Switzerland is spectacular. Whenever anyone asks us where have we seen the most beautiful mountains in the world, we always reply “The Swiss Alps.” After our latest visit to Switzerland, our opinion was reiterated tenfold. With every turn in every destination, we looked on in awe as we remarked how we felt we were walking through a work of art. As one person put it when writing in a journal sitting on a bench at the top of Grindelwald First “I feel like I am looking at a Bob Ross painting.”
Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
Switzerland has more beautiful places than just in the Alps, there’s the enchanting Lake Lugano sharing its border with Italy, beautiful Basel which we fell in love with, and the sophisticated city of Zurich. It can be difficult deciding where to go when planning a trip, so we are going to break down the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland to help you choose. Or better yet, do as we did and see them all!
Swiss Alps
I know we said there is more to Switzerland than the Swiss Alps, but they truly house the most spectacularly beautiful places in Switzerland, so we are going to start in the mountains. The Alpine Region is impossible to beat when it comes to beautiful landscapes in the country. Plus, the Swiss have done an outstanding job making their mountain peaks accessible and easy for everyone to see. From Grindelwald to Jungfrau in the Bernese Oberland Region to St. Moritz and Zermatt-Matterhorn, these mountain destinations should be put at the top of your list of places to visit in Switzerland.
1. Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe
Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it truly lives up to the hype. Located in the Bernese Alps of the Jungfrau Region, a trip to Switzerland’s most exciting UNESCO World Heritage Sites takes you up a gondola to the highest train ride in Europe on a cogwheel train to an elevation of 3454 meters (11,332 feet). This viewpoint offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains including the 4000-meter peaks of Jungfrau 4,158 meters (13,642 ft), Eiger 3,967-metre (13,015 ft), and Mönch 4,110 meters (13,480 ft).
Aletch Glacier
After you have taken in the gorgeous scenery, take a walk under the Aletsch Glacier to explore the ice palace, a labyrinth of tunnels spanning 1000 meters under the sea of ice. We enjoyed our time at Jungfraujoch so much, we put it at the top of our most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland, not only for the beauty but for the experience. There are so many things to do at Jungfraujoch, your senses will be overwhelmed with fun and excitement. Read more at Spectacular Switzerland, a Visit to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
2. Gornergrat
We didn’t think it was possible to top Jungfraujoch, but when we hopped on a train ride to Gornergrat in Zermatt we couldn’t believe our eyes as we looked out the window. Located at an elevation of 3,089 m, Gornergrat has been one of Switzerland’s top places to visit for more than a century. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains include the Matterhorn in all its glory, but it is the sea of glaciers that really took our breath away. Reaching the top takes you to a view of 29 mountains reaching more than 4000 meters. With every turn, it is one dazzling view after another.
The best way to get around the mountains and to explore all the things to do in Zermatt is to purchase an all-inclusive lift package, you can search for the right one for you at the Zermatt tourism website.
Make sure to hike down to the Toblerone Viewpoint in search of the cute black nose sheep that roam the hills. This is one of the most beautiful walks we’ve ever done in our lives. Read more: Incredible Zermatt, Switzerland – 23 Exciting Things to See and Do
3. Grindelwald First
Grindelwald First is one of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland and with good reason. Located in the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald first has one of the most photographed places in Switzerland. Bachalpsee (Lake Alpsee) is a beautiful alpine lake that reflects the surrounding mountains when the weather is just right. Visit the Grindelwald Tourism website for more information on traveling to Grindelwald.
Cliffwalk and Adventures
There is a reason Grindelwald First is so popular besides its stunning scenery it has some of the best tourist attractions in the Jungfrau Region. From the unique adventures like Trottibiking and mountain carting to the First Flyer and First Glider, there’s plenty of hiking, a heart-racing cliff walk, and cute marmots squeaking in the distance. Read more: The Complete Guide to Grindelwald First in Switzerland
4. Zermatt Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is one of Switzerland’s most recognizable landmarks and hiking out to Lake Stellesee at sunrise is one of the most beautiful places to see it. Take the train ride up the Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station for sunrise and then hike out to Stellessee for the most beautiful view of the Matterhorn. After you have enjoyed the morning, continue on to the 5 Lakes hikes for extraordinary views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains of Zermatt.
5. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Glacier Paradise is another amazing destination in Zermatt. When you reach the top of the world’s highest cableway, you are treated to a view of 38 four-thousand-meter peaks (13,000 feet) and 14 glaciers across Italy, Switzerland, and France. There is also an awesome maze of tunnels to visit under the second largest glacier in Europe. This is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland to ski where you can ski all year long.
6. St. Moritz
St. Moritz is the original winter tourist destination and with good reason. This beautiful Switzerland destination has been welcoming tourists to its slopes since the 1800s. Home to two Winter Olympics, St. Moritz is an all-season mountain destination with spectacular hikes, world-class hotels and dining, and more than 250 km of ski trails and 580 km of hiking trails, it is an outdoor lover’s dream. Read our full article on What to do in St. Moritz. Visit St. Moritz tourism to help plan your trip.
