33 Places to Visit in Switzerland

Switzerland has outstanding sceneries, pleasing landscapes, seasonal flora, and fauna. It consists of splendid Alpine frames drawn directly from storybook villages. As you travel here, you will discover crystal-clear lakes, picturesque hamlets and gorgeous glaciers, which are top tourist attractions.

Be it the alpine sceneries of Matterhorn or the ancient artefacts in the museums, Switzerland is a perfect place for the one who wants to witness nature and history together. Read below to learn more about the top tourist places to visit in Switzerland.

Currency in Switzerland- The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. 1 Swiss Franc equals 89.07 Indian Rupee as on 17 March 2023*.

*Currency rates are subject to the market exchange rate.

Switzerland consists of natural landscapes, valleys and lakes, museums, shopping centres, quaint little towns and many other top attractions. Below is a comprehensive list of the top tourist places to visit in Switzerland and things to see there.

The countryside of Switzerland offers stunning views of the mountains and lakes. This natural beauty makes this destination a picturesque tourist location.

Please find below the list of the landscapes you must visit during your vacation in Switzerland.

1. Matterhorn Mountains, Pennine Alps

One of the highest mountains in the Alps and top tourist attractions in Switzerland, Matterhorn is the iconic Swiss peak that nestles the charming village of Zermatt. This legendary peak rises to 4468 metres and is presently a paradise for thousands of climbers. On the other hand, you can indulge in hiking, biking, swimming and skiing in the surrounding mountains here.

• Entry Fee: CHF 95 to CHF 120 per person
• Location: At the border of the western Swiss canton of Valais amidst Zermatt and the Italian resort of Breuil-Cervinia, Switzerland
• Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (for cable car rides)

2. Jungfraujoch Saddle, Bernese Alps

One of the most popular things to do in Switzerland is to opt for the unique train journey to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe". It has an observation terrace and a scientific observatory at 3454 metres in height. You will find the longest glacier in Europe (it is the Great Aletsch Glacier), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Eiger Trail reaching Alpiglen from the Eiger glacier station is another attraction in Switzerland.

• Entry Fee: CHF 213.80
• Location: Jungfrau-Aletsch area, situated on the boundary between the cantons of Bern and Valais, Switzerland
• Timings: 8:00 am to 4:20 pm (for the train journey), Open throughout the year

3. Aletsch Glacier, Bernese Alps

The Great Aletsch glacier is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the Alps' massive ice flow. This place falls on the list of top tourist attractions in Switzerland and is ideal for thrill-seekers. Plenty of extensive hikes and nature excursions happen here every year. Moreover, the entire place is a hub for several rare animal and plant species.

• Entry Fee: CHF 2.20 for cable car rides
• Location: Between the cantons of Bern and Valais on the Bernese Alps located east of the Gemmi Pass, Switzerland
• Timings: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm (for the glacier trip), Open throughout the year

4. Trummelbach Falls, Bern

Trummelbach Falls is Europe’s largest waterfall accessible by the public as they can reach underground by lifts, galleries, tunnels, paths and platforms. These waterfalls are part of the Lauterbrunnen Valley's 72 waterfalls, making it a top tourist attraction in Switzerland.

• Entry Fee: Starting from CHF 14
• Location: Lauterbrunnental, District of Interlaken, canton of Bern, Switzerland
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

5. Staubbach Falls, Bernese Highlands

Staubbach Falls at Lauterbrunnen is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, attracting several tourists every year. A paradise for nature lovers and romantics, Staubbach is one of the 72 waterfalls near Trummelbach Falls. To reach it, you just need a short hike. You will get a clear view from there.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
• Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

6. Creux du Van Rock Arena, Val de Travers District

A natural rock arena of immense proportion, Creux du Van is a 160 metres high vertical rock surrounding a 4 km long and 1 km wide valley basin. The regional climate of the Creux du Van is exceptional. You will find arctic-alpine flora in this area. Chamois, lynx, ibex, and many other animals inhabit this natural landscape.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Border of the cantons of Neuenburg and Vaud, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

