The 11 most breathtaking destinations to explore in Switzerland: get inspired

Nowhere is truly perfect, but let’s be honest, Switzerland comes pretty close.

The Alps stretch over 60% of the country, with landscapes and towns that seem crafted by a wildly creative child. Imagine glacier-topped peaks, roaring waterfalls, fairy-tale castles, and lakes in stunning shades of turquoise. Red trains ascend mountains to astonishing heights, while the sound of clanging cowbells echoes across meadows you can skip through with Heidi-like joy.

Even the culturally rich cities are set against stunning backdrops of vineyards, lakes, or rivers, with mountains always just a whisper away. When it comes to natural beauty, Switzerland is unparalleled. This makes it a delight to explore, whether by train, bus, or car. Here are the 11 top places to discover in Switzerland.

1. Jungfrau

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts

The picturesque Jungfrau region is the crowning jewel of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. Majestic peaks, glaciers, and roaring waterfalls inspire awe at every turn. Towering at around 4,000m (13,123ft) are Switzerland’s legendary trio: Eiger (Ogre), Mönch (Monk), and Jungfrau (Virgin), celebrated in mountaineering lore.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the eternal snow at Europe’s highest train station, 3,454m (11,332ft) Jungfraujoch. Hike, ski, sled, and zip-line through mythic mountains in Grindelwald, revel in numerous waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen, and embrace every extreme sport imaginable in Interlaken (skydiving, ice climbing, glacial bungee jumping—you name it). The Jungfrau region showcases the great outdoors on an epic scale.

Travel tip: Hurry through this region and you’ll regret it. Spend a week or more to fully immerse yourself if possible. It's absolutely worth it. Charming villages like Wengen and Mürren make perfect bases for your stay.

2. Bern

Ideal for a step back in history

Bern frequently appears in those unbelievable capital trivia questions, yet Switzerland’s first city truly deserves more affection. The cobblestoned, flag-adorned medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage gem, featuring 6km (3.7 miles) of covered arcades, cellar shops and bars, whimsical folk figures on 16th-century fountains, and the stunning Zytglogge. Nestled between wooded hills and divided by the turquoise Aare River, this red-roofed city offers picturesque views from nearly every angle. It’s pure fairy tale for children, complete with its giant who snacks on kids (the Kindlifresserbrunnen) and resident bears.

For sights, you won’t want to miss highlights like the Einstein-Haus (where the genius and Nobel laureate crafted his theory of relativity), the Kunsthaus (featuring an impressive fine arts collection), and Renzo Piano’s flowing Zentrum Paul Klee (Bern’s equivalent of the Guggenheim).

Travel tip: In summer, the fun centers around the water with swimming, tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding along the Aare River, so don’t forget your swimsuit. A classic float trip takes you from Camping Eichholz to Marzili, providing stunning views of the Old Town.

3. Geneva and Lake Geneva

Ideal for a cosmopolitan city experience

In Switzerland’s western curve, the crescent-shaped Lake Geneva (known as Lac Léman to Francophones) is a stunning sight with its mountainous backdrop, uplifting views, vineyards, and a shoreline adorned with charming cities and castle-crowned towns.

Defined by its vibrant Jet d’Eau fountain and Mont Blanc peeking on the horizon, Geneva hugs the southern shore of the lake. This sophisticated city serves as a fantastic base for exploration, featuring renowned museums and galleries, beautiful botanical gardens, swimming lidos, cozy cafes in the Old Town, and bright-yellow mouettes shuttling locals across the water—arguably one of the world’s most picturesque commutes.

Side trip: A quick boat or train ride takes you to Lausanne, which can easily rival Geneva in cultural offerings, especially with its Plateforme 10 arts district, the beautiful terraced vineyards of the Lavaux wine region (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and flower-adorned Montreux, home to one of the world’s most renowned jazz festivals, with the stunning Château de Chillon right nearby.

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4. Zermatt

Perfect for hiking, skiing, and rock climbing

No mountain attracts more attention than the 4,478m (14,692ft) Matterhorn, a magnificent, jagged peak that towers over the charming, timber chalet-laden Alpine resort of Zermatt. This iconic mountain is so cherished in Switzerland that it inspired the pyramid shape of Toblerone chocolate.

Zermatt offers more than just its famous mountain. Since the mid-19th century, climbers have flocked here, and it continues to be a hotspot for challenging summit ascents. Alternatively, visit to hike, ski, and admire the breathtaking views of glaciers and 4,000m (13,123ft) peaks at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Side trip: Want to cross over the mountains for pranzo (lunch) or place one snow-booted foot in Switzerland and the other in Italy? Take a ride on the cable car that reaches the clouds, from Zermatt to Testa Grigia. The panoramic views from the top are simply extraordinary.

5. Swiss National Park

Ideal for wildlife (and wildflower) observation

Switzerland has only one national park? Yes, it’s surprising, but believe us, it’s a gem. Nestled in a remote area of the southeast near the Italian border, the 172 sq km (66 square mile) Swiss National Park is nature at its finest: a breathtaking display of high moors, forests, pastures dotted with wildflowers, waterfalls, vibrant lakes, and towering mountains. Here, ibex, chamois, marmots, deer, and golden eagles thrive in their natural habitat.

In this wildlife haven, nature reigns supreme, and human impact is minimal, focused solely on conservation. Park officials hope it remains this way indefinitely. The landscape is so untouched and ancient that dinosaur tracks are frequently uncovered here.

Put on your hiking boots for incredible treks like the demanding 21km (13 mile) round trip from Zernez to the Lakes of Macun, where 23 shimmering lakes in shades of sapphire, azure, and turquoise sparkle on a high-Alpine plateau, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Bernese, Silvretta, and Ortler Alps.

