10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

Switzerland never plays it subtle. You arrive, and it immediately impresses you. I have visited many times, and somehow it still surprises me.

What makes the country even better is how easy it is to move around. One moment, you are on a train by a calm lake. A little later, you are in the middle of the Alps with mountains rising on every side.

If you are planning a trip to Switzerland and want a mix of famous spots and quiet gems, these are the best places I would return to in a heartbeat.

Here are the 10 best places to visit in Switzerland that I highly recommend!

Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen looks like a valley built for daydreamers. Steep cliffs. Long waterfalls. Quiet paths that make you slow down without even trying. It is about 2 hours from Zurich and around 1 hour from Bern, and the ride already feels like a warm-up for the Alps.

Hiking here is simple and beautiful. You can walk the flat valley floor past farms and waterfalls, or take the trails that rise toward Wengen or Mürren for wider views.

Wengen sits above the valley and feels peaceful because it is car-free. The quick 15-minute train ride from Lauterbrunnen gives you those perfect postcard views on the way up.

Mürren sits on the opposite side, and you can reach it by cable car. Also, car-free it is a magical location between the mountains. Truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to! If you are up for it, there is a hiking trail that leads you up instead of taking the cable car, but it is a very tough one. Once up there, you can take a lovely hiking route that is not too difficult to enjoy the views, or of course, just have a relaxed stay in one of the chalets.

Wengen is also a lovely village to stay at to experience the Swiss charm, but if you want to be located in a beautiful and convenient location, then Lauterbrunnen valley center will be the best option.

The Lauterbrunnen valley is also a hotspot for paragliding. The cliffs create ideal flying conditions, and you float over green fields and waterfalls with almost no effort. While many professionals travel there with their own equipment, you will also find several rentals there and options to try paragliding yourself with an instructor.

Interlaken

Interlaken is the perfect warm-up before you head deeper into the Alps. It sits between two bright blue lakes and has that easy, relaxed feel that makes you settle in fast.

Lauterbrunnen is only 20 minutes away, so many travelers start in Interlaken before going higher into the mountains. It is such a relaxed and beautiful location to base yourself in. If I were to decide to work remotely in Switzerland for a longer period of time, Interlaken would be my number 1 option. It is simple to reach. About 2 hours from Zurich. Less than 1 hour from Bern. Around 3 hours from Geneva.

Lake Thun is soft blue and calm. Lake Brienz is that famous bright turquoise that looks unreal on sunny days. Boat rides on either lake are perfect when you want a break from rushing around. Interlaken has a bit of everything. Shops, cafes, and mountain views in every direction. You can do kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports on both lakes. Whatever energy you bring, Interlaken matches it. You can even do skydiving over the Interlaken lakes and the Swiss Alps!

Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Zermatt is the Switzerland people picture in their minds. Sharp peaks. Wooden chalets. Clean mountain air that makes you feel healthier just by breathing. And then the Matterhorn appears. Dramatic and iconic. The mountain of all mountains.

It takes a little time to reach, but it is worth it. From Zurich it is about 3 and a half hours. From Bern, a bit over 2 hours. Milan is roughly the same, so many travelers cross the border just to see the Matterhorn up close.

Summer here is all about hiking. The trails lead to views that look too perfect to be real. One angle shows the Matterhorn. Then you walk five minutes and it surprises you again from another side. Meadows are green in July and August. By September, everything shifts to warm golden tones.

Winter turns Zermatt into one huge ski playground. Long slopes, reliable snow and the fun part is that you can ski right into Italy with the same pass. One moment, Swiss chocolate, the next moment Italian pasta. It feels like a little travel trick. Because Zermatt sits close to Italy, the mix of cultures is everywhere. The food. The cafés. The vibe. A blend of Swiss calm and Italian warmth.

Appenzell

Appenzell is the gentle side of Switzerland. No dramatic peaks, just soft green rolling hills and quiet villages that make you feel like you stepped into a storybook. It is only about one hour and fifteen minutes from Zurich, so it is an easy countryside escape.

I absolutely loved how life moves slowly here. Wooden houses, open fields and cows that stare at you like you are the unusual one. It is calm in the best possible way.

The region is famous for cheese, and you feel it right away. Small farms sit along the trails, and many families still make cheese the traditional way. Even if dairy is not your thing, the scenery alone is worth the trip.

The hiking is light and relaxing. I had one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done here. Trails pass through farms and forests, with rolling hills all around. You hear cowbells most of the day. It becomes part of the experience and gives the whole area a warm, local feel.

And of course, there is the Aescher Guesthouse. The cliffside one you have probably seen in photos. It looks like it is glued to the rock. You can reach it by a short cable car ride and an easy hike. The view from the top is the kind you remember long after you leave.

If you are not staying at the Aescher Guesthouse (which is quite pricy) then you will have plenty of options in the Appenzell valley.

Lucerne

Lucerne feels like stepping straight into another time. The old town is full of painted houses, narrow streets, and towers that look like they have been there forever. The wooden bridge across the lake is the city’s star. When the light hits it, the whole scene looks like a painting.

