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5 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

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village of Zermatt, Switzerland with Matterhorn in the background during twilight in Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland

Charming storybook villages and dramatic alpine scenery define the spirit of Switzerland and create timeless must-see destinations to visit during your trip.

Snowcapped peaks, emerald valleys, hanging glaciers, and urban culture capture the essence of the country’s must-see destinations, which are accentuated by innovative modernity that contrasts traditional beauty.

From ski resorts to hiking trails and cities brimming with chocolate and iconic watches, the following information is meant as a guide to enable you to navigate the true grandeur of Switzerland’s old-world allure and new-world boldness.

Overview
  1. 1. Lucerne
  2. 2. Interlaken
  3. 3. Lake Geneva
  4. 4. Zermatt
  5. 5. Lausanne
  6. How many days is enough to see Switzerland?
  7. More travel Information & Tips

1. Lucerne

Old wooden bridge Kapellbrücke, Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne is a captivating immersion into the past. It has an elegant medieval heart where historic buildings create a graceful atmosphere. The summer hums with music from orchestras and soloists, while the winter on the eponymous lake resembles a snowy wonderland. Covered bridges and sunny plazas lead to candy-colored houses and a waterfront promenade overlooking the shimmering water. With a mixture of old-world charisma and a vibrant modern pace, Lucerne is easy to explore and an endless delight to discover.

Highlights: Chapel Bridge | Lion Monument | Hofkirche | Mount Pilatus | Glacier Garden

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Best time to visit: June | July | August | September | October

2. Interlaken

Harder Kulm Viewpoint in Interlaken, SwitzerlandHarder Kulm Viewpoint in Interlaken, Switzerland

Harder Kulm Viewpoint in Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken stands at the center of the dramatic beauty that makes Switzerland such a fascinating destination. Snowcaps the mythical mountains of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau to add a sense of spectacle to the city’s chic resort reputation. Outdoor excursions, from sailing to horseback riding, climbing, and hiking, showcase the variety of activity and beauty possible within the thrilling landscape, magnified by the city’s enjoyable comforts.

Highlights: Harder Kulm | Höhematte Park | Schynige Platte | Lake Brienz | St Beatus Caves

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Best time to visit: June | July | August | September

3. Lake Geneva

Vineyards in Lavaux region on Lake Geneva

Lavaux, Switzerland

Lake Geneva is reputed for its mild climate, alluring splendor, and grand size as the largest lake in central Europe. Beyond its many names and titles, Lake Geneva is filled with and surrounded by grandeur, from Belle Epoque boats to charming villages that lead to elegant cities and stunning vineyards. Soaring vistas give way to unthinkable panoramas and lush hillsides support storybook chateaus. Lake Geneva balances luxury and coziness, charm, and glamour.

Highlights: Lavaux Vineyards | Chillon Castle | Montreux | Cern | Mont-Blanc

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Best time to visit: June | July | August | September

4. Zermatt

Sunny summer morning in Zermatt village with Matterhorn

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt celebrates its history as a glitzy resort destination famous for ski runs, valley hikes, and access to the breathtaking slopes of the Matterhorn. The town feels like a postcard, embodying the perfection of the Swiss landscape and preserved architecture set beneath definitive mountains that curve over the lush plains. Zermatt is about discovering nature’s raw power, but also its ethereal beauty in a comfortable, accessible, and elegant way.

Highlights: The Matterhorn | Breithorn | Gornergrat | Hinterdorf | Sunnegga

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Best time to visit: June | July | August | September

5. Lausanne

View of the city and the Cathedral of Lausanne, Switzerland

Lausanne, Switzerland

With hillsides tumbling down to the lakeshore and vineyards adding texture to the terraces, Lausanne is a picture-perfect representation of Switzerland. With layers of history dating back to ancient Rome and winding streets exuding grace, Lausanne is the perfect city in which to endlessly wander. Eighteenth-century architecture decorates the esplanade alongside Belle Epoque facades, and the unique museum galleries represent the contemporary movement of a culture in which the Gothic old town meets the city’s present pace.

Highlights: Cathedral of Notre-Dame | Musée Cantonal des Beaux Arts | Place de la Palud | Escaliers du Marché

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Best time to visit: June | July | August | September

How many days is enough to see Switzerland?

Landscape of the green valley an Swiss alps in Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Ten days is a perfect amount of time to see Switzerland. With a 10-day trip, you can see its highlights and travel at an easy pace. A customized tour lets you discover, uncover, and experience the best of Switzerland's epic scenery and famous culture. A longer trip will give you time to visit popular neighboring countries like Italy, Germany, or Austria.

More travel Information & Tips

Mount Pilatus massif overlooking Lucerne city center and the Reuss river

Lucerne, Switzerland

Switzerland embraces its juxtaposition of old-world beauty and modern aesthetic, with fairytale villages and contemporary art museums, ancient landscapes and modern technology referencing only a touch of the must-see destinations. Switzerland abounds with things to do that capture the culture, heritage, and nature from different perspectives. You can speak with a Switzerland travel expert free by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.

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