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Things to Do in Switzerland
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Switzerland
Top things to do in Switzerland include exploring the majestic Matterhorn, standing 4,478 meters tall, a symbol of the Alps. Visit Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva's edge, a medieval castle with 25 buildings. Journey to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters, for stunning panoramic views.
1. Matterhorn
Zermatt
Experience the thrill of standing beside one of the Alps' tallest peaks. Watch the sunlight turn the jagged summit into a glowing wonder at dawn.
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.
2. Château de Chillon
Montreux
Step into a fairy-tale castle with stories etched into every stone. Wander through grand halls, hidden dungeons, and lakeside views that take your breath away.
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.
3. Jungfraujoch
Interlaken
Explore the highest train station in Europe with breathtaking glacier views. Experience an icy palace and panoramic alpine vistas that feel otherworldly.
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.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Switzerland, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Lake Geneva
Geneva
A sprawling Alpine lake rich in culture and natural beauty. Experience lively jazz festivals and breathtaking vineyard views at every turn.
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.
5. Old Town
Bern
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.
6. Rhine Falls
Schaffhausen
Experience Europe’s most powerful waterfall up close. Hear the thunderous roar and feel the cool mist on your skin.
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.
7. Lucerne Chapel Bridge
Lucerne
Step onto a living piece of history where every plank echoes tales of the past. Experience stunning medieval art and breathtaking river views in one stroll.
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.
8. Bernina Express
St. Moritz
Experience jaw-dropping alpine views on a scenic rail journey like no other. Watch glaciers, bridges, and mountain peaks unfold outside your window.
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.
9. Swiss Museum of Transport
Lucerne
Explore transport history like never before. Experience hands-on exhibits, vintage vehicles, and a mesmerizing planetarium show.
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.
Where to Stay in Switzerland
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Swiss Chocolate Fondue
A delightful social dessert where melted Swiss chocolate is dipped with fruits and pastries, connecting friends and family around the pot.
Basler Läckerli
This traditional spicy gingerbread originates from Basel and has been a festive favorite since the 15th century, combining honey, almonds, candied peel, and Kirsch.
Nidelkuchen
A creamy caramel custard tart from the Fribourg region, beloved for its rich dairy flavors and buttery crust.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Rösti
Often considered the national dish of Switzerland, these crispy fried potato patties are simple yet flavorful, originally a farmer's breakfast.
Fondue
Swiss fondue combines melted cheese with wine and garlic, traditionally eaten by dipping bread, symbolizing communal dining.
Älplermagronen
A hearty alpine macaroni dish with potatoes, cheese, cream, and onions, often served with apple sauce for a sweet contrast.
Traditional Beverages
Rivella
This uniquely Swiss soft drink is made from milk whey and has been a popular refreshing beverage since the 1950s.
Swiss Hot Chocolate
Famed for its rich creaminess, Swiss hot chocolate uses high-quality Swiss chocolate, making it a cozy winter treat.
Kirsch
A clear cherry brandy from the German-speaking part of Switzerland, Kirsch is often used in cooking and as a digestif.
Frequently Asked Questions about Switzerland
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Most popular day trips
Lucerne
Historic city with a beautiful lake and mountain views
Interlaken
Gateway to the Jungfrau region, ideal for adventure and nature
Rent a car in Switzerland
Getting there
Train stations
SBB, EuroCity, ICE, TGV
SBB, TGV Lyria
SBB, TGV, ICE
Use the Swiss Travel Pass for seamless travel on trains, buses, and boats.
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The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Visa & entry
EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
Most non-EU countries outside visa-free list
Check your country's visa requirements in advance and carry travel insurance.
Comments (10)
Switzerland is stunning but expensive. The mountains and chocolate more than make up for the costs. Perfect for a week trip if you don't mind cold weather.
If you want real Swiss fondue, avoid the tourist traps. Ask locals for small family restaurants off the beaten path.
Loved the food here, especially the cheese fondue. But be ready for tourist crowds and pricey restaurants everywhere.
Two days in Zurich felt enough, the city is clean but kind of dull compared to the Alps scenery.
Avoid buying chocolate at the main stations, cheaper and better quality in small town shops away from tourist spots.