Switzerland travel is most often linked with stunning views of the snow-capped Alps, although you will find the entire country to be remarkable. As your Switzerland tour wanders the spectacular alps, you will come across a number of modestly sized, elegant cities that are full of character and fun things to see and do, as well as idyllic villages snuggling along lakes, rivers and, sometimes, in the shadow of the looming Alps. However, the difficult question amidst all of this splendor is, "Where to go and what to see on your Switzerland vacation?"
This might be a good time to note that Switzerland is known by many names; die Schwiez (German), La Suisse (French) and Svizzzera (Italian), but officially called the Swiss Confederation in English or Confederation Suisse.
Switzerland takes up only a small amount of space on the map, but once you are on the ground in Switzerland, you will discover an endless variety of places to visit. Now, if you just had an endless vacation to explore them! Read our recommendations below on the best places to visit in Switzerland and its extraordinary train journeys, and then make your reservations for Switzerland vacation.
Best places to visit in Switzerland
1) The Swiss Alps
1) The Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps are among the most beautiful mountains in the world. Although you will be surrounded by mountains wherever you are in Switzerland, we urge you to head for the high country when you have a chance. Two areas that offer spectacular views and wonderful touring environments are:
Considered by many to be the "Top of Europe" this mountain range in the Bernese Oberland is "must see". Its main attraction is the Jungfrau.
The Jungfrau holds a special place in the heart of the Swiss and if you visit it, you will understand and appreciate their admiration. Of course, the Jungfrau keeps company with the Eiger and the Mönch, as well as a host of high peaks to keep you occupied. You will find delightful villages during your travels to view these exceptional mountains, so take your time to explore this delightful area.
ii. Pennine (Valais) Alps
Zermatt: Sitting at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a place that beckons the visitor and fills the role of the quintessential Swiss mountain resort. It's compact, a little "clubby" and expensive, but worth every penny.
Matterhorn: You have seen it in pictures, but you will not be prepared for the grandeur of its natural setting. Before you decide to get your climbing gear on, relax; The view is the attraction and having seen it will become the memory of a lifetime!
2) Bern/Berne
In 1991, Bern celebrated its 800th anniversary: the Old City of Berne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonderful place to wander. Bern is both attractive and interesting.
See the Münster Cathedral, a comely Gothic cathedral featuring great views of Bern and the countryside from its bell tower.
The Bundeshhaus, the site of the country's Parliament, is open to the public. Its Square, with a bevy of attractive fountains representing the twenty-six Cantons (states) of Switzerland , hosts varied markets throughout the year.
Berne is a fun place to visit and offers great shopping and many of the finest restaurants in Switzerland.
Berne also offers some of the best breads in Europe, so head for a bakery as soon as you can do so.
Zurich blends the old and the new in a manner that makes the combination seem natural. The city with its narrow winding streets is a delightful and compact place to tour. Use the city's efficient streetcars to make it easy to travel to most places of interest.
The Old Town is the city's most enjoyable spot, but you may want to spend some time shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse or exploring one of Zurich's fine museums.
Be sure to see the Schipfe (fine arts area), the Fraumünster Church, the Zurich Opera House and, of course, Lake Zurich.
Many tourists consider Lucerne and its mountainous setting one of Switzerland's most beautiful places to visit. Its lakeside setting is among the best in Switzerland and views of the lakes can be found from many restaurants - so take advantage. The well-preserved Old Town is a treat to explore and a great place to shop.
Be sure to see the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. The Wagner Museum, Picasso Museum and the Rosengart Collection are considered by many to be the highlights of the city's collection of fine museums.
The "city between the lakes" offers wonderful scenery and a number of villages that are worth a visit. Interlaken may be "tourist" Switzerland but it does it so well that even the Swiss like the area. Surrounded by the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch, Interlaken is a great base for touring and one of the most idyllic areas of Switzerland. This may be one of the best regions to shop for "something Swiss".
6) Lausanne
Situated on the northern edge of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is considered the ideal base to tour the Lake Geneva, Geneva, and Montreux.
7) Lugano
Lugano is a good town to base your explorations of the Ticino, the Italian speaking southern segment of Switzerland. This scenic town is situated on the northern bank of Lake Lugano and the Lake is the real reason to visit.
In addition, be sure to see The Madonna degli Angioli Church (and its magnificent fresco). Tour the city on the tourist tram the Red Arrow (La Freccia Rossa), which runs from March through October.
The Parco Botanico San Grato, about six miles from Lugano is an attractive place to visit, especially in the Spring.
8) Basel
Located near the headwaters of the Rhine, Basel is the point of disembarkation for many Rhine River cruises. This well-preserved city offers a blend of the traits of Germany and Switzerland. Basel offers several interesting museums and is worth a visit, if you have just ended a holiday cruise.
9) Geneva
Geneva is the home base of many international organizations and that role has given it a cosmopolitan bearing mixed with a distinct international flavor. Its Old Town is worth a visit, but Geneva's popularity is based more on its role in world affairs than its attractiveness as a tourism destination.
Extraordinary Train Journeys of Switzerland
i. The Glacier Express
Switzerland's Glacier Express train between St. Moritz or Chur and the Zermatt (or the reverse) is an unsurpassed rail ride through the Alps and some of Switzerland's most scenic vistas. The ride takes 7 1/2 hours, crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and is breathtaking.
Since the ride takes the entire day, you will need reservations at your destination.
Only the first class cars are "panoramic", featuring large windows and comfortable seating.
Meals are available in the Dining Car, but reservations must be made in advance of the trip (there are not enough seats to accommodate all passengers).
Snack and drinks are available from the Railbar (yes, it is a rail bar not a rail car).
ii. The Bernina Express
The Bernina Express runs between Chur and Tirano, Italy. It is a shorter ride than the Glacier Express, but the mountains are very beautiful and the rail line itself is considered an engineering marvel. In summer, a bus connects with Lake Lugano.
