19 Breathtaking Locations To Discover In Switzerland

2. Zurich

That is the nation’s largest metropolis – I additionally thought it was attractive with a captivating Outdated City stuffed with engaging medieval buildings, historic landmines, quirky cafes, upscale boutiques and high quality eating places with a extremely picturesque location on Lake Zurich, and surrounded by the distant Swiss Alps! To me, it felt each cosmopolitan and complicated however vigorous on the identical time!

Positioned within the nation northern a part of the nation, alongside the shores of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, about 30 km (19 miles) from the German border and surrounded by the Swiss Alps within the distance. I discovered from the vacationer workplace that it was as soon as a Roman settlement and later a key middle of the Swiss Reformation, is now it’s a worldwide hub for finance, tradition, and innovation. with a inhabitants of round 430,000.

I flew into Zurich Airport from London and stayed for a enjoyable lengthy weekend, and discovered the place actually comes alive in the summertime! I explored the historic Outdated City (Altstadt) and found landmarks akin to Grossmünster and Fraumünster, shopped within the luxurious boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, loved panoramic views from Uetliberg Mountain, relaxed by the scenic shores of Lake Zurich after which went swimming, visited the world-class museum Kunsthaus Zürich, and went clubbing in Zürich West.

• Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for gentle climate and fewer crowds, good for metropolis exploration).
• Actions on supply: Visiting museums, exploring the previous city, buying alongside Bahnhofstrasse, and boat journeys on Lake Zurich.
• Lodging: Baur au Lac, The Dolder Grand, and 25hours Resort Zurich West.
• Map Location and Instructions

3. Lucerne

I believed this metropolis was very picturesque! I found actually breathtaking surroundings with a heady mixture of medieval, baroque, and Swiss chalet kinds, a putting Outdated City with cobbled streets lined with colourful frescoed buildings, deep-blue alpine lake with fjord-like inlets, a high quality lakeside promenade and a wide ranging mountain backdrop! 

I discovered it positioned within the centre of the nation, on the foot of the Swiss Alps, about 50 km (31 miles) south of Zurich. Based within the eighth century, it was traditionally a key commerce and political middle however I noticed it was now a serious vacationer vacation spot with a inhabitants of round 82,000 individuals. 

I took the Swiss Rail system (SBB) which took me from Zurich to Lucerne in 1 hour and stayed for 2 days. I walked throughout the historic Chapel Bridge and noticed its iconic Water Tower, admired the baroque fantastic thing about the Jesuit Church, visited the Lion Monument carved into rock, explored the medieval Musegg Wall which had rather well preserved towers, took a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, and took a enjoyable however vertigo-inducing trip on the world’s steepest cogwheel practice up Mount Pilatus – the alpine views had been breathtaking!

• Location: Central a part of the nation​.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for boat rides and mountaineering round Mount Pilatus and Rigi).
• Actions on supply: Boat cruises, mountaineering Mount Pilatus or Rigi, visiting the Swiss Transport Museum, and exploring the Chapel Bridge.
• Lodging: Resort des Balances, Resort Schweizerhof Luzern, and Artwork Deco Resort Montana.
• Map Location and Instructions

4. Swiss Nationwide Park

That is Switzerland’s oldest nationwide park! I believed it was strikingly lovely with its pristine alpine landscapes, sprawling inexperienced meadows, and historical forests, all set towards the beautiful backdrop of rugged mountain peaks. I beloved the way it felt like a wild, untouched wilderness, it was a spot the place I used to be actually immersed in nature!

• Location: Jap a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (to discover mountaineering trails and expertise the park’s biodiversity).
• Actions on supply: Mountaineering, wildlife viewing, nature pictures, and exploring alpine meadows.
• Lodging: Resort Parc Naziunal Il Fuorn (contained in the park), Resort Piz Buin Zernez, and Resort Crusch Alba.
• Map Location and Instructions

5. Chateau de Chillon

I completely adored this scenic historic fort! I believed this medieval fort was actually beautiful with majestic towers and spires that rose dramatically towards the backdrop of the Swiss Alps nevertheless it was its location on a small island of Lake Geneva that basically took my breath away – it truly appeared like one thing out of a portray! I additionally actually like the way it exuded a romantic vibe with a medieval grandeur and intrigue. 

I found it positioned on the jap shore of Lake Geneva, simply outdoors the city of Montreux, nestled between the lake and the foothills of the Alps. I discovered from the information that it dated again to the eleventh century however now features solely as a museum and vacationer attraction.

