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Switzerland✨ 10 best things to do in Switzerland

Things to do in Switzerland

1. Ride a panoramic trainGlide past glaciers and over viaducts on routes like the Glacier Express or Bernina line.
2. Gaze at the MatterhornCatch dawn light on the iconic peak above car-free Zermatt.
3. JungfraujochTake the cogwheel railway to a high saddle above the Aletsch Glacier.
4. Swim in a city riverFloat downstream with locals in the Aare in Bern or the Rhine in Basel on a summer afternoon.
5. Lake Geneva wine terracesHike or cycle through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards above the shimmering lake.
6. Chillon CastleExplore a medieval island fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreux.
7. Fondue and racletteDip bread into bubbling melted cheese or scrape raclette onto potatoes in a cosy mountain hut.
8. Lucerne's Chapel BridgeCross the painted wooden bridge before taking a steamer onto Lake Lucerne.
9. Hike in the AlpsFollow yellow trail signs through flower meadows past mountain huts and turquoise lakes.
10. Ski or sledHit the slopes in world-famous resorts or race down long sledging runs in winter.

Switzerland🗺️ Where to visit in Switzerland

Where to go in Switzerland

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  ZurichNorthern Switzerland · citySwitzerland's largest city combines a historic old town, lakeside promenades and a lively arts scene.
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  LucerneCentral Switzerland · lake townA picture-perfect old town with covered bridges, framed by Mount Pilatus and Rigi.
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  Interlaken & Jungfrau RegionBernese Oberland · mountainsGateway to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen's waterfalls and the Jungfraujoch.
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  ZermattValais · alpine resortA car-free village beneath the Matterhorn with year-round skiing and superb hiking.
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  BernCapital · UNESCO old townArcaded medieval streets, a famous clock tower and the river Aare loop make the capital charming.
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  GenevaLake Geneva · international cityHome to the Jet d'Eau fountain, an elegant old town and many international organisations.
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  Lavaux & MontreuxLake Geneva · vineyardsTerraced vineyards tumble to the lake near the Riviera town of Montreux and Chillon Castle.
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  LuganoTicino · Italian-speaking southPalm-lined lakeside promenades and Mediterranean flair on the sunny side of the Alps.

Switzerland🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Switzerland

Best time to visit Switzerland

Switzerland's climate varies dramatically with altitude, from mild lowland cities to snowbound high peaks. Ticino in the south is sunnier and warmer, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms to the mountains.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Zurich (approximate averages).

Switzerland🎉 Festivals & events in Switzerland

• February-March
  Basel FasnachtStarting at 4am with the Morgestraich, masked piccolo and drum bands parade for three days.
• August
  Swiss National DayBonfires, fireworks and lantern processions mark the 1 August founding of the Confederation.
• June-July
  Montreux Jazz FestivalA legendary lakeside music festival spanning jazz, rock, soul and pop.
• April
  SechseläutenZurich's spring festival culminates in burning a snowman effigy, the Böögg.
• September-October
  DésalpeCows decorated with flowers and bells are herded down from alpine pastures in village processions.

Switzerland🧭 Switzerland itinerary ideas

How many days in Switzerland?

Switzerland🎒 Backpacking Switzerland – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $100–150 a day

• Look into rail passes or half-fare travel cards and saver day passes – they can cut transport costs dramatically.
• Supermarkets have good-value ready meals and picnic food, and tap water is excellent everywhere.
• Interlaken is the classic backpacker hub, with hostels, adventure sports and easy mountain access.
• Many cities give guests a free local transport card when staying at registered accommodation.
• Hiking is free and spectacular; the official yellow trail signs show walking times between points.

Switzerland🛡️ Safety & money in Switzerland

Emergency: 112 general · 117 police · 144 ambulance · 118 fire

Switzerland🛬 Getting to Switzerland

Zurich and Geneva are the main international airports, with Basel's EuroAirport also convenient; excellent rail links connect Switzerland with France, Germany, Italy and Austria.

✈️ Cheap flights to Switzerland: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Switzerland💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Switzerland

• Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh.
• The Gotthard Base Tunnel, opened in 2016, is the longest railway tunnel in the world.
• Swiss citizens vote on national issues several times a year through direct democracy.
• Switzerland has no single capital in its constitution – Bern is officially the 'federal city'.
• Velcro was invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral after studying burrs stuck to his dog's fur.

Switzerland❓ Switzerland travel FAQ

Switzerland travel questions