Best things to do in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the focus on protecting nature is easy to see. There are car-free mountain villages, lakes safe for swimming, and Switzerland’s first national park, created in 1914 and the oldest in Europe. This long history of conservation means many landscapes look much the same as they did a century ago.

Travel here follows the seasons. Hiking and festivals run from May to October, winter sports from December to March. Spring brings snowmelt waterfalls, while autumn is grape harvest time and larch forests turn golden. Here are some of the best things to do in Switzerland.

Swiss museums

Switzerland has museums that go well beyond art galleries, covering everything from alpine traditions to cutting-edge science, and are a great addition to any Switzerland itinerary. In Zürich, the Swiss National Museum dives into the country’s history with interactive displays.

Basel has two standouts: the Fondation Beyeler, set in a bright Renzo Piano–designed space, and the Kunstmuseum, which holds the oldest public art collection in Europe.

Geneva’s International Red Cross Museum is moving and thought-provoking, while CERN’s visitor center takes you inside the world of particle physics.

For something different, Ballenberg Open-Air Museum spreads out over a mountain valley with more than 100 historic farmhouses and workshops. In Gruyères, you can visit both cheese and chocolate museums, and nearby, the HR Giger Museum showcases the eerie work of the Alien designer.

How to get to Swiss museums

Most major museums are right in city centers and linked by public transport. If you’re planning to see a lot, the Swiss Museum Pass covers around 500 museums across the country. Local tourism cards often combine free museum entry with public transit, which can be good value.

When to visit Swiss museums

Weekday mornings are usually quieter, especially at popular places like the Swiss National Museum. Rainy days tend to fill museums quickly. 
 

Zermatt and The Matterhorn

Zermatt is a car-free village at the base of the Matterhorn, one of Switzerland’s most recognizable peaks at 14,692 feet (4,478m). The mountain’s sharp pyramid shape is on everything from chocolate wrappers to postcards, but the real appeal is being there in person.

Skiing is possible all year on the Theodul Glacier, with a wide network of runs connected by lifts, including Europe’s highest cable car station. If you want a different view, take the Gornergrat Railway up to a ridge that looks out over dozens of 13,000-foot (4,000m) summits. The village itself is worth a wander, with traditional wooden chalets, small shops, and restaurants serving alpine classics.

Since no regular cars are allowed, the only traffic you will see comes from quiet electric taxis or horse-drawn carriages. This is by far one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.

How to get to Zermatt

The only way in is by train. From Visp, the final stretch winds up the valley in about 90 minutes. The Glacier Express also runs here from St. Moritz or Davos. If you are driving, you will need to park in Täsch, about 3 miles (5km) away, and catch a shuttle train that runs every 20 minutes.

When to visit Zermatt

July to September is best for hiking and climbing, when the high trails are open and the meadows are full of wildflowers. Skiing is reliable from December through April. 
 

 Zürich

If you're planning  a trip to Switzerland, you're likely to include the country's largest city.

The Altstadt (Old Town) is full of narrow lanes, guild houses, and landmarks like the Grossmünster, the church tied to the Swiss Reformation. Just across the river, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with high-end boutiques, while Zürich-West has transformed old factories into art spaces, restaurants, and bars. The city is also packed with museums, from the Swiss National Museum to the Kunsthaus Zürich, which has a wide-ranging art collection.

In summer, locals swim in the lake or rivers at public baths known as badis, which gives the city a relaxed, outdoorsy feel.

How to get to Zürich

Zürich Airport is the country’s busiest, and trains reach the city center in just 10 minutes. The Hauptbahnhof is Switzerland’s main rail hub, with international connections as well. Once you are in town, the tram and bus network makes it easy to get around.

When to visit Zürich

June to August is ideal for swimming, outdoor dining, and festivals like the Street Parade. December brings Christmas markets and winter charm. April, May, September, and October are quieter with mild weather and events such as the Zürich Film Festival.
 

Schaffhausen town with Rhine Falls

Schaffhausen’s old town feels like stepping back a few centuries, with painted facades, narrow lanes, and more than 170 oriel windows that jut out from buildings. Above it all stands the Munot fortress, a circular stronghold with sweeping views over the Rhine.

Just a short trip away, you reach the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. At 500 feet (150 meters) across and 75 feet (23 meters high), the power of the water is striking, especially in early summer when snowmelt swells the river.