7. Ruinaulta Canyon, Versam

Ruinaulta Canyon is another popular tourist place to visit in Switzerland. It is an unusual whitish rock formation having debris from a prehistoric rockslide. The river continuously thrashing the rocks has formed a spectacular gorge. The Rhaetian Railway runs through the canyon. However, adventurers enjoy river rafting, photography, nature hiking, and other activities here.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Ilanz and Versam, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

8. Rhine Falls, Northern Switzerland

Adding to the list of Switzerland’s top tourist attractions is the largest Rhine Falls in Central Europe, the Rhine Waterfalls. The ideal time to visit this place is during June and July when the mountain snow melts. Some of the best activities to indulge in here are boat trips up to the falls. You can also head to the Känzeli viewing platform, take in the beauty of the falls and even experience the fresh spray on your face.

• Entry Fee: Starting from CHF 2.00
• Location: 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland
• Timings: 1 April to 30 April: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, 1 May to 30 September: 09:30 am to 6:30 pm, 1 October to 5 November: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

9. Mount Pilatus, Central Switzerland

Another top tourist attraction to visit in Switzerland is Mount Pilatus which is considered one of the top hiking destinations in the world. You can enjoy some of the most outstanding views of the Swiss Alps from here as you hike up to one of the most beautiful peaks, Tomlishorn. Furthermore, you can relax at one of the restaurants and cafes and soak in the tranquillity and peaceful atmosphere.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Overlooking Lucerne in Central Switzerland
• Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

10. Lauterbrunnen Valley, Swiss Alps

Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland. It is home to glacial waterfalls, hiking trails, cliffs, ski slopes and little villages. Moreover, this stunning destination is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region.

• Entry Fee: CHF 11
• Location: Foot of the Bernese Alps, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

11. St. Moritz, Albula Alps

St. Moritz is a small mountain destination in the Swiss Alps. It nestles at the foot of Jungfrau, one of Europe's most famous mountains. Overlooking the turquoise Lake of St Moritz, the major attractions are hiking, biking, skating and snowboarding, glacier skiing, tobogganing, and bobsledding on the 1.2 km long Cresta run.

• Entry Fee: Part of the package
• Location: St. Moritz,  Engadine, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

12. Swiss National Park, Zernez

Founded in 1914, the Swiss National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the Engadine region. It is one of the top tourist attractions inviting nature enthusiasts to explore flora and fauna. It has more than 5,000 species - red deer, marmot, ibex, fox, and chamois. The major attractions here include limestone crags, mountain treks and flower-dotted hollows.

• Entry Fee: Starting from CHF 5
• Location: 7530 Zernez, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

Located in Switzerland’s four major river basins are several picture-perfect lakes that you can visit during your vacation in Switzerland. Some of them are as follows:

13. Lake Geneva, North-side of Alps

Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland. It is a crescent-shaped waterbody and is a favourite holiday attraction for tourists and locals. You will see boutique shops lining the cobblestone streets of Geneva and yachts floating slowly on the lake waters. A cruise around Lake Geneva will take you past castles and hillside vineyards.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Northern edge of the Alps, Switzerland
• Timings: Monday to Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday – 10:00 am  to 4:00 pm

14. Lake Lucerne, Central Switzerland

Lake Lucerne is the fourth largest lake in Switzerland. It is another popular tourist destination. It has countless side arms and bays lining it and is famous for its unique scenic beauty. One can indulge in boating, hiking, cycling and other popular activities here.