It is also one of the easiest day trips from Zurich. The train takes about 45 minutes and drops you right beside the lake. No stress, no effort, just pretty views from the moment you arrive.

Mount Pilatus sits right above the city. You can reach it by cable car from Kriens in about 30 minutes. At the top, you get huge views and a quiet spot for lunch or an early dinner. On clear evenings, the sunsets are unforgettable.

If you prefer gentle hikes, Mount Rigi is another great option. A short boat ride and a mountain train take you up to wide, open trails with calm lake views below.

If you enjoy traveling by train, make sure to check out my guide on the best train routes around Switzerland!

Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)

Jungfraujoch is one of those places that makes you stop and stare. It sits high above the Alps, surrounded by bright white peaks and wide glaciers. When people call it the Top of Europe, it really does feel like that.

From Interlaken, it takes about 2 hours to reach the top. The journey is half the fun. You switch trains, climb higher, and watch the world outside turn from green to rocky to completely white. The final stretch goes right through the mountain, and when the train comes out the other side, it feels like you arrived on another planet.

At the top, the views are huge. Snow all year. Sharp ridges. Big open glaciers. The air is thin and crisp, so everyone moves a little slower and smiles a little bigger. Step outside on the platforms, and you get that refreshing cold that wakes you up instantly.

It is not the most budget-friendly experience. But almost everyone who goes says it is worth it. The ride. The views. The feeling of being so high up. It stays with you.

St. Moritz

If you are a ski holiday fan, then St. Moritz will be your best choice! St. Moritz is a stylish mountain town with luxury hotels and an amazing ski resort offering not only great slopes but also beautiful scenery. In case you are visiting in summer, don't worry, it’s also great in summer for hiking and relaxing by the water.

Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland

Zurich

Zurich is the city that feels polished but still relaxed. It has a beautiful lake, pretty old streets, and cafés where people sit for hours without rushing. It is modern in the best way, but still has pockets of charm that surprise you.

There is plenty to do here. Walk along Bahnhofstrasse for shopping. Wander through the old town. Sit by Lake Zurich and watch the swans come and go. On warm days, you can even swim right in the lake. Locals do it all the time.

Zurich also works perfectly as a base. Trains run everywhere from here. Lucerne. Interlaken. Appenzell. You can wake up in the city and be in the mountains in less than an hour. It keeps travel simple and smooth. I have so far used Zurich as a base for all my trips. Here are more ideas in case you are planning to spend time in Zurich too - Zurich Travel Guide!

Geneva

Geneva feels completely different from Zurich. Softer. More international. You hear every language within five minutes of walking around. Embassies, United Nations buildings, Diplomats in suits. But also cafés, parks, and a lake that looks like glass on calm days.

Lake Geneva is the heart of the city. The Jet d’Eau fountain shoots water high into the sky, and you can see it from almost everywhere. The lakeside is perfect for slow walks, morning runs, or just sitting with a coffee and people watching.

For things to do, explore the old town with its steep streets, visit the United Nations building, and check out the museums. The city mixes global culture with Swiss calm in a way that feels unique.

Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, but it does not feel like a capital at all. It feels cozy. Friendly. Almost like a small town with extra history. The old town is one big curve of medieval buildings. All made from the same soft sandstone. When the sun hits them, the whole place glows.

The Aare River wraps around the city. In summer, people float down the river like it is the most normal thing in the world. The color of the water is unreal. A bright blue that does not look filtered, even though everyone assumes it is.

Some top things to do are visiting the Zytglogge clock tower, exploring the old arcades, and walking up to the Rosengarten for the best view of the city. From Zurich, Bern is only about one hour by train, so it is an easy day trip too.

FAQs About Switzerland

1. What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

June to September is best for hiking, lakes, and long sunny days. January to March is ideal for skiing and winter landscapes. Spring and autumn are quieter and more affordable.

2. How many days do you need in Switzerland?

5 - 7 days gives you a good mix of cities, lakes, and mountain villages. If you want to explore more regions like Zermatt or Appenzell, a full week or ten days feels perfect.

3. Will my European SIM work in Switzerland?

Unfortunately, no, European SIMs do not work in Switzerland. You can either get a local SIM with one of the providers or get an eSIM, which you can activate immediately. I stay connected and also avoid roaming fees with Airalo eSIMs. Easy to install and works instantly. Get 10% off your eSIM with code ALIKI10

4. Do you need a Swiss Travel Pass?

Not always, but the Swiss Travel Pass helps if you plan to take several trains and boats. It covers most public transport and offers discounts on many mountain lifts, so it can save money if you are moving around a lot.

5. What is the best way to get around Switzerland?

Getting around Switzerland is unbelievably simple. Trains run everywhere and connect cities, lakes, and tiny mountain villages without any stress. It is one of the reasons Switzerland feels so easy to explore. In case you do prefer driving yourself around and have the freedom of having your own car in Switzerland, check out Discover Cars for the best car rental deals.