Boats take you right up to the central rock crowned with a Swiss flag, and the viewing platforms get you close enough to feel the spray. On the southern bank, Schloss Laufen has a visitor center, a restaurant with a terrace, and trails that wind down to the water. 

Switzerland travel tip: For something more active, the Adventure Park Rheinfall has zip lines that cross above the rushing water.

How to get to Schaffhausen and Rhine Falls

Trains from Zürich take about 40 minutes to reach Schaffhausen. From there, it’s a 10-minute bus ride to the falls, or you can follow the 2 mile (4 km riverside) path on foot. The Rheinfall train station drops you right at the north bank viewing platforms.

When to visit Schaffhausen and Rhine Falls

May through July is peak flow, when snowmelt turns the falls into a roar. August is great for boat rides, while September and October bring colorful foliage along the Rhine.
 

 Lavaux wine region and Lausanne

The Lavaux vineyards stretch across steep terraces between Lausanne and Montreux, shaped by centuries of winemaking that go back to Roman times.

Covering about 2,000 acres (800 hectares), this UNESCO-listed region is best known for its Chasselas wines. You can follow walking trails through the vines with Lake Geneva always in view, or take the small Lavaux Express train that winds through the hills. Villages like Cully and Epesses are welcoming places to stop by wine cellars and taste what is produced locally.

Back in Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral is the city’s landmark, while the Olympic Museum traces the story of the Games in detail. For something different, the Collection de l’Art Brut showcases outsider art you won’t see elsewhere. The Flon district, once full of warehouses, has been reinvented with bars, clubs, and shops that give the city a lively edge.

How to get to Lavaux and Lausanne

Trains from Geneva reach Lausanne in about 40 minutes. From there, local trains run to vineyard villages like Cully and Epesses. The Lavaux Express departs from Cully station between April and October. If you prefer walking, the trail between Lausanne and Montreux takes around five to six hours.

When to visit Lavaux and Lausanne

September and October are lively with harvests and wine festivals. July and August bring warm weather, perfect for enjoying terraces in the vineyards. In May and June, trails are quieter and lined with spring flowers.
 

Jura region

The Jura Mountains show a quieter side of Switzerland, with soft hills, thick forests, and a long watchmaking tradition.

The French-speaking region runs along the border with France and includes the Vallée de Joux, where watchmakers like Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet still work. You can visit their factories to see how these watches are made.

The Creux du Van is the area’s highlight, a huge circular cliff about 525 feet (160 m) deep where you might see ibex on the rocks. Porrentruy is one of the main towns, known for its medieval streets, half-timbered houses, and castle ruins.

The region is also home to Tête de Moine cheese, shaved into thin rosettes with a special tool. In winter, the Jura has around 215 miles (350 km) of cross-country skiing trails, while summer is great for quiet walks through pastures where the Freiberger horses, Switzerland’s only native breed, graze.

How to get to Jura region

From Geneva or Basel, trains take about 1 to 2 hours to reach towns like Delémont and La Chaux-de-Fonds. A car is useful if you want to explore the valleys and smaller villages. The Mont-Soleil railway from Saint-Imier is also worth taking, as it climbs through an area of wind farms and solar installations.

When to visit Jura region

June to September is best for hiking and biking through meadows, with the chance to stop at small dairies. December to February is the main time for cross-country skiing, and trails are usually quieter than in the Alps. In May, the pastures are filled with wildflowers, and in October, locals head into the forests to forage for mushrooms. 
 

Verbier

Verbier is one of Switzerland’s best-known ski resorts, part of the Four Valleys with more than 250 miles (410 km) of slopes. The terrain ranges from steep runs to challenging off-piste routes that attract experienced skiers and freeriders. In town, you’ll find a mix of upscale chalets, fine dining, and a lively après-ski scene, but it still feels like a mountain village with traditional wooden buildings and restaurants serving raclette and fondue.

When the snow clears, the mountains are a great place for hiking and mountain biking, with hundreds of miles of trails. Each July, the Verbier Festival brings leading classical musicians to the village. For wide views, ride the lift up to the Mont Fort glacier at 10,925 feet (3,330 m), where you can see both the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc on a clear day. Verbier in summer has become more and more popular over the years.

How to get to Verbier

Take the train to Le Châble, then continue by bus or cable car. Both take around 30 minutes. Geneva Airport is about 2 hours away by train or direct shuttle. If you are driving in winter, make sure you have proper tires or chains for the climb.

