with 18th-century wood chalets and wood sculptures peppered throughout. Situated on the shores of Lake Brienz, the turquoise waters act as the perfect backdrop to an already breathtaking village.

Wander romantic alleys, pop into the catholic church, and stroll down the sculpture trail. And as a bonus, the town acts as a perfect base for adventures. Hike scenic trails overlooking Lake Brienz or venture further away from the city; the Jungfrau Region, Hasli Valley, and Meiringen are only a short trip away. Whether you stay in town or go on an adventure, Brienz promises beauty, adventure, and enchantment.

Lake Maggiore

If you frequently forget that Switzerland has four official languages, then a trip to Lake Maggiore will quickly remind you. Most know Lake Maggiore as a famous Italian Lake, but there is a Swiss side to this beauty, and yes, it’s Italian-speaking, too. And while the Italian side may get all the hype, there’s something to be said for the blend of Mediterranean beauty and Swiss charm.

Locarno and Ascona are the perfect examples of this. Locarno sports views of snow-topped mountains while palm trees wave in the lake breeze, while Ascona boasts colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and the Brissago Islands, home to the only botanical park on an island in Switzerland. Explore the towns, hike around the lake, and dive into the waters of Lake Maggiore—the Swiss side of this enchanting lake will quickly have you wanting to discover more.

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