Switzerland may be small but it has a whole host of great places to visit. From breathtaking mountain peaks to dreamy turquoise lakes and a countryside littered with ancient wonders, Switzerland really does have something for everyone. In this article, we will cover the list of places to visit in Switzerland.
You are probably thinking about Swiss chocolate, Swiss cheese, and clocks, too. These are some of the things that you know about Switzerland already. But this landlocked country is a haven for anybody who might be looking for some truly picturesque and sweepingly dramatic landscapes.
Places to visit in Switzerland
The Matterhorn
This pyramid-shaped giant is one of the world’s most photographed mountains, which means it’s definitely a top place to visit in Switzerland. Standing at an impressive 4,478 meters, thrill-seeking mountaineers from around the globe descend on Switzerland to attempt the summit.
If you’re not feeling quite so energetic, why not stick to the cable car? The mountain is home to the highest cable car station in the Alp, which offers some excellent views of the mountain peak and beyond. It really doesn’t get much more Swiss than a trip to the Matterhorn. This is one of the main places to visit in Switzerland.
Château de Chillon
No trip to the Swiss Riviera is complete without checking out the medieval Château de Chillon. Located on an island in Lake Geneva near the popular town of Montreux, the castle dates back to the 10th century when it was used as a strategic water fort.
It then became a lakeside summer home for the wealthy Counts of Savoy, when the castle rooms were decked out with all manner of art and treasures visitors can enjoy today. The castle is Switzerland’s most-visited historical monument and is definitely a must-see while you’re exploring the country.
Jungfraujoch
The Jungfrau Region is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland, both in summer and winter. A century or two ago, this Alps region was only visited by hard-core adventurers who wanted to ski or climb through the mountains. Now, thanks to an extensive network of railways and well-maintained foot and bike paths, the area is accessible to many types of travelers.
The Jungfrau Region consists of four picturesque towns: Grindelwald, Murren, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen, and three imposing mountains: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. One of
Switerland’s most scenic rail trip, the Jungfraubahn takes visitors from the Kleine Scheidegg mountain through the Eiger and Mönch up to the Jungfraujoch.
Schweizerischer Nationalpark
In a country with amazing scenery at every turn, it can be hard to know where to go. But one thing for certain is that you’ll want to visit the Swiss National Par near Zernez. As the country’s only national park, it’ll give you an idea of how the Alps were before tourism. From snow-crusted glaciers to captivating meadows, this place has it all.
There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, each taking visitors past unforgettable sights. And, if you’re lucky you might catch sight of some of the park’s local residents – red squirrels, ibexes, and red deer all call this park home.
Lake Geneva
A center for arts, culture, and humanitarian efforts, Geneva is another of Switzerland’s main destinations. Apart from the lovely Lake Geneva and its fabulous fountain, the city boasts an indulgent side with its many elegant monuments, museums, galleries, hotels, boutiques, theatres, operas, and restaurants that all exude a sense of luxe. From sightseeing to shopping to sipping on fine beverages, Geneva will treat you in ways you can’t imagine.
Lugano
See Switzerland in a whole new light with a trip to the southern city of Lugano. Nestled on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Lugano, the city dubbed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland” blends Swiss and Italian cultures into an unforgettable weekend break.
Home to plenty of museums and warmed by Mediterranean breezes, you might even think you’re in nearby Italy when you visit. Outside the city, impressive villas are sprinkled around the lush hillsides that rise from the lake.
Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern is set along the shores of the pristine Aare River and has a wonderfully intact old town that instantly transports the mind to a bygone era. Those sandstone buildings, cobbled paths, and arcades and juxtaposed by amazing modern bars, clubs, and restaurants, making this a really balanced modern city to explore.
Rhine Falls
Due to tectonic shifts in the Ice Age, the Rhine River was forced into a new riverbed over 15,000 years ago. The Rhine Falls came into being at the transition point where hard chalk turned into soft gravel. Over a breadth of 150 meters, several hundred cubic meters of water rush into the depths at the rate of 23 meters per second.
In the middle of it, all stands a mighty rock that has withstood the elements for a thousand years. The rock can be reached on a circular tour of the Rhine Falls, during which one can observe the natural spectacle from up close.
Virtually in the middle of the waterfall, visitors stand on platforms that jut out and partially hover over the Rhine. The castles of Wörth and Laufen can be reached by riverboat, and very daring visitors can rent canoes.
Lausanne
Right on the shores of Lake Geneva, and with views of both the Swiss Alps and the French Alps, is the city of Lausanne. Serving as a gateway to a major ski area and the home to two major universities, it is easy to see the universal appeal of Lausanne.
The city is divided into districts, and the Cité district is by far the most important for travelers. In Cité, you can explore what was once known as the Old Town, and you can explore some of the architecture, which includes everything from cathedrals to castles.