When to visit Verbier

January to March is peak ski season with good snow and a busy après-ski atmosphere. July and August are best for hiking, biking, and the music festival. September is quieter, with crisp air and autumn colors spreading across the meadows.
 

St. Moritz / Engadin Valley

St. Moritz is one of the best-known Alpine resorts, with a long history tied to winter sports. It is at 6,089 feet (1,856 m) and has hosted the Winter Olympics twice.

You can reach the main ski area, Corviglia, directly from town by funicular, and three other ski areas are nearby. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a stage for events like horse races, polo, and even cricket.

The Engadin Valley stretches for about 50 miles (80 km) beyond St. Moritz. It combines well-known resorts with smaller villages such as Sils-Maria, where Nietzsche once lived.

The quality of the light here has drawn many artists, including Giovanni Segantini, whose paintings are displayed in a museum built specifically for his work. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in the summer in Switzerland. You can hike along ancient Roman trade routes, windsurf on mountain lakes, or cycle through high-altitude valleys.

How to get to St. Moritz / Engadin Valley

St. Moritz is served by the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, two of Switzerland’s most scenic rail lines. There are also regular trains from Chur, which take about 2 hours, and from Tirano in Italy. From Zürich, the journey takes around 3.5 hours. Roads are open year-round, but winter driving can be challenging.

When to visit St. Moritz / Engadin Valley

January to March is the main season for skiing and winter events like the White Turf horse races. July and August are popular for hiking, biking, and water sports on the lakes.
 

Lake Lucerne and Lucerne City

Lake Lucerne winds between steep mountains, its long inlets giving the landscape a dramatic shape. At the center is Lucerne, a city known for the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a wooden bridge from 1333 with painted panels that tell stories from Swiss history. A short walk away, the Lion Monument is carved into rock as a memorial to Swiss Guards who died in the French Revolution.

For mountain views, you can take the cogwheel railways up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. Both are good for hiking and day trips.

On the lake, paddle steamers connect to small towns like Weggis and Vitznau, making it easy to combine boat rides with mountain excursions. In the city, the Swiss Museum of Transport gives a detailed look at the country’s engineering, while the modern KKL concert hall draws international musicians to the waterfront.

How to get to Lake Lucerne and Lucerne City

Direct trains from Zürich reach Lucerne in about 50 minutes, and there are regular connections from other major Swiss cities. The steamer pier is right next to the station. If you plan to use the boats and mountain railways, the Tell-Pass is a good option for getting around the whole region.

When to visit Lake Lucerne and Lucerne City

June through September is the best time to visit Switzerland for swimming in the lake, taking cruises, and heading up to the mountains. December is especially festive with Christmas markets, while February is the season for Fasnacht carnival. 
 

Rhätische Bahn and Glacier Express

The Glacier Express takes about eight hours to travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels along the way. Large windows give wide views of the Oberalp Pass at 6,670 feet (2,033 meters), the Rhine Gorge, and countless valleys and villages.

The Bernina Express is another memorable journey, running from Switzerland into Italy. It crosses the Landwasser Viaduct, a curving track that leads straight into a tunnel in the cliff.

The line is part of a UNESCO World Heritage railway and includes some of the steepest standard rail sections in the world. The Albula line is equally dramatic, with spiral tunnels and stone viaducts. First class service includes meals brought to your seat, while standard class has the same views of glaciers, meadows, and mountain hamlets. This is one of the best things to do in Switzerland with kids.

How to get to ride these trains

You can board the Glacier Express at Zermatt, St. Moritz, or at intermediate stops such as Andermatt. Reservations are required, especially in summer. The Bernina Express runs between Chur and Tirano, and it connects easily with trains from other parts of Switzerland.

When to visit for train journeys

May to October is ideal for seeing green valleys and clear peaks, though July and August are the busiest months and require advance booking. In winter, December to March, the mountains are covered in snow, though shorter days mean some sections are less visible. 
 

Appenzellerland

Appenzellerland is where you’ll find some of Switzerland’s oldest traditions still alive today. The hills are scattered with painted farmhouses and covered bridges, and throughout the year you’ll come across age-old customs.

In autumn, the Alpabfahrt sees cows decorated with flowers and bells making their way down from the summer pastures, while the Landsgemeinde is a centuries-old open-air voting assembly that still takes place in the village square.

