We’ve come a long way since our first visit to Switzerland. Back in 2003, we never left the ski hill when snowboarding at Chateau d’Oex and Gstaad, but since then, we’ve visited Switzerland three more times and have had a chance to experience nearly all of the best things to do in Switzerland.
From the cities of Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne to the mountain regions of Zermatt Matterhorn, Grindelwald, and St. Moritz we’ve crisscrossed the country experiencing everything we ever had on our Switzerland bucket list. Our latest travels even finally took us to the Italian region of Ticino. If you want to be blown away by the perfect travel destination, choose Switzerland for your next vacation. And here’s why!
The Very Best Things to do in Switzerland
From luxurious swiss pas to sophisticated cities there is something for everyone in Switzerland. The Swiss love exploring the outdoors and you will see some of the best landscapes in the entire world. Many places feel as if you are walking through a painting. So without further adieu, let’s explore all the best things to do in Switzerland from our four different trips around the country.
1. Gornergrat
I don’t think I have ever been anywhere as breathtaking as Gornergrat. Standing at 3089 meters above sea level, Gornergrat is our number 1 pick for the best place to visit in Switzerland. When you get to its viewing platforms, you will gasp at one of the most beautiful scenes you will ever see in your life. We didn’t even know what to expect as we rode the cogwheel train up from Valley Station in Zermatt, but with each turn, we knew we were in for something special.
The views of the Matterhorn in all its glory is one thing, but it is the sea of glaciers is out of this world. The hike down from Gornergrat treats hikers to the most stunning views on earth. You are surrounded by 29 mountains reaching more than 4000 meters and 7 massive glaciers. With every turn, it is one dazzling view after another. Read all about it at The 12 Best Hikes in Switzerland
2. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Our favorite thing to do in Switzerland was to go to Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the highest train station in Europe, the largest glacier in the Alps, and incredible mountain views. Located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is an excursion that is not to be missed. It is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.. When the weather is clear, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is spectacular. See why here. Spectacular Switzerland, a Visit to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
3. Go Mountain Biking in Zermatt
Seeing the Matterhorn is on many a person’s bucket list and no trip to Switzerland is complete until you visit Zermatt. Trust me, we know. It took us three visits to Switzerland before seeing the Matterhorn with our own eyes, and not only is this mountain striking, the region is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland, (if not on earth).
4. Grindelwald-First
Going to the top of Grindelwald-First is one of our favorite places in Switzerland. Not only does it have a hike to Bachalpsee to see the mountain peaks of Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn reflecting in Lake Bachalp, but there are plenty of adventures. From the First Cliffwalk dangling from the mountain the the First adventures of First Flyer, First Glider, First Mountain Bike and our personal favorite, the Trotti Bike.
From 2000 meters above sea level, you’ll board your Trotti bike and race down the mountain on a 40-minute journey back to the village of Grindelwald. There are several Grindelwald Adventures on the way down from Grindelwald First including the First Flyer, First Glider, First Mountain Bike, and First Cliffwalk. Make sure you go to First when visiting Grindelwald
5. Harder Kulm Lookout – Interlaken
6. Marvel at the Matterhorn at Lake Stellisee
When visiting Zermatt, the best view of the Matterhorn is from Stellisee. The iconic mountain peak reflecting in the waters of Lake Stellisee is magical. It takes a bit of work to experience this with an early morning wakeup call to catch pre-sunrise funicular at Sunnegga Valley Station to transfer to a gondola up to Blauherd Mountain Station. It’s then a 20 minute hike to the lake to wait for views.
7. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
We’re spending a lot of time in the mountains and Zermatt in particular. The reason is that the mountains around Zermatt are just too darn beautiful.
From the top of Glacier Paradise, you are treated to views of 38 four-thousand-meter peaks (13,000 feet) and 14 glaciers! At the top of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can go skiing at the highest ski resort in the world, there is an underground tunnel system under the glacier and you can even hike to Breithorn Mountain, the easiest of all the 4000 meter peaks in the Alps. Read more: Incredible Zermatt, Switzerland – 23 Exciting Things to See and Do
8. Take a Weidling Tour in Basel
One of the most unique things to do in Switzerland is to get on the Rhine River and do some traditional paddling. Weidling is a traditional wooden boat that dates back to the middle ages in Basel. They were used to paddle upriver using a technique called spiking.
Basel is an incredible city in Switzerland that deserves at least 3 days to visit. Besides wielding on the Rhine, you can swim in the Rhine. It is one of the most popular things to do in the city. Want to know more about Basel? Read on: 24 Fantastic Things to do in Basel, Switzerland
9. Tour The Lindt Chocolate Factory in Zurich
Zurich is often at the top of any Switzerland itinerary. As the financial capital of the country, the largest city in Switzerland, and a picturesque setting on Lake Zurich. There are so many things to do in Zurich that you should spend three to four days there, but one of the most iconic places to visit is The Lindt Home of Chocolate.
