Things to Do in Switzerland

Quick facts: The peak stands at 4,478 meters, making it one of the highest summits in the Alps. Its pyramid shape inspired the design of the iconic Toblerone chocolate bar.

Highlights: The summit features a dramatic, jagged silhouette that catches the sunlight just right at dawn and dusk, creating a glowing spectacle. Climbers celebrate each successful ascent with a tradition of planting a flag at the summit to mark their achievement.

Quick facts: An ancient fortress resting on a small island, this place holds layers of history and legends from medieval times. Its walls are steeped in tales of nobles, prisoners, and poets who found inspiration within.

Highlights: A secret underground cistern stretches beneath the courtyard, revealing medieval engineering that kept the castle supplied during sieges. Crystal-clear lake waters lap just beneath the castle walls, creating an enchanting reflection that changes hues with the sun.

Quick facts: Jungfraujoch sits at 3,454 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest accessible train stations in Europe. The journey includes a scenic train ride through the Eiger and Mönch mountains, offering jaw-dropping views the entire way.

Highlights: The experience includes stepping into the Ice Palace, a labyrinth carved inside a glacier, with shimmering ice sculptures glowing under colorful lights. Visitors can also stand on the Sphinx Observatory terrace, which offers panoramic views across the Bernese Alps and a stunning glimpse of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.

Quick facts: Stretching about 73 kilometers, this lake is one of the largest in Western Europe, straddling the border between Switzerland and France. The crescent-shaped water body is embraced by snow-capped Alps and dotted with charming lakeside towns like Montreux and Vevey.

Highlights: Each summer, a famous jazz festival attracts thousands to its scenic shores, infusing the air with vibrant melodies and an electric atmosphere. Sailing across the clear waters offers stunning views of vineyards terracing the steep hillsides, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Quick facts: Cobblestone alleys hum with tram jingles and café aromas, while painted guild houses and soaring church spires make wandering feel like stepping into a living postcard. Hidden courtyards reveal artisan workshops and tiny bars, and you'll be surprised how many museums and historic homes sit within just a few blocks.

Highlights: Wandering the narrow cobbled lanes you pass painted guild halls and a church clock face that measures 8.7 meters across, the largest in Europe; from the riverbank you can spot its white Roman numerals and hear the bell clanging every hour. Every spring the local guilds parade in historic uniforms and burn an effigy called the Böögg, while residents time how many minutes it takes for the wooden head to explode as a playful forecast of the coming summer.

Quick facts: The roaring water flows at a staggering 600,000 liters per second, making it Europe's largest plain waterfall by volume. It’s a power show that changes its roar with the seasons and rains.

Highlights: You can hop onto a boat that takes you right up to the rocky island in the waterfall’s center for a splashy up-close view. The water plunges 23 meters down with such force that you’ll feel the mist spray on your face and see tiny rainbows sparkle in the spray.

Quick facts: The wooden bridge stretches over 204 meters, making it one of the oldest covered bridges in Europe. Artistic triangular paintings inside the bridge depict scenes from the city’s history and folklore.

Highlights: The roofed structure offers an open-air gallery showcasing 17th-century paintings, each telling vivid stories about local legends and historical events. Walking through the bridge feels like stepping into a time capsule where art and history blend under a wooden canopy.

Quick facts: The route crosses 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, including the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. Traveling from Switzerland to Italy, the journey covers a breathtaking 144 kilometers through the Alps in about four hours.

Highlights: The train climbs to the highest point at the Bernina Pass, reaching 2,253 meters above sea level with panoramic views of glaciers and alpine peaks. A unique feature is the spiral tunnels that coil the train around itself, a fascinating engineering marvel visible from inside the coaches.

Quick facts: Over 3 million visitors have explored this interactive museum focused on all modes of transport including air, rail, road, and space travel. The collection features more than 3,000 exhibits ranging from vintage vehicles to futuristic prototypes.

Highlights: Visitors can try their hand at flying a flight simulator or take a ride on a 1950s tram inside the museum halls. The impressive planetarium offers stunning multimedia shows that combine visuals and surround sound for an immersive space experience.