Appenzell village itself is small but full of character, with brightly painted buildings, folk art museums, and shops selling traditional clothing. From the village, you can ride the Ebenalp cable car up to Wildkirchli, a cave chapel built into the mountain.

Hiking is the main activity in the Alpstein range, with trails that lead to lakes like Seealpsee where you can swim in clear alpine water. Food is an important part of the region too. Appenzeller cheese, Biber gingerbread, and the herbal liqueur Appenzeller Alpenbitter all come from here.

How to get to Appenzellerland

From Zürich, you can reach Appenzell by train in about two hours with a change in St. Gallen. The Appenzeller Bahnen narrow-gauge line connects most villages in the region.

When to visit Appenzellerland

Late September into early October is when the Alpabfahrt cattle drives take place. Hiking season runs from June through September when trails and mountain guesthouses are open. May is a good time to see wildflowers, and in winter you can snowshoe or stay in cozy mountain inns. See our guide to Switzerland accommodation.
 

Basel Carnival

Basel Fasnacht is Switzerland’s biggest carnival and it feels very different from others in Europe. Everything starts at 4am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday with the Morgestraich.

The city lights go out, and thousands of masked participants carrying lanterns fill the streets in the dark. What follows is three days of parades, brass bands playing intentionally off-key, and floats that satirize politics and world events.

Waggis characters throw confetti and sweets from their wagons, and traditional foods like flour soup and onion tart are served in local restaurants. The painted lanterns are another highlight, each one carefully created in the months leading up to the festival. Costumes, drumming, and piccolo performances are all prepared well in advance and taken very seriously by those who take part.

How to get to Basel Carnival

Basel is well connected, just an hour by train from Zürich and about three hours from Geneva. The EuroAirport Basel makes it easy to reach from France and Germany as well. Accommodation is scarce during Fasnacht, so it is best to book far ahead.

When to visit Basel Carnival

The dates depend on the lunar calendar but usually fall in late February or early March. Arrive on Sunday evening if you want to be there for the Morgestraich early Monday morning. The main parades, called Cortège, take place on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, while Tuesday is dedicated to children’s events.
 

 Montreux Jazz Festival

The Montreux Jazz Festival has been running since 1967 and now covers far more than jazz. For 16 days in July, the town becomes a stage for free concerts along the lake and ticketed performances in venues like the Stravinski Auditorium, which seats 4,000.

Big names have played here alongside smaller acts in intimate club settings. Workshops, competitions, and jam sessions keep the music going late into the night. If you are here outside festival season, the Montreux Jazz Café gives a sense of its history with memorabilia and access to archived recordings. You could easily spend an entire week-long Switzerland itinerary here alone.

How to get to Montreux Jazz Festival

Trains from Geneva Airport take about 80 minutes to reach Montreux. During the festival, special late-night trains connect to major Swiss cities. Hotels in Montreux fill up quickly, so book by March if you want to stay in town. Lausanne and Vevey are good alternatives with easy train access.

When to visit Montreux Jazz Festival

The festival takes place over 16 days in early July, with exact dates announced the previous autumn. Weekends tend to bring the biggest names and larger crowds. Arriving in the afternoon gives you time to enjoy the free concerts on the lakefront before heading to ticketed evening shows. 
 

 Geneva and Lake Geneva

Geneva has an international feel, with the UN and the Red Cross based here. The Jet d’Eau fountain shoots 460 feet (140 m) into the air and is visible from almost anywhere along the lake.

The old town rises up to St. Pierre Cathedral, where Calvin once preached, and nearby Place du Bourg-de-Four is a good stop for a coffee.

Along the lake you’ll find promenades, beaches, and the famous flower clock. Not far from Montreux, Château de Chillon is one of Switzerland’s most visited castles. It stands on a small island just offshore, with medieval halls, dungeons, and views that inspired Byron.

The path that runs along the lake between Geneva and Montreux passes through Lavaux’s terraced vineyards and towns like Nyon and Vevey.

How to get to Geneva and Lake Geneva

Geneva Airport is well connected and trains reach the city center in 7 minutes. Lake steamers run between towns around the lake. From Montreux it is a short train ride of about 2 miles (3 km) to Veytaux-Chillon station, right next to the château.