This isn’t your ordinary factory tour. Upon entering you come face to face with a giant chocolate fountain standing tall in the massive hall. It is then onto a tour to learn about the history of chocolate and to eat a lot of chocolate: Read more at The 17 Best Things to do in Zurich, Switzerland
10. Bask in the Sun in Lake Lugano
Nestled between Lake Como in Italy and Lake Maggiore in Switzerland, Lake Lugano has top billing as one of the best things to do in the Ticino region of Switzerland. Strolling along the Lugano waterfront lets you take in all its beauty. While walking along the lake, it will remind you of Rio de Janeiro as Monte San Salvatore and Mount Bre frame the city. Read more about Ticino at: Things to do in Lugano and the Ticino Region of Switzerland.
11. Hike in Lavertezzo – the Verzasca Valley
The Verzasca Valley is located in the beautiful region of Ticino. Known for its vibrant turquoise waters, Valle Verzasca boasts a vibrant turquoise river of rushing waters flowing through a series of cliffs, rocks, and historic bridges. It’s a popular swimming and hiking spot.
12. Go to the Spa in Bad Ragaz
The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is the granddaddy of spas in Switzerland. Located just 1 hour from Zurich, this is the ultimate luxury spa retreat. The hot springs were discovered in the 1200s and people have been seeking their healing properties for centuries. The hotel opened in 1869 and in 1872 it housed the first thermal water indoor pool in Europe. Today it is a five-star hotel that sits in the Rhine Valley. Visit Tamina Therme for more information on visiting the spa.
13. Leukerbad
Switzerland is known for its spa experiences and one of the most beautiful spa retreats is in Leukerbad. The thermal baths date back to Roman times. This wellness retreat attracts tourists to its 65 natural springs containing 3.9 million liters of hot water to relax in the healing pools of Valais valley. It is one of the largest and most popular spa resorts in Switzerland. For more information on traveling to Leukerbad, visit the tourism website.
14. St. Moritz
If there is one place to add to your Swiss bucket list, make it St. Moritz. St. Moritz was the birthplace of winter travel and for good reason. This fairytale town in the Swiss Alps is the playground of the rich and famous. The Muottas Muragle to Alp Languard hike is definitely one of the best things to do in St. Moritz and has the typical incredible views that all hikes in Switzerland have.
The hike begins at the Punt Muragl train station where we took the funicular railway up to Muottas Muagl for a stunning hike with views of St. Moritz, the St. Moritz Lake, and the panoramic views of Upper Engadin from 2,456m (8,057ft). Wow! Read all about it Stunning St. Moritz – Summer fun in Switzerland
15. Hike The Eiger Trail
If you happen to make your way to the top of our number 2 pick for the best things to do in Switzerland (Jungfraoujoch). Instead of taking the train back down, hike the Eiger Trail instead. It is all downhill with a close-up view of the breathtaking north wall of Eiger, along with jaw-dropping vistas of the valley below, the Eiger Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in Switzerland. Read more: Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4 Day Itinerary
16. See the Castles of Bellinzona
The Bellinzona Castles are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the capital of Ticino, Bellinzona. Castle Grande is located near the main square and from there you can hike to all the castles. They are connected by trails that weave through vineyards and rolling hills. The return trip is only a couple of hours walk.
15. Pay Tribute to Freddie Mercury – Montreux
Freddie Mercury spent his final days in Montreux and this beautiful town on the shores of Lake Geneva is a must visit in Switzerland. With Queen having a re-emergence since Bohemian Rhapsody won so many awards, people are becoming more interested in the rock band’s frontman. There is an iconic statue standing on the waterfront which you must check out if you are a rock and roll fan.
While in Montreux, make sure to go to Chateau Chillon. Located directly on the shores of Lake Geneva with the Swiss Alps in the background, this medieval castle is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.
Fun fact: Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple was written here after the Montreux Casino burnt down in 1971. The smoke from the fire spread out over Lake Geneva and inspired that classic song.
16. Walk the Bridge of Lucerne
Lucerne was the first city we visited in Switzerland where we actually spent some time. It is a lovely town with its main most iconic landmark, the Chapel Bridge. It is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe, having been built in the 14th century. Today, it houses a small museum that displays artifacts from Lucerne’s history.
Mount Pilatus
While in Lucerne, take a day trip up to Mount Pilatus. Mount Pilatus is a mountain located near Lucerne that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can take a trip to the top of the mountain via a series of cable cars that includes a ride on the cogwheel railway which is one of the steepest railways in the world.
