Switzerland packs extraordinary variety into a small country: glamorous lakeside cities, car-free mountain villages, glaciers, waterfalls, castles, vineyards, and a slice of the Mediterranean in the Italian-speaking south. Here are the 20 best and most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland, from famous highlights to quieter corners.
Cities and Towns
1. Lucerne
A postcard-perfect medieval city on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Walk across the Chapel Bridge with its painted panels and Water Tower, see the Lion Monument, and cruise the lake to the foot of Mount Pilatus and Rigi.
2. Zurich
Switzerland's largest city combines a charming Old Town with lakeside promenades, excellent museums, and a lively food and nightlife scene. Visit the Grossmünster and the Fraumünster, browse Bahnhofstrasse, and swim in the lake or river in summer.
3. Bern
The capital's UNESCO-listed Old Town has arcaded streets, colorful fountains, and the Zytglogge clock tower. Visit the Federal Palace, the cathedral, and the rose garden for views over the River Aare, where locals float downstream in summer.
4. Geneva
A cosmopolitan city of diplomacy and lakeside promenades. See the Jet d'Eau, explore the Old Town and St. Peter's Cathedral, and tour the Palais des Nations.
5. Lausanne
A hilly university city on Lake Geneva, home to the Olympic Museum, a Gothic cathedral, and a lively waterfront at Ouchy.
6. Basel
On the Rhine, where Switzerland meets France and Germany, Basel is a city of art, with the Kunstmuseum, the Fondation Beyeler, and dozens of other museums. In summer, locals swim in the river.
Mountains and Alpine Villages
7. Zermatt and the Matterhorn
This car-free village sits beneath the Matterhorn, Switzerland's most famous mountain. Ride the Gornergrat railway, hike to mountain lakes, and ski year-round on the glacier.
8. The Jungfraujoch
Known as the "Top of Europe," the Jungfraujoch has the highest railway station in Europe, an Ice Palace, and views over the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.
9. Interlaken
Between the turquoise lakes of Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is Switzerland's adventure capital, with paragliding, skydiving, and canyoning, and a gateway to the Jungfrau region. Ride the funicular to Harder Kulm for the view.
10. The Lauterbrunnen Valley
A deep valley with sheer cliffs and 72 waterfalls, including Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls, which thunder inside the mountain. Car-free Wengen and Mürren sit on the ledges above.
11. Grindelwald
A classic mountain village beneath the north face of the Eiger, with hiking and skiing from Grindelwald First, including the cliff walk and the hike to the Bachalpsee lake.
12. Engelberg
A mountain resort in central Switzerland, with a working Benedictine monastery and the revolving cable car up Mount Titlis, where you can walk across a suspension bridge above the glacier.
13. St. Moritz and the Engadine
A glamorous winter resort in a sunny high valley of lakes and larch forests, also lovely for hiking, cycling, and lakeside walks in summer.
14. Verbier
One of Switzerland's top ski resorts, part of the Four Valleys area, with excellent mountain biking and hiking in summer.
15. Swiss National Park
Founded in 1914, Switzerland's only national park protects a wild corner of the Engadine, with marmots, ibex, and chamois. Stay on the marked trails.
Lakes and the Countryside
16. Lake Geneva, Montreux, and Lavaux
Cruise Lake Geneva on a Belle Époque steamer, visit Chillon Castle near Montreux, and taste wine in the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces.
17. Lake Lugano and Ticino
Switzerland's Italian-speaking south has palm trees, pastel villages, and a Mediterranean feel. Explore Lugano, swim in the clear green water of the Verzasca Valley, and visit Bellinzona's three UNESCO-listed castles.
18. Gruyères
A medieval hilltop village with a castle, famous for its cheese. Tour the cheese dairy, eat fondue, and visit nearby chocolate makers.
19. Appenzell
A traditional village of painted wooden houses in the green hills of northeastern Switzerland, with cheese dairies and hikes to cliffside mountain inns.
20. The Rhine Falls
Near Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Take a boat to the rock in the middle of the falls.
Tips for Visiting Switzerland
- Travel by train: Switzerland's trains, buses, and boats connect almost every place on this list. Look into the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card.
- Check the season: Many mountain railways and lifts close between seasons, usually in spring and late autumn.
- Watch the weather: Clouds can hide the views, so check mountain webcams before buying expensive tickets.
- Stay connected: An egoViet Switzerland eSIM keeps you online for timetables, webcams, and maps. Switzerland is outside the EU, so EU roaming rules do not apply.
Plan your trip with our Switzerland travel guide, our 5-day Switzerland itinerary, and the best time to visit Switzerland.
FAQs: Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
What is the most beautiful place in Switzerland?
Popular favorites include the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Lucerne, and the Lavaux vineyards on Lake Geneva.
Where should first-timers go in Switzerland?
Lucerne, Interlaken and the Jungfrau region, Zermatt, and Zurich or Geneva make an excellent first trip.
Is Interlaken or Lucerne better?
Lucerne is a charming city with a lake and nearby mountains. Interlaken is a small town that is best as a base for the Alps and adventure sports. Many travelers visit both.
Which Swiss villages are car-free?
Zermatt, Wengen, Mürren, Saas-Fee, and Braunwald are among the car-free villages, reached by train or cable car.