• Entry Fee: Boat rides start at CHF 41.50
• Location: Starts from south-northbound Reuss Valley between cliffs above the Urnersee from Flüelen towards Brunnen to the north
• Timings: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

15. Lake Silvaplana, Upper-Engadine Valley of Grisons

An impressive mountain backdrop frames the landscape of Lake Silvaplana, another popular tourist attraction. During summer, adventure buffs can hike here. Moreover, during winter months, snowboarders can enjoy Lake Silvaplana’s local ranges.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Upper-Engadine Valley of Grisons, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

16. Lake Lugano, Canton of Ticino

Surrounded by Monte Generoso mountain, Lake Lugano promises spectacular views from every angle. It is one of the top tourist spots in Switzerland and has several branches. Additionally, several lakeside towns offer unique insights into the region’s rich history. In fact, by hopping on a cable car, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Monte San Giorgio.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Between Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy
• Timings: Open throughout the year

17. Lake Oeschinensee, Oeschinen Valley

Nestled above the resort village of Kandersteg, Oeschinensee is a high-altitude lake that attracts visitors throughout the year. A gondola ride from the resort village provides easy access to this beautiful alpine lake. Be it summer or winter Lake Oeschinen boasts an array of unique experiences.

• Entry Fee: Starting from CHF 22
• Location: Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
• Timings: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm

18. Saint-Léonard Underground Lake, Valais Alps

St. Leonard is more than 300 metres long. It is the largest natural underground lake in Europe. You can opt for a trip of nearly 30 minutes, where multilingual guides will take you through a fascinating environment.

• Entry Fee: Starting from CHF 12
• Location: Between Sion and Sierre in the heart of the Valais Alps, Switzerland
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

19. Chillon Castle, Banks of Lake Geneva

Chillon Castle, or Chateau de Chillon, boasts art from the 14th century. It has vaults, 25 buildings with three courtyards, and two circular walls. Several visitors each year take a tour of the castle. Those who wish to fulfil their dream of a big fairy tale wedding can rent the place.

• Entry Fee: Starting from CHF 13.50
• Location: Av. de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland
• Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

20. Jet d’ Eau Water Fountain, Geneva

Jet d’ Eau is one of Geneva’s most famous tourist spots. This fountain rises 140 metres (460 feet) into the air. Moreover, this water fountain is so large that one can see it several miles away. At a point in time, 7 tons of water is in the air, spraying viewers on the pier beneath with an incredible experience.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Genève, Switzerland
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:30 pm

21. Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

Chapel Bridge is a 204-metre-long bridge and one of the main tourist attractions in Switzerland. It is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, housing a series of paintings from the 17th century.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Kapellbrücke, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

22. Zytglogge Clock Tower, Bern

Zytglogge Clock Tower is the oldest city gate and is one of the world’s most spectacular clocks. Made in 1530, it was the city’s master clock for many years. This clock tower has a Baroque style with gold accents and offers great capture for photographers.

• Entry Fee: CHF 20
• Location: Bim Zytglogge 1, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

23. Oberhofen Castle, Bern

Lying on Lake Thun amidst a beautiful park is the Oberhofen Castle. It is a marvellous lake tower and is now a museum displaying stories of former residents. You can take a guided tour inside the castle and the grounds.

• Entry Fee: CHF 12
• Location: Schloss 4, 3653 Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland
• Timings: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

There is no better way to explore the beautiful country of Switzerland than by train. Listed below are some splendid railway experiences you must try when in Switzerland.

24. Glacier Mountain Express, Connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz

source:wikipedia

If you love mountains and natural landscapes, you must ride the Glacier Express. It is a direct train connecting railway stations of the two mountain resorts - Zermatt and St. Moritz via Andermatt in the central Swiss Alps.

• Entry Fee: CHF 152 per person for 2nd class and CHF 268 per person for 1st class for the whole route one way. Free for children under 6, children aged 6 to 16 pay half fare but must pay the adult supplement.
• Location: Bahnhofstrasse 25, 7000 Chur, Switzerland
• Timings: As per the schedule

25. Bernina Mountain Express, From Chur to Tirano

A vibrant scarlet train passing the Alps, Bernina Express is arguably the most scenic Swiss train ride taking almost 4 hours. It runs over 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, and you can view glaciers, mountain peaks, towns, and other breathtaking sights speeding by. It is not a trip to miss.