7. Harder Kulm Interlaken
Interlaken is one of the top places to visit in Switzerland making for a great base to explore the Jungfrau Region of the Bernese Oberland. This beautiful lake destination have a gorgeous lookout. Take the cogwheel train up to the spectacular Harder Kulm 1322 meters above sea level. The view lets you see, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and the striking peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Cities of Switzerland
Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and should not be missed. Located on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, Zurich is beautiful as the steeples from its old town churches line the waterfront. The financial capital of Switzerland combines the perfect blend of old city charm with a modern urban vibe. As the financial capital of Switzerland, Zurich has its share of upscale attractions including the most expensive shopping street in the world. Read More: Amazing Zurich – Discover the Best of Switzerland’s Largest City
Zurich is a place you can spend days exploring, there are plenty of cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures from taking the train to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city to stand up paddleboarding through the marinas of Lake Zurich. Don’t forget to visit the chocolate museum at Lindt Home of Chocolate. Read more: The Perfect 3 Days in Zurich, Switzerland
Basel on the Rhine River
Basel is a charming city located directly on the Rhine River. Sharing a border with France and Germany, it is an ideal location to make a base and explore the countryside. Known as the cultural capital of Switzerland, Basel boasts some of the country’s most unique and beautiful architecture. Its modern structures blend seamlessly with the Altstadt (Old Town) spanning across the Rhine as Basel Minster, the largest cathedral in Basel, stands like a sentry looking over from Grossbasel (Great Basel) toward Klein Basel (Little Basel).
Ticino Region
The Mediterranean feel of the Ticino region of Switzerland will transport you to Italy. Surrounded by Italy, Ticino has a distinct feel from the rest of Switzerland. The warm weather and colorful buildings lining the likes of Lake Lugano and Maggiore feels as if you are on the Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terra. When looking for something different, make sure to put Ticino at the top of your places to visit in Switzerland.
Lugano in Ticino
The town of Lugano is the star attraction of Ticino with mountains framing its long beach and waterfront path along Lake Lugano. Known as the Little Rio of Switzerland, Lugano is a place to slow down and take in the sunshine. It rivals nearby Lake Como for beauty and luxury. Read more: Things to do in Lugano and the Ticino Region of Switzerland
Verzasca Valley
The Verzasca Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland that few have heard of. It’s known for its electric emerald green waters flowing through polished layers of rocks, it is a gorgeous way to spend a day. Swim in the waters, go for a hike or marvel at the cliff jumpers leaping from the double arches of the Ponte dei Salti.
Castles of Bellinzona
The capital of Ticino is not to be missed for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites – The Castles of Bellinzona. The castles consist of three well-preserved castles and fortified walls, Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro are not to be missed when visiting Southern Switzerland.For more information on traveling to Ticino – visit the Ticino Switzerland website.
Spas of Switzerland
Leukerbad
Switzerland is known for its spa experiences and one of the most beautiful spa retreats is in Leukerbad. The thermal baths date back to Roman times. This wellness retreat attracts tourists to its 65 natural springs containing 3.9 million liters of hot water to relax in the healing pools of Valais valley. It is one of the largest and most popular spa resorts in Switzerland. For more information on traveling to Leukerbad, visit the tourism website.
Bad Ragaz
The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is the granddaddy of spas in Switzerland. Located just 1 hour from Zurich, this is the ultimate luxury spa retreat. The hot springs were discovered in the 1200s and people have been seeking their healing properties for centuries. The hotel opened in 1869 and in 1872 it housed the first thermal water indoor pool in Europe. Today it is a five-star hotel that sits in the Rhine Valley. Visit Tamina Therme for more information on visiting the spa.
Chateau de Chillon Montreaux
Montreux is famous for the Montreux music festival. We loved walking along the waterfront of this beautiful city set among the backdrop of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva. One of the top historical places to visit in Switzerland is the picturesque Chateau de Chillon. Dating back to the 12th century, the historic castle stands like a fairytale on the shores of Lake Geneva. Read more: Montreux and its Musical Legacy
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland and one would argue that it is one of the most romantic places in Switzerland. Surrounded by the Alps on one side and terraced vineyards on the other, it’s a romantic escape in Switzerland. As the largest body of water in Switzerland, so it’s also pretty hard to miss. Straddling the border of France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva is also the largest alpine lake in Europe. It is
Bern
We only spent a day in the Capital City of Switzerland but I wish we spent more. Bern’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting the world’s longest-covered shopping promenades with 6 km (3.7 miles) of arcades. It is the gateway to the Alps, houses the highest cathedral in Switzerland, and is the seat of parliament. The Old town snakes alongside the Aare River creating a picture-perfect setting.
Lucerne
Like many cities in Switzerland, Lucerne has a gorgeous old town on a picturesque body of water. Lake Lucerne is the focal point of visiting the city with the gorgeous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) spanning the River Reuss. Lucerne’s most popular landmark dates back to the 14th century and is the oldest covered bridge in Europe. With the Swiss Alps nearby, we ventured off the spa taking the Rigi Bahn cogwheel train for a ride on Europe’s first railway. It’s a wonderful place to spend a few days.
Best Way to Get Around Switzerland
Switzerland had an extensive rail system and you can easily travel to Ticino via rail with a Swiss Travel Pass.
A Swiss Travel Pass includes:Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boatPublic transportation in more than 90 cities and townsIncluding mountain excursions: Rigi, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn, and StoosFree admission to more than 500 museums throughout SwitzerlandGet your Swiss Travel Pass Here.Two free informative apps to help plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and the Swiss Travel Guide app Our trip to Switzerland is in partnership with My Switzerland. Visit their website to start planning your trip today.
There are so many beautiful places in Switzerland and we have not seen them all but we certainly look forward to visiting again. We have had the good fortune of visiting Switzerland three times and each time we visit, we find it to be more beautiful than the next. We can’t wait to visit again! Have you been to Switzerland? Wher is your favourite place to visit in Switzerland?