Could This Be the Ultimate Nerdy Experience in Switzerland?

Switzerland attracts travelers for many reasons: delectable chocolate, fine cheese, stunning mountains, and serene lakes. However, few think about visiting the 'world's largest particle physics laboratory.' Yet, just 25 minutes from Geneva, you can explore CERN for free. In fact, I’d say experiencing CERN is one of the most exciting—and, yes, nerdy—activities in Switzerland.

What exactly is CERN?

CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire in French, or European Council for Nuclear Research) is a renowned international science center located on the border between Switzerland and France.

This facility holds significant importance: it's the birthplace of the world wide web, created in 1989, the site of antimatter discovery, and where the Higgs boson, often referred to as the 'God particle,' was confirmed in 2012, validating crucial theories about the subatomic realm. Consequently, much of our understanding of atoms and the universe—and even cat memes—stems from the groundbreaking research conducted here.

For enthusiasts of all kinds, this is monumental—especially considering that CERN’s grounds host the Large Hadron Collider, a 16.8-mile subterranean circuit where the brightest minds in the world collide tiny, fast-moving particles to uncover new knowledge.

“What astronomers achieve with telescopes, we replicate with particle detectors,” remarked Arnaud Marsollier, CERN’s media relations head, during a recent webinar. “When we observe the universe, we only comprehend 5 percent of it. The remaining 95 percent, consisting of dark matter or dark energy, remains a mystery. We have evidence of its existence, but we still don’t understand its nature. This is precisely why we are pushing our experiments further.”

CERN stands out as a remarkable instance of effective international collaboration: currently, a coalition of 23 member states oversees CERN, and over 12,000 scientists from 110 nations utilize its facilities and the research generated here.

What type of nuclear research is being conducted here?

The term nuclear in CERN’s name is unrelated to nuclear weapons. CERN was actually established after World War II by a coalition of European nations with the goal of uniting scientists to apply their knowledge for peaceful purposes rather than military ones. As per CERN’s convention: "The Organization shall have no concern with work for military requirements, and the findings of its experimental and theoretical work shall be made publicly available."

So, why does CERN include the word nuclear in its title? At the time of its founding, physics research was centered on exploring atomic structures—or the nucleus—and was thus termed "nuclear." Today, this field is referred to as particle research. CERN pioneers advancements in three main areas: particle accelerators, particle detectors, and computing. The scientists here are focused on answering questions such as:

• What makes up the mysterious 95 percent of the universe's mass and energy?
• Why is gravity so much weaker than other forces?
• Why is the universe predominantly composed of matter, with very little antimatter?
• Is there only one Higgs boson, and does it behave as predicted?

Their research yields significant real-world applications. For instance, accelerator technologies play a role in cancer radiotherapy, while other innovations enhance 3D color X-ray imaging and PET scan diagnostics.

Is it safe to visit? Absolutely. However, concerns have been voiced over the years about the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) potentially generating microscopic black holes (which it cannot) or releasing cosmic rays. To alleviate such worries, the center’s website provides comprehensive explanations, stating, for example, “The Universe conducts more than 10 million million LHC-like experiments every second. The likelihood of any harmful effects contradicts what astronomers observe—stars and galaxies continue to thrive.”

What can visitors experience at CERN?

The most remarkable aspect of this well-kept, expansive scientific enclave is that all research conducted here is entirely public. Every study is open to the public, as is the campus. Free guided tours are available in English and French, led by CERN personnel, including physicists, engineers, and technicians. During these tours, guests can explore the facility’s first particle accelerator, the synchrocyclotron, established in 1957, and peek into the control room that manages the ATLAS experiment, which played a crucial role in discovering the Higgs boson in 2012. During my visit, the tour guide proudly declared, “Nothing is concealed.”

This month, CERN introduced a new way for the public to connect with its mission: a fresh exhibition and educational center known as the Science Gateway, crafted by renowned architect Renzo Piano. (He is also the mind behind New York’s Whitney Museum, Paris’s Centre Pompidou, London’s Shard, and the elegant Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern.)

“This will be a gathering place for everyone: children, students, adults, teachers, and scientists—all drawn to the exploration of the Universe, from the infinitely large to the infinitesimally small. It serves as a bridge, both metaphorically and literally. This building is powered by solar energy, nestled in a newly planted forest,” Piano stated in a press release regarding the opening.

Externally, the building features two parallel tubes linked by a bridge—symbolic of CERN’s accelerators—and is carbon neutral due to 4,000 square meters of solar panels. Surrounding it are over 400 newly planted trees, creating the illusion that it hovers above a forest.

Inside, the Science Gateway includes three exhibitions (Discover CERN, Our Universe, and Quantum World) and hosts science shows in a theater, along with interactive workshops for both school groups and individual visitors. It also features public events, such as the upcoming Dark Matter Day, which will include a talk by Nobel Prize-winning astronomer Michel Mayor (November 3), and a live performance of The Infinite Monkey Cage podcast with physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince (January 12).

Visiting Information

CERN is just a 25-minute tram ride from the center of Geneva, and some hotels might provide complimentary transport cards.

The Science Gateway exhibitions are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the reception opens at 8 a.m.). Guided tours can be reserved at the Science Gateway on a first-come, first-served basis.