Travel tip: Kick off your adventure with expert insights on walking trails and ranger-led guided hikes at the visitor center located in Zernez.

6. Bellinzona

Best for dining in piazzas

Boasting three medieval castles perched on hillsides with breathtaking views of the Alps, charming Bellinzona in Ticino feels like a shot of Italian espresso in southern Switzerland. The historic center is infused with Italian culture, featuring flower-laden streets, Renaissance churches, and vibrant piazzas alive with laughter, clinking glasses, and the echo of distant bells.

Side trip: A must-see is the impressive castles, including the medieval fortress of Castelgrande, which can easily fill an entire day (don’t forget water, comfy shoes, and maybe a picnic). From the castle walls, the views extend over rolling hills dotted with vineyards and more castles.

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7. Jura Mountains and Lac de Neuchâtel

Best for a scenic road trip

Nestled along the French–Swiss border, the Jura Mountains offer a stunning natural landscape. This serene area boasts its own unique charm: lush meadows, ancient woodlands, rocky cliffs overlooking three picturesque lakes, all set against an Alpine backdrop, alongside tranquil villages and valleys that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Start your adventure with a road trip. Begin at the Jura Vaudois Nature Park for breathtaking hikes with panoramic views of Lake Geneva and indulge in Gruyère cheese tastings at traditional Alpine cabins. Head north to Lac de Joux, the watchmaking hub of Le Sentier, and Vallorbe, famous for housing Switzerland’s largest and most impressive limestone caves.

Detour: Add a visit to Lac de Neuchâtel, where you can soak in the thermal waters of Yverdon-les-Bains, explore the rolling hills of Val-de-Travers (the birthplace of absinthe), and marvel at the crescent-shaped canyon of Creux du Van. The cultured city of Neuchâtel serves as a splendid finale with its enchanting turreted château.

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8. Lake Lucerne

Best for sunset promenades

Nestled along the shores of its shimmering namesake lake, Lucerne is a medieval paradise that enchants with an elusive charm. You'll feel its magic as you walk the promenade during sunset, painted in vibrant golds and pinks, or while cruising its waters towards legendary peaks: 2,132m (6,995ft) Mt Pilatus, where Wagner praised the alpine vistas and Queen Victoria rode on horseback, and 1,797m (5,896ft) Rigi, whose light so inspired Turner that he captured it in three distinct moods.

This small city boasts a rich cultural scene, highlighted by the iconic medieval Kapellbrücke bridge arching over the Reuss River, the Jean Nouvel-designed KKL arts center, and the Sammlung Rosengart, home to a renowned private collection of Picassos. As you stroll past the elegant belle époque hotels lining the shores, you'll be entranced by the same views that mesmerized Goethe, Queen Victoria, and Wagner in the 19th century.

Local tip: If you have more time, take advantage of the lake. Glide across the fjord-like, mountain-fringed Lake Uri to experience the geographical and spiritual core of Switzerland. Boats navigate the crystalline turquoise waters to Rütli, the birthplace of the Swiss nation.

9. Appenzell and northeastern Switzerland

Best for a pastoral Swiss experience

While Northeastern Switzerland may lack the towering peaks of the Alps, it charms visitors with its tranquil, rural landscapes where dairy farms merge with mountainous backdrops and quaint, mural-adorned towns that seem straight out of a postcard. This compact region is ideal for a family getaway, offering a blend of culture and gentle adventures.

Start your journey in St Gallen, exploring its World Heritage Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), a literary gem showcasing rococo artistry and architecture. Continue to the picturesque Appenzell, where you can visit the Schaukäserei to taste local cheeses.

Venture further south into the Alps, ascending to Säntis at 2,501m (8,205ft) for panoramic views spanning six countries. Then, explore Werdenberg, a quaint medieval village featuring Switzerland’s oldest timber chalets.

Detour: Consider a trip to nearby Vaduz, the charming, castle-crowned capital of Liechtenstein along the Rhine. If you're feeling adventurous, it serves as the starting point for the 75km Liechtenstein Trail, which allows you to hike around the entire country in just a weekend.

10. Basel

Best for an undiscovered city experience

Despite its low profile, Basel offers a wealth of attractions. Located along the Rhine, this city boasts world-class art in some of Switzerland’s finest galleries, a vibrant culinary scene, innovative architecture designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects, and a lively café culture.

Dedicate a few days to explore the heart of the city, where highlights include the Kunstmuseum with its impressive art collection, the Fondation Beyeler designed by Renzo Piano, and the Vitra Design Museum created by Frank Gehry. The Rehberger-Weg, a 5km art trail with 24 stops linking these cultural gems, is best enjoyed on foot or by bike, even crossing into Germany and back.

Planning tip: Basel reveals its charm to those willing to venture beyond the iconic attractions, enjoying sunset drinks by the river or taking a refreshing swim in the Rhine. Rent a Wickelfisch (a waterproof fish-shaped bag) at the tourist office, don your swimsuit, and float downstream past the city's sights.

11. Zürich

Best place to reside

Consistently ranking high in quality-of-life assessments, vibrant Zürich thrives with energy: from trendy riverside bars along the Limmat to its charming Old Town, where the iconic twin-towered Romanesque Grossmünster, established by Charlemagne in the 9th century, glows with Augusto Giacometti’s vibrant stained glass.

The remarkable Kunsthaus features Old Masters, while Le Corbusier’s vividly designed buildings and the edgy Züri-West area, home to the Schiffbau showcasing contemporary arts in a repurposed shipyard, elevate Zürich's cultural scene.

Planning tip: Every mid-August, Zürich hosts one of Switzerland’s most exhilarating events: the techno-infused Street Parade. During hot summer days, locals trade their business attire for swimsuits at Badi-Bars—lively lakeside and riverside pool bars like Rimini.