When to visit Geneva and Lake Geneva

June to August is best for swimming, eating outdoors, and festivals like Geneva’s Fêtes de Genève. May and September bring pleasant weather with fewer visitors. In December, Montreux has a Christmas market that reflects beautifully across the lake.
 

Lugano

Lugano has a Mediterranean feel, with palm trees along the lake and Italian as the everyday language. The city blends Swiss organization with Italian ease, so you’ll notice things run on time but life feels slower here.

The old town has Renaissance-era buildings, and the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli is worth stepping inside for its striking frescoes. If you want views, you can take funiculars up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore and hike down through the hills.

The LAC cultural center is the main venue for art and performances, while Parco Ciani is where people go to walk, read, or just sit by the lake. In summer, swimming clubs open along the shore. A short boat ride or lakeside walk takes you to Gandria, a small village that still feels like a traditional fishing town.

How to get to Lugano

The Gotthard Base Tunnel has made travel from Zürich quick, with trains taking about 2 hours. Milan is even closer at around 80 minutes. Lugano’s airport has some short-haul European flights. The city center is an easy walk from the train station, and funiculars connect you to the surrounding mountains.

When to visit Lugano

April to October is the best stretch for warm weather, eating outside, and swimming. July and August are the busiest, with an Italian-style holiday feel. March through May is quieter, when camellias bloom in the parks. September and October bring good hiking weather and village harvest festivals.
 

Fondue in Fribourg or Gruyères

For fondue in a traditional setting, head to Fribourg or Gruyères. Gruyères is a medieval hilltop village with cobblestone streets and a castle that dates back to 1270. It is also the birthplace of Gruyère cheese, and you can watch it being made at the demonstration dairy.

Fribourg is larger, built along the Sarine River, and has one of Switzerland’s most atmospheric old towns. You’ll see Gothic facades, covered bridges, and plenty of restaurants serving moitié-moitié fondue, made with Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois. Traditionally, it comes with white wine, crusty bread, and sometimes a shot of kirsch.

How to get to Fribourg and Gruyères

From Bern, Fribourg is just 20 minutes by train. To reach Gruyères, continue via Bulle, with the total trip taking about 1.5 hours. From Montreux between May and October, the Chocolate Train makes a scenic journey with stops at both cheese and chocolate factories.

When to visit Fribourg and Gruyères

Locals usually eat fondue in the colder months, so October to March is the most traditional time. Cheese-making demonstrations in Gruyères run year-round.
 

Davos

Davos is well known for the World Economic Forum, but most of the year it feels like a mountain town. At 5,120 feet (1,560 m), it is Europe’s highest town, surrounded by ski areas with about 185 miles (300 km) of runs. In summer, more than 430 miles (700 km) of trails open up for hiking and biking.

The architecture is unusual. Many of the large belle époque buildings began as sanatoriums when Davos was a center for tuberculosis treatment. Today they function as hotels.

The Kirchner Museum highlights the expressionist artist who painted the local landscapes. Parsenn links Davos with Klosters and is known for long ski runs and freeride terrain. In summer, Jakobshorn draws mountain bikers, while trails from the town lead to clear alpine lakes. Traditional Graubünden food is easy to find in local restaurants.

How to get to Davos

The train from Zürich takes about two and a half hours. You change at Landquart for the Rhätische Bahn, which winds its way up to Davos across viaducts and through tunnels. In winter, trains can be crowded, so booking a ski equipment space in advance is useful.

When to visit Davos

December to March is the main ski season, with higher prices during the World Economic Forum in late January. July through September is ideal for hiking and biking. October is quieter, with golden larch trees.
 

 Bellinzona's castles

Bellinzona has three castles that once guarded the main Alpine routes into Italy.

Castelgrande is the oldest, with foundations from the 4th century. It stands above the town on a rocky hill, with heavy walls, two towers, and a museum that explains how important the area was for controlling trade and travel.

Castello di Montebello is partway up the hillside and has archaeological collections, while Castello di Sasso Corbaro is higher still with displays about Bellinzona’s history.

The castles were once linked by walls and ramparts that made the town nearly impossible to penetrate. Today, you can walk between them along quiet paths that cut through vineyards and chestnut groves. Down in the old town, you’ll see Renaissance buildings, browse Saturday markets selling Ticino specialties, and eat local dishes in traditional grotti.