I visited once I stayed in Geneva (having flown in from Heathrow to Geneva Airport) and from there it was a scenic 1 hour and quarter-hour drive and I stayed for 2 hours. I explored the Nice Halls with their well-preserved medieval frescoes, strolled by means of the underground dungeons famously immortalised by Lord Byron, admired the Chapel which was dwelling to 14th-century work, and loved beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the fort’s towers.

• Customer Heart Tackle: Av. de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (to take pleasure in lake views and guided excursions in nice climate).
• Actions on supply: Guided excursions, exploring historic reveals, pictures, and strolling alongside Lake Geneva.
• Lodging: Resort Victoria in Montreux, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, and Resort Bon Rivage.
• Map Location and Instructions
• Chateau de Chillon Web site

6. Zermatt

I used to be an enormous fan of this picturesque mountain resort! I personally thought it was breathtaking with its assortment of postcard-pretty picket chalets, charming car-free streets, and beautiful alpine backdrop, all dominated by the majestic Matterhorn Mountain, which towered dramatically over the city.

I beloved the way it was each chilled and vigorous on the identical time with a mixture of cosy bars and eating places and a buzzing après-ski scene and outside adventures galore. I discovered it nestled within the Swiss Alps within the canton of Valais, close to the Italian border, on the foot of the Matterhorn. It’s truly a historic mountain resort city which gained reputation within the mid-Nineteenth century with the primary profitable ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 and as we speak it has a inhabitants of round 5,800 residents.

I took a direct practice from Zurich which took 3.5 hours throughout winter and I stayed for an idyllic three days. I rode the year-round Gornergrat Railway and noticed actually breathtaking Matterhorn views, skied the world-class slopes of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, snowshoed the Rotenboden to Riffelberg path and explored the vigorous foremost avenue Bahnhofstrasse which was lined with luxurious boutiques, conventional Swiss outlets, cozy cafés, gourmand eating places, and classy motels. 

I additionally visited the Matterhorn Museum and learnt all in regards to the mountain’s historical past, and loved gourmand eating on the high-altitude restaurant Chez Vrony.

• Location: Southern a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter and Summer time (for snowboarding in winter and mountaineering in summer season).
• Actions on supply: Snowboarding, snowboarding, mountaineering, mountaineering, and exploring the Matterhorn Museum.
• Lodging: The Omnia, Resort Monte Rosa, and Mont Cervin Palace.
• Map Location and Instructions

7. Bern

I believed the Swiss capital was an actual gem! I beloved its medieval Outdated City which featured sandstone arcades, a putting clock tower, high quality historic structure, engaging lined arcades, whimsical fountains, cobbled streets, world-class galleries, implausible city swimming, and conventional structure, all framed by Alpine views and the winding Aare River full with picturesque bridges. 

I actually favored its very charming and laid-back vibe – it had a really feel of medieval class but in addition with a relaxed, small-town really feel. 

I took a practice from Geneva which took 1 hour and 45 minutes and I stayed for a weekend. I explored the UNESCO-listed Outdated City which had fairly medieval arcades, admired the well-known Zytglogge clock tower’s animated figures, visited the Federal Palace to see Swiss authorities in motion, strolled alongside the Aare River to see beautiful metropolis views, and found Einstein’s legacy on the Einstein Museum which I discovered was positioned contained in the Bern Historic Museum.

• Location: Central a part of the nation​.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (to benefit from the historic previous city and outside occasions).
• Actions on supply: Strolling excursions of the previous city, visiting the Zytglogge clock tower, exploring museums, and attending festivals.
• Lodging: Resort Bellevue Palace, Resort Schweizerhof Bern, and Resort Savoy Bern.
• Map Location and Instructions

8. Wengen

I believed this car-free Swiss mountain village was very picturesque! I discovered it had postcard-pretty conventional Swiss chalets, panoramic views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains, brilliant inexperienced alpine meadows, and charming streets, all set towards the backdrop of beautiful waterfalls and the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley. I beloved how peaceable and slow-placed it was, in addition to its cosy vibe! 