If you only have time to explore one attraction in Lausanne, make it the Palais de Rumine. This Italian Renaissance-style building is home to five different museums, making it the perfect place to spend an entire day learning more about local art, culture, and history. This is aslo one among main places to visit in Switzerland.
Zurich
Switzerland’s largest city resides on the banks of the picturesque Lake Zurich, at the base of the Alps. With such a scenic spot to call home, it’s little wonder this lively city is surrounded by beautiful vistas. Get close to nature by boating on the lake or hiking up Utliberg Mountain. Immerse yourself in art and culture, with the over 50 museums and 100 galleries all over town.
Experience world-class dining and nightlife at countless restaurants and clubs. Zurich really lets you fulfill every holiday fantasy.
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Where is Switzerland
Located in Central Europe, Switzerland is a country with a climate of predominantly mountains and valleys. Otherwise known as the Swiss Confederation, Switzerland is surrounded by five other European countries. The northern border separates Germany and Switzerland. In the west, France and Switzerland share a border. Austria and Liechtenstein both lie to the east of Switzerland. Italy is to the southern border of the Swiss Confederation.
Best Time To Visit Switzerland
Winter and summer are excellent times to visit Switzerland as the mountainous country is popular for both skiing and hiking. January and February are ideal for skiing with below-freezing temperatures, making snow practically guaranteed in places around 5,000 feet in elevation. There is likely to be snow in lower valleys but not in such large amounts.
Summer in Switzerland
The months of June through August are one of the two ‘peak seasons’ in Switzerland. The weather is balmy, the hiking trails are open, and the lakes are ready for boaters and swimmers.
As such, the prices for accommodation are high and all the popular locations will be packed with fellow tourists.
Summer is the high season for coach tours as well as independent travelers so attractions like Jungfraujoch and Mt. Titlis will be heaving with visitors.
Monsoon in Switzerland
Perhaps the best month to visit Switzerland to get the best deals, fewer fellow tourists, and most comfortable weather, in September.
It’s the start of the shoulder season meaning prices get more reasonable and you won’t have to share attractions with as many people, but the weather is still reasonably warm, meaning you can still enjoy most summer activities (except swimming, perhaps).
And while the days are getting shorter, they’re still long enough to feel like you can make the most of the precious time you get to spend in Switzerland.
Winter in Switzerland
December through February are the official winter months in Switzerland when the snow starts falling and it’s prime time for skiing. Prices in the mountains begin to skyrocket, and the lodges fill up fast, but if you want to visit Switzerland for winter sports, there’s no other time to go. Personally, I think the best place to spend a winter holiday in Switzerland is the Jungfrau Region.
Switzerland weather in December is officially cold, cloudy, and wet, so plan to spend your time either on the slopes or indoors by a fire enjoying hearty food and warm drinks.
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How To Reach Switzerland
By Air: Air travel is the most convenient and safest way to reach Switzerland and reaching Switzerland by flight is easy. The Switzerland Zurich International airport has most of the flights either stop for a layover or found to reach there as they are the direct flight between one airport to another. The European or Middle-Eastern cities like Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Dubai, London, or Doha.
If India is concerned then the country has some higher traffic reaching the Swiss for various tourist and recreational purposes. The cities which cater to Switzerland
airports or can say to have flights from India are Mumbai, Kochi, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
By Railway: The rail system is one of the most effective ways to reach and get around the country and many of the Swiss natives could be found to commute from work to office through rails only. The country also has some of the major connectivity of neighboring countries and reaching Switzerland by train is easy as many people prefer to reach the Alps country for vacation and explore many other beautiful destinations for which the country is famous.
The punctual and efficient services by trains are one of the easiest things and with the perfect network of trains and the details over website one can easily reach the railway stations and also the tickets could be obtained through the websites.
By Road: Switzerland has one of the most efficient road systems which is known to be a two-class highway system where the motorways are separated for oncoming traffic and with a standard maximal speed limit of 120 Kilometers per hour. The local names for the motorways are in different languages as Autobahnen in German, Autoroutes in French, Autostrade in Italian, and Autostradas in Romansch which makes the national motorways of Switzerland.
The reaching of Switzerland by road is through two of the important motorways as the A1 which runs from St. Margrethen in North-Eastern Switzerland’s canton of St. Gallen through to Geneva.
Interesting Facts About Switzerland
- There is no official capital of Switzerland
- You can see Switzerland in Star Wars
- Switzerland has four official languages
- The Swiss really do love chocolate
- Swiss women did not vote until 1971
- Switzerland has 7,000 lakes
- You can not pet one Guinea pig
- People live longer in Switzerland
- You can climb the world’s longest stairway – or take the longest cable car
- Switzerland’s entire population can fit in its nuclear shelters
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