How to get to Bellinzona's castles

Trains from Zürich reach Bellinzona in about 2 hours on the Gotthard route. From the station it’s a 10-minute walk to Castelgrande, or you can take the elevator through the rock. Montebello is about a 15-minute climb, and Sasso Corbaro takes around 30 minutes uphill.

When to visit Bellinzona's castles

Between April and October all three museums are open and the rampart walks are at their best. In July and August the castles host medieval festivals with live performances. 
 

Bern's medieval old town

Bern’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an easy place to explore on foot. Its three miles (six kilometers) of arcades make up Europe’s longest covered shopping street, lined with cafes and small shops.

The Zytglogge clock tower still puts on its mechanical show each hour, and the Gothic cathedral has a carved portal showing the Last Judgment. Along the river you can see brown bears in the Bear Park, a symbol of the city.

The Paul Klee Center displays thousands of works by the Swiss artist in a modern building, while parliament tours give a look at Swiss democracy in action. You can also visit Einstein’s old apartment where he worked on the theory of relativity. In summer, locals jump into the turquoise Aare River and float downstream, then walk back along the riverside paths.

How to get to Bern's medieval old town

Direct trains connect Bern with Zürich in about 1 hour, Geneva in 2 hours, and Basel in 1 hour. The old town starts just below the main station and is easy to cover on foot. In summer you can also borrow free bikes to ride along the river or up to the rose garden viewpoint.

When to visit Bern's medieval old town

May to September is the best time for river swimming and outdoor dining under the arcades. November brings the traditional onion market, and December has Christmas markets. From February to April the streets are quieter but still full of cultural events.
 

 Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen is one of the most striking valleys in the Alps, with cliffs rising nearly 3,000 feet (1,000m) and waterfalls streaming down their faces. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Switzerland.

There are 72 in total, including Staubbach Falls, which plunges almost 1,000 feet (297m) and once inspired Goethe, and Trümmelbach Falls, which rush through the inside of the mountain carrying water from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers.

The valley is the starting point for trips into the Jungfrau region (such as the Grand Tour road trip for example). Cable cars climb to villages like Mürren and Wengen, where cars are not allowed. It is also popular with base jumpers, who leap from the cliffs, though you do not need to be a thrill seeker to enjoy it. You can walk through meadows and farming communities, or try activities like paragliding, canyon swinging, or via ferrata climbing.

How to get to Lauterbrunnen Valley

Trains from Interlaken Ost reach Lauterbrunnen in about 20 minutes, with hourly departures. Driving is possible, but parking fills quickly in summer. From the valley floor, cable cars and trains link to higher villages, with some like Mürren remaining car-free.

When to visit Lauterbrunnen Valley

May and June bring powerful waterfalls and wildflowers. July through September has the best weather for hiking, although it is also the busiest season. October is quieter, with golden larch trees lining the valley. Winter turns the area into a base for skiing and snow activities.
 

Aletsch Glacier

The Aletsch Glacier runs for about 14 miles (23 km), making it the longest in the Alps and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Around 10 billion tons of ice move slowly through the valley, and you can see the scale of it from resorts like Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp, which are all car-free and reached by cable car.

From the Eggishorn summit at 9,606 feet (2,927 m), you can take in the full length of the glacier along with dozens of surrounding peaks.

Guided walks bring you onto the ice itself, where you pass crevasses and frozen ridges, while the Villa Cassel center explains how the glacier has changed with the climate. You can also hike above the ice on trails that range from easy panoramic paths to more demanding routes that cross the glacier with a guide. This is one of the best outdoor activities in Switzerland.

How to get to Aletsch Glacier

Take the train through the Rhône Valley to Fiesch, Mörel, or Betten, then switch to the cable cars that lead up to the resorts. The trip from major Swiss cities usually takes 3 to 4 hours. The resorts themselves are car-free, but luggage can be sent up from the valley stations.

When to visit Aletsch Glacier

July through September is the main season for glacier hiking and clear views. June brings fewer people and wildflowers in the meadows. In October, the larch forests turn gold. Winter is quieter for glacier access, but you can ski or snowshoe in the resorts with the ice in view.
 

Interlaken & lakes (Brienz/Thun)

Interlaken lies on the flat land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, two lakes with very different colors but equally dramatic settings. You’ll often see paragliders drifting down into Höhematte park with the Jungfrau mountains in the distance. The town has become a base for all kinds of activities, from rafting and canyon jumping to skydiving.