I discovered it nestled within the Bernese Oberland area, perched on a sunny plateau above Lauterbrunnen Valley at an altitude of 1,274 meters (4,180 ft), and beautiful views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains. It’s truly a historic Swiss alpine village relationship again to the thirteenth century, grew to become a preferred vacationer vacation spot within the Nineteenth century with the rise of mountain tourism and the development of the Wengernalp Railway. It’s dwelling to a inhabitants of round 1,300 residents, however this considerably will increase through the ski and mountaineering seasons.

I took a 3 hour practice journey from Zurich and stayed for 3 days. I took a trip on the year-round Wengernalp Railway and beautiful views of the Jungfrau, skied the world-famous Lauberhorn slopes, rode the Jungfraujoch Railway to the very best railway station in Europe, loved panoramic views from the Männlichen Cable Automotive, and sampled the relaxed however vibrant après-ski scene which consisted of cozy mountain eating places, chalets, and bars.

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and the annual Lauberhorn downhill race).
• Actions on supply: Snowboarding, mountaineering, paragliding, and using the Wengen-Männlichen cable automobile.
• Lodging: Resort Regina Wengen, Resort Belvédère, and Beausite Park Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

9. Lake Oeschinen

I believed this lake was a surprising hidden gem! I believed it was very putting with its vibrant turquoise waters framed by towering alpine peaks, rolling inexperienced meadows, and the country Oeschinen Alpine Inn. I felt very tranquil and distant and I felt very immersed in unspoilt nature! 

I found it nestled within the Bernese Oberland area, close to the city of Kandersteg. It was positioned at an altitude of 1,578 meters (5,177 ft), surrounded by the Oeschinenhorn and different towering peaks of the Swiss Alps. It grew to become a part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn UNESCO World Heritage web site in 2001, having been acknowledged for its excellent pure magnificence.

I accessed it from Kandersteg through a scenic cable automobile journey and I spent a day exploring. I hiked across the lake and noticed panoramic mountain views, took a ship trip on the gorgeously clear waters, explored the close by Oeschinenhorn and Blüemlisalp peaks, loved swimming within the cool alpine waters because it was summer season, after which visited the Oeschinen Alpine Inn for a hearty Austrian meal accompanied by breathtaking mountain views. 

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for mountaineering, swimming, and boat rides on the clear waters).
• Actions on supply: Swimming, mountaineering, tobogganing, and boat leases.
• Lodging: Berghotel Oeschinensee, Blümlisalp Resort, and Chalet-Resort Adler in Kandersteg.
• Map Location and Instructions

10. Interlaken

I believed this fashionable Swiss resort city was simply heavenly! I believed it was a surprising gem with its breathtaking backdrop of snowcapped mountains sprinkled with waterfalls, glacial lakes, and luxurious inexperienced alpine meadows and charming streets lined with conventional Swiss buildings and an adventurous but relaxed vibe. 

It was positioned within the Bernese Oberland area, nestled between Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Jungfrau mountain vary. It’s positioned about 80 kilometers southeast of Bern and I noticed it served as a gateway to the Jungfrau Area. It was first established within the twelfth century as a small farming village, however now it’s a preferred vacationer vacation spot with a inhabitants of round 5,500 residents. 

I took a hour’s practice journey from Bern and stayed for 2 days. I went paragliding over the lakes, hiked the scenic trails round Tougher Kulm and noticed attractive mountain views, visited the picturesque Hohematte Park, took a ship tour on Lake Thun, explored the charming Aare River promenade, visited the close by Jungfraujoch, and found the well-known revolving restaurant within the Schilthorn.

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for journey sports activities like paragliding, mountaineering, and boat journeys).
• Actions on supply: Paragliding, mountaineering, boating on Lakes Thun and Brienz, and skydiving.
• Lodging: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Resort, Lindner Grand Resort Beau Rivage, and Resort Interlaken.
• Map Location and Instructions

11. St Moritz

This is among the oldest ski resorts on the planet! I believed it was an actual magnificence with a wide ranging backdrop of snow-capped peaks, the serene Lake St. Moritz, and stylish streets lined with charming Swiss chalets and luxurious motels all set inside a picture-postcard alpine panorama. I actually loved its upscale, glamorous vibe, the place luxurious meets nature. 

I discovered it was positioned within the Engadine Valley within the jap a part of the nation, within the canton of Graubünden, at an altitude of 1,856 meters (6,089 ft) above sea degree. It’s been a premier vacation spot for winter sports activities for the reason that Nineteenth century, internet hosting two Winter Olympics (1928 and 1948), and as we speak has a inhabitants of round 5,200 residents. I discovered that lengthy been a favourite vacation spot for royal dynasties, politicians, billionaires, and celebrities resulting from its luxurious, status, and exclusivity! 