17. Eat Fondue in Gruyere
Eating authentic Swiss fondue in Switzerland was at the top of my Switzerland bucket list. We’ve had it every time we visited the country, but nothing quite compared to our first time trying it in the winter in Gruyere. Gruyere cheese is the preferred cheese for a cheese fondue and to have this delicious swiss dish in the actual medieval town of Gruyére was a dream come true. Read more: 15 Swiss Foods to try in Switzerland or at Home
18. Interlaken
When you find yourself in Switzerland visiting places like the Eiger Trail, Jungfraujoch or Grindelwad First, chances are you will be spending some time in Interlaken. Interlaken is the largest town in the Bernese Oberland region and one of our favourite things to do is to take the cogwheel train up to Harder Klum. Located at 1322 m above sea level, Harder Kulm is the towering mountain over Interlaken. The 100-year-old funicular railway is a treat to ride up the mountain.
19. Glacier Canyon Grindelwald
Glacier Canyon or Gletscherschlucht is one of the coolest attractions in Grindelwald and you don’t want to miss seeing it. Take a walk through a series of tunnels, walkways, and rocky outcrops as the Lütschine River roars through the 250 million-year-old canyon. This 870-meter long path is an extraordinary walk through high cliffs stretching up from the canyon floor. It is located just 5 minutes from downtown Grindelwald.
20. Go E-Biking in Emmental
E-biking is all the rage in Switzerland and there is no better way to cycle through the Swiss Alps than on an e-bike. E-biking is the most relaxing way to climb hills and whizz along on straightaways. As you glide through the single-lane roads cutting through farms and valleys without breaking a sweat, you think to yourself “I could ride my bike all the way to England” And people do!
21. High Ropes in Gantritsch
Do you have a fear of heights? Well, the high ropes may just be the thing you need to get over that fear. Hitting a high rope course in Switzerland is a lot of fun. There are different levels for everyone. Find yourself clipping into steel cables as you climb trees, and walk over dangling obstacles like hanging tires, balance beams, and ladders before jumping on swings or surfing over a span of open air.
It’s a great thrill. You can start off with an easy green route which keeps you on the lower level of the trees, to the black diamond routes (just like skiing) to the more difficult obstacles, and a much higher course well over 30 meters (90 feet) in the air! The best thing about rope parks is that most routes end with a zip line! Not only do you get a workout and fun as you tackle obstacles in mid air, you also end with the thrill of zipping down to the ground. Find out about the High Rope Park at Gantrisch
22. Via Ferrata
Known as the Iron Route, Via Ferratas date back centuries to help connect mountain routes. Ladders, cable bridges, and wooden steps are attached to the side of mountains where brave souls climb routes daring to look down as they tightrope their way across deep valleys. Don’t worry though, you are constantly clipped onto a cable, and never once are you not attached.
It was in World War I that troops used these cables and ladders attached to rock faces to move at high altitudes and now it has gone on to a favorite pastime all through the Pyrenees, Dolomites, and of course the Swiss Alps. Anyone can do it! There are different via ferratas for different levels and even children dangle hundreds of meters in the air.
Advanced climbers can challenge themselves with higher routes with overhangs and climbs that require great skill and athletics. While it may be considered less technical than rock climbing, it’s still a challenge and it can be terrifying! For a list of Via Ferratas in Switzerland, visit My Switzerland.com
Switzerland is a small country and it’s easy to get around. The Swiss rail system is easy and efficient or you can rent a car to have the freedom of being on your own schedule. You can find all these things to do throughout the country, so start planning your Switzerland adventure today!
Find out more about e-bikes at Switzerland’s most famous ebike manufacturer The Flyer Factory. You can take a factory tour of the birthplace of the E-bike!
Rope Park Gantrisch is a beautiful climbing park with challenging routes through tall trees, a fun place, and enjoyable climbing to do.
Its a brilliant post! Thanks for the info
I am kicking myself after reading this post. My brother used to live in Switzerland (he has now moved to Australia) and I never got around to visiting him. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? So many stunning photo opportunities.
I love your site, well done 🙂
The inclusion of Trotti bikes as one of your four unique things to do in Switzerland caught my eye as my family and I have ridden these scooter/bikes at Grindelwald a couple of times. A few years after our first trotti bike experience we repeated it with what we dubbed ‘The Trotti Bike Challenge’. By the time the ‘challenge’ took place, our sons were young adults and much more adventurous than on their initial ride. Of course, I was left lagging behind as they and my husband went flat out from First down to Grindelwald. My excuse – I had to stop and take some photos!!!