Lake Thun is lined with castles, including Oberhofen where a medieval tower stands right in the water. Lake Brienz feels calmer, with the traditional woodcarving village of Brienzwiler and the Giessbach Falls pouring straight into the lake.

Paddle steamers connect villages on both lakes, and the steam-powered Brienz Rothorn railway climbs high into the mountains for wide views. Even in summer when Interlaken is busy, swimming in the lakes is one of the best things to do in Switzerland.

How to get to Interlaken & lakes

Direct trains from Zürich, Bern, and other major cities stop at Interlaken’s two stations, Ost and West. From either, you can catch cruises that travel the lakes and stop at small villages along the way. The Golden Pass scenic line also links Interlaken with Lucerne and Montreux.

When to visit Interlaken & lakes

June through September is the best window for swimming, lake cruises, and mountain railways. May and October are quieter, with spring flowers or autumn colors on the trails and around the lakes. In winter, Interlaken has Christmas markets and makes a good base for skiing in the Jungfrau region.
 

Jungfraujoch

The Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," stands at 11,332 feet (3,454 m) and is reached by Europe’s highest railway. The ride up is part of the experience, with cogwheel trains climbing steeply through the Eiger and Mönch mountains and pausing at windows carved into the rock face.

At the summit you can explore the Ice Palace, where tunnels inside the glacier are filled with sculptures, or head to the Sphinx Observatory for wide views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe.

The Alpine Sensation tunnel tells the story of the railway’s construction with displays along the way. Outside, you can try snow tubing, walk on marked glacier trails, and sometimes meet husky dogs. The altitude is noticeable for some visitors, but there are restaurants and even a chocolate shop at the station, which happens to be the highest-altitude one in Europe.

This is one of the most touristy things to do in Switzerland, but it's worth it.

How to get to Jungfraujoch

Trains run from Interlaken Ost through Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, with a change at Kleine Scheidegg for the final climb on the Jungfrau Railway. The whole journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours each way. Seats on the last section need to be reserved. Going early in the morning improves your chances of clearer views before clouds arrive.

When to visit Jungfraujoch

March to May often has clear weather and snow activities without the busiest crowds. July and August are peak months but the best time for hiking. October and November usually bring crisp visibility. Always check the forecast since clear skies are key to the experience.
 

Chur

Chur is Switzerland’s oldest city, with more than 5,000 years of history, though it feels very current. The medieval old town is car-free, so it is easy to wander its alleys, courtyards, fountains, and the 12th-century cathedral with early stained glass.

As the capital of Graubünden, Chur is also the starting point for the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. The Rätisches Museum covers regional history from Stone Age tools to modern Alpine culture. Food plays a big role here, with restaurants serving traditional dishes like Capuns (dumplings wrapped in chard) and Maluns (a grated potato dish). On Saturdays, the market brings in local cheese, wine, and crafts.

How to get to Chur

Direct trains from Zürich take about 75 minutes. From Chur you can easily continue to nearby resorts like Arosa and Lenzerheide, or board scenic trains into the Alps.

When to visit Chur

May through October is good for enjoying the old town and heading into the mountains. August brings the Chur Festival with music and street events. In December and January, the Christmas markets draw visitors.
 

Swiss National Park

This is Switzerland’s only national park, covering about 66 square miles (172 sq km) of protected Alpine landscape in the Engadin Valley. People stopped farming and logging here more than a century ago, so nature has been left alone ever since. It's by far one of the most wild things to do in Switzerland.

There are about 50 miles (80 km) of marked trails where you might hear marmots whistling, see eagles riding the air currents, or watch ibex climbing cliffs that look impossible to stand on.

In September, red deer gather in the valleys during the rut, their calls carrying through the mountains. Bearded vultures, with wingspans up to 10 feet (3 m), have also been successfully brought back to the area. To keep the environment intact, camping is not allowed, and you have to stay on marked trails.

How to get to Swiss National Park

Take the train to Zernez, which has the visitor center and good connections to the trails. Postal buses link the town with different starting points. If you are driving, the Engadin Valley road passes through the park with a few parking areas, but they fill quickly in summer.

When to visit Swiss National Park

July and August are the most reliable months for clear trails and active wildlife, though you will see more hikers. September is special for deer mating season and golden larch trees, while June has alpine flowers and fewer visitors. From Novembe