I took a direct practice from Zurich which took 3.5 hours and I stayed for an superior three days. I skied on the world-class resorts of Corviglia, loved ice crusing and ice skating at St. Moritz Lake, dined on the luxurious Badrutt’s Palace Resort, skilled the beautiful alpine surroundings on the unbelievable Bernina Categorical, learnt all about the city’s wealthy cultural heritage on the Segantini Museum and explored its well being resort standing by squeezing in as many spas, thermal swimming pools and saunas as I may!

• Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for world-class snowboarding and luxurious resorts).
• Actions on supply: Snowboarding, snowboarding, mountaineering, attending luxurious occasions, and having fun with spa resorts.
• Lodging: Badrutt’s Palace Resort, Kulm Resort St. Moritz, and Suvretta Home.
• Map Location and Instructions

12. Brienz

Brienz is a conventional village positioned close to Interlaken, surrounded by towering mountains and on the shores of the good turquoise Lake Brienz. It deserves a particular point out.

For a contact of romance, head for Brunngasse, which was as soon as awarded the title of essentially the most lovely avenue in Europe. Right here, many of the homes are wood-carved and date again to the 18th century, giving them a chocolate field prettiness.

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for mountaineering and exploring the Brienz Rothorn railway).
• Actions on supply: Boat journeys on Lake Brienz, visiting the Brienz Rothorn railway, wooden carving workshops, and mountaineering.
• Lodging: Grandhotel Giessbach, Resort Brienz, and Brienzerburli Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

13. Villars-Sur-Ollon

I used to be in awe of this upscale place! Sitting on the sunlit southern terrace within the Rhone Valley, the attractive upscale resort city of Villars-sur-Ollon affords breathtaking views of the Dan du Midi, Mont Blanc massif, and Lake Geneva.

The world-famous ski resort boasts 25 kilometres of premier snow slopes and 44 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. In addition to that, it has three snowparks, a snow kindergarten, sledging hills, and quite a few winter mountaineering trails, to not point out the vigorous après ski actions! 

I might additionally advocate making an attempt out certainly one of my many wellness centres within the thermal spring space. In summer season, the primary actions of Villars-sur-Ollon are mountaineering, mountain biking, and golf.

You possibly can discover over 300 km of marked trekking routes and 150 km of mountain bike trails. One of the thrilling routes results in the gorgeous mountain lakes Lac de Chavonne, Lac de Bretaye, and Lac Noir.

• Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and having fun with snow-covered landscapes).
• Actions on supply: Snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and visiting the close by Glacier 3000.
• Lodging: Chalet RoyAlp Resort & Spa, Alpe Fleurie, and Resort du Golf.
• Map Location and Instructions

14. Grindelwald

One in every of Switzerland’s most well-known ski resorts, Grindelwald, sits within the shadow of three magnificent peaks: Jungfrau (4158 m above sea degree), Mönch (4099 m), and Eiger (3970 m).

Nature skillfully crafted this one-of-a-kind panorama consisting of steep rocks, neat plateaus, and delicate slopes. No place in Central Europe has glaciers so near the valley, and they’re simply accessible for snow lovers.

In addition to snowboarding, you’ll be able to discover the mysterious Blue Ice Grotto and the elegant Glacial Canyon, only a stone’s throw from Grindelwald. Nevertheless, in my view, the primary spotlight of this place is the cogwheel railway nestling on the summit of the Kleine Scheidegg Mountain.

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for snowboarding and ice-climbing, or Summer time for mountaineering and mountain biking).
• Actions on supply: Snowboarding, mountaineering, mountaineering, mountain biking, and taking the Eiger Categorical gondola.
• Lodging: Resort Belvedere Grindelwald, Romantik Resort Schweizerhof, and Aspen alpin way of life resort Grindelwald.
• Map Location and Instructions

15. Basel

Divided in half by the Rhine River, Basel, the third-largest Swiss metropolis, proudly sits between Germany and France. It owes its cultural variety and weird combination of architectural kinds to this distinctive geographical place.

That is maybe the one place on Earth the place you’ll be able to journey to a different nation (extra exactly, to 2 international international locations) by tram! 