• Entry Fee: CHF 63 per person for 2nd class and CHF 126 for 2nd class back, CHF 111 per person for 1st class and CHF 222 for 1st class back, for the whole route one way. Free for children under 6, children of age 6 to 16 pay half fare.
• Location: Bahnhofpl. 1, 7000 Chur, Switzerland
• Timings: As per schedule

26. Jungfrau Mountain Railway, Bernese Alps

One of the most popular tourist attractions, the Jungfrau Railways, promises a two-hour train journey through the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You will also ascend 1400m in just 30 minutes. Also, stop at Eismeer station to click souvenir pictures.

• Entry Fee: CHF 95.00 (train fare)
• Location: Bahnhof Interlaken Ost, Schweiz, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
• Timings: As per the schedule

27. Cogwheel Railway to Mount Pilatus

World’s steepest cogwheel railway on the Pilatus, Cogwheel Railway adds to the list of top mountain railway experiences you must opt for while in Switzerland. It is a 30-minute trip from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm and promises splendid views of the landscapes and postcard-perfect villages.

• Entry Fee: Standard Admission: CHF 58.50, Child Admission (for children under 12): CHF 48.50, Reserved Admission: Adult Reserved Admission CH 71.00, Child Reserved Admission CH 61.00, Engineer’s View Admission: Adult Engineer’s View CH 81.00 and Child Engineer’s View CH 71.00 (all these are for purchasing tickets online).
• Purchase your tickets at The Depot or over the phone: Adult Standard Admission CH 61.00, Child Standard Admission CH 51.00, Adult Reserved Admission CH 74.00, Child Reserved Admission CH 64.00.
• For a group of 25 or more passengers: Group Reserved Admission Adult Ticket: CH 65.00, Group Reserved Admission Child Ticket: CH 55.00, Group Standard Admission Adult Ticket: CH 54.00, Group Standard Reserved Child Ticket: CH 44.00.
• Location: Brunnenstrasse 2, 6053 Alpnach, Switzerland
• Timings: As per the schedule

The museums in Switzerland are equally famous and are worth visiting. Here is a list of the top museums you can visit while in Switzerland:

28. Landesmuseum, Zürich

This museum is one of the country’s most famous buildings speaking volumes about history and culture. It displays artefacts made by early man to Romas.

• Entry Fee: CHF 10
• Location: Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
• Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

29. Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, Geneva

This museum is one of the most popular in Switzerland and the largest museum in Geneva. It displays the history of Geneva, art pieces by some of the greatest artists of the mediaeval era to the modern era and the history of the civilisation.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Rue Charles-Galland 2, 1206 Genève, Switzerland
• Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

30. Swiss Museum of Transportation, Luzern

Switzerland’s most popular, the Verkehrshaus der Schweiz in Lucerne or the  Swiss Museum of Transport, displays all sorts of transport - trains, automobiles, ships and aircraft and communication technology.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: 5 Lidostrasse, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland
• Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

31. Kunstmuseum, Bern

This museum flaunts artworks from the mediaeval era to the modern era. You will love to see the distinguished painting styles and work by the Holbein family and others, making it a must-visit art museum in Switzerland.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Hodlerstrasse 8, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
• Timings: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Apart from picture-perfect landscapes, Switzerland is home to snow-covered villages in the Swiss Alps and pretty lakeside resort towns. When in Switzerland, never miss out on exploring the below:

32. Zurich, North Central Switzerland

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, also known as Switzerland's financial capital. Visitors can walk along Zurich's famous Bahnhofstrasse or visit its many museums, including the Museum of Transport or Kunsthaus Zurich, which has a permanent collection of modern artworks by artists like Picasso and Andy Warhol.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: North End of Lake Zurich, Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year

33. Interlaken, Bernese Oberland region

Interlaken is a town famous as Switzerland's adventure capital. There are several adventure activities you can indulge in - bungee jumping, canyoning, hiking, paragliding, skydiving, and river rafting. The city has 200 lifts, three cable cars, and many ski runs. Interlaken also boasts world-class entertainment facilities, including theatres, concert halls, and many restaurants.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Location: Bern Canton, Central Switzerland
• Timings: Open throughout the year