If you happen to focus solely on Basel’s centre, you’ll have a lot to see and do. Head to the market sq. with its richly embellished authorities buildings and the Gothic cathedral to soak in historical past or go to one of many 40 native museums – concrete proof that Basel is a metropolis of arts.

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for artwork festivals, gentle climate, and cultural occasions).
• Actions on supply: Exploring museums, strolling alongside the Rhine River, visiting the Basel Zoo, and attending artwork festivals.
• Lodging: Grand Resort Les Trois Rois, Resort Basel, and The Passage Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

16. Lake Constance

Located at 400 meters in northeastern Switzerland, this lake is named Lake Constance, Bodensee, and the Swabian Sea.

The huge reservoir, about 65 kilometres lengthy, is the third-largest lake in Europe. Because of its huge measurement, it washes the shores of three international locations – Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

The image-perfect panorama across the lake is a real paradise for outside lovers. Water sports activities, mountaineering, roller-skating, and biking actions lure vacationers worldwide. When you are right here, I extremely advocate cruising throughout the azure waters!

• Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for boating, biking alongside the shores, and visiting close by cities).
• Actions on supply: Boating, swimming, biking alongside the lake, and visiting close by cities like Konstanz.
• Lodging: Resort Unhealthy Horn, Seehotel Am Kaiserstrand, and Resort Heiden.
• Map Location and Instructions

17. Seebergsee

The Seebergsee Lake,  within the canton of Bern, appears virtually like a pond in comparison with different Swiss lakes. Nevertheless, whereas being inferior to its counterparts in measurement, it isn’t faulty in magnificence.

This oasis of tranquillity affords a number of routes for cyclists and backpackers working throughout ravishing inexperienced foothills. Picturesque grassy landscapes framing the lake are perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and chilling out.

Be happy to plunge into these calm waters and swim throughout the lake (bear in mind to maintain secure!). Afterwards, you’ll be able to climb cliffs, lending epic views of the Seebergee and the encompassing mountain terrains.

• Location: Western a part of the nation
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for mountaineering and having fun with the beautiful alpine surroundings).
• Actions on supply: Mountaineering, picnicking, pictures, and exploring the encompassing alpine trails.
• Lodging: Close by choices embody Resort Landgasthof Schönbühl, Resort Alpenblick in Bern, and Resort Moosegg.
• Map Location and Instructions

18. Jungfraujoch

It is a fashionable and upscale vacationer vacation spot referred to as the “High of Europe” – I reached the high-altitude mountain move (which is breathtakingly nestled between two peaks) right here by an unbelievable journey through the cog railway Jungfrau, working 9 km from the Kleine Scheidegg move to Jungfraujoch – the mountain views on the way in which up had been unbelievable!

The Jungfraujoch Station is housed at 3454 meters above sea degree and is the very best in Europe. I beloved the implausible panoramic views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain peaks and the longest glacier within the Alps.

After gazing on the attractive views and I then plunge by means of a tunnel to succeed in the extraordinary Ice Palace, which was a unprecedented place which exhibited an intensive assortment of ice sculptures. I then climbed the Sphinx commentary terrace and strolled alongside the Alpine Sensation round underground stroll.

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (to expertise the “High of Europe” viewpoint and glacier walks).
• Actions on supply: Glacier walks, visiting the Ice Palace, using the Jungfrau Railway, and having fun with panoramic views.
• Lodging: Eiger Guesthouse, Resort Silberhorn Wengen, and Resort Alpenruhe Kulm.
• Map Location and Instructions

19. Spiez

Spiez is a small city within the picturesque bay of Lake Thun. The town is charming in the summertime, stuffed with lush greenery and flowers. Not like many different cities in Switzerland, Spiez doesn’t have an historical core—apart from an previous fort dotted with small however beautiful low-rise buildings.

Nevertheless, the native nature is price visiting Spitz in your journey to Switzerland. The skyy waters of Lake Thun are surrounded by the towering Swiss Alps, which fastidiously defend the lake from calm winds.

The beautiful greenery of Swiss nature and vineyards complement the blue-ish color palette. I counsel making an attempt the native wineries’ merchandise—they’re scrumptious!

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for boat rides, fort visits, and winery excursions).
• Actions on supply: Boat excursions, visiting Spiez Fort, wine tasting, and mountaineering by means of close by vineyards.
• Lodging: Belvédère Strandhotel, Resort Eden Spiez, and Strandhotel Seeblick.
• Map Location